Arkansas is full of dynamic duos, those couples and partners in business who’ve made lasting impacts on their communities. These individuals come in many different forms from many different backgrounds, excelling in the fields of business, nonprofits and philanthropy both at home and on a global stage.
Arkansas Money & Politics is proud to recognize these outstanding duos, spotlighting their work and achievement. Through their efforts our state maintains its high standards of opportunity and quality of life. We salute every member of the 2024 class.
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Capitol Glass Co. was established in 1950, making it the oldest locally owned and operated glass company in the Little Rock metropolitan area. With more than six decades of delivering quality glass work, the establishment is also regarded as one of the most respected small businesses in the area.
Jack Grimes helped start the business and served as owner until he retired in 1990. Glenn Grimes, Jack’s son, is the current owner and has been in the glass business most of his life.
After graduating from high school on a Friday night in 1972, Glenn began working for Capitol Glass full time the following Monday morning. Glenn’s son, Aaron, grew up watching his father run the business with values of integrity and hard work.
Capitol Glass offers automotive and custom glass services, including auto glass replacement, door lock and window repair, in-shop service, mobile service, pickup and delivery, rock-chip repair, sunroof replacement, and window glass replacement.
Glenn and Aaron work together to ensure guests receive top-notch service from their employees, who have 200 years worth of combined experience. This expertise contributes to Capitol Glass delivering the best customer service available in the market.
Before working with his father full time with Capitol Glass, Aaron attended pharmacy school and later worked as a pharmacist for five years. He returned to Capitol Glass after the COVID-19 pandemic as his father began to branch out into the boating industry.
With Glenn’s leadership style focused more on day-to-day management and Aaron’s being more focused on the long-term success of the business, the two complement each other well. Although they do not always work in the same physical location, they collaborate closely so the businesses run smoothly.
“It’s a small business and like I’ve always said, in a small business, you have to be the first to work and the last to leave and get paid,” Glenn said. “It’s a lot of hard work and quality customer service.”
Glenn also owns Shiloh Marina and Lacey’s Boating Center at Greers Ferry Lake, where he spent intentional time with his family often. Aaron remembered growing up on the water and learning how to water-ski and wakeboard, activities he still enjoys to this day.
Capitol Glass will celebrate its 75th anniversary next year, and Glenn and Aaron maintain the goal of continuing the company’s legacy.
“Long term, we hope to keep Capitol Glass going for another generation or two. I have a son that’s 4 years old, and we’ve got a ways to go before he’s ready to start doing anything, but if he’s interested in it, the business will be here for him to get into,” Aaron said.
Aaron also said he looks forward to seeing the company’s continued growth in the area.
“At this point, we’re about the only locally owned glass shop left that has a shop that can provide complete services for any type of vehicle,” Aaron said. “We’re not trying to expand outside of central Arkansas, but we hope to gain as much market share here as we can.”
In an industry that is run primarily by large chains, both Aaron and Glenn said customers do not go wrong by being serviced by a locally owned company. When using Capitol Glass, they said, customers receive personable service from the time they call to book appointments to the time they pick up their vehicles.
“When you call here, you’re actually talking to a person that works here. In today’s glass industry, it’s a lot harder to match parts correctly because of the different features,” Aaron said.
He added that because of the different features in the glass, there can be 10 different windshields that fit one car based on the particular model of the vehicle.
“Instead of relying on an automated phone system, customers will reach representatives that can figure out exactly what features your vehicle has in it and can ensure we have the correct part,” Aaron said.
With what they consider to be the best quality and the best installers, Glenn and Aaron said they are proud to be able to stand by the craftsmanship their company offers.
