2 car enthusiasts launch auto glass repair business - SILive.com

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Pals since high school, Michael McCarthy, 34, and Steven Negron, 33, bonded over their love of automobiles.

The pair, who both had a background in the auto mechanical industry, wanted to find a way to make a living around car repair -- but they wanted to find a niche business. So in 2014 they launched Auto Glass Direct LLC, as a mobile auto glass replacement service.

And the two owners took the business one step further amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic; the pair decided to open a brick-and-mortar location in Tottenville in September.

“The reason why we started this business is because, working in the auto glass industry, we see the lack of quality and safety that is provided to the customer. We opened up our business to offer a one-stop auto glass replacement shop,” said Negron, an Annadale resident.

Part of the reason why the two friends launched the new shop was to specialize in replacing and recalibrating ADAS -- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which include a camera attached to a windshield.

SPECIALIZING IN ADAS REPAIR

Part of the reason why they launched the new shop was to specialize in replacing and recalibrating ADAS -- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which include a camera attached to a windshield.

“The auto glass industry has changed in the last few years drastically,” explained McCarthy, a resident of Westerleigh. “The reason for the change is most late-model vehicles are equipped with ADAS systems. Every time a windshield equipped with ADAS is removed, the camera that is attached to the windshield has to be calibrated as per manufacturer’s [specifications]. The ADAS system is a very critical part of the car; it assists with braking, lane changes and adaptive cruise control.”

The move allowed McCarthy and Negron to be able to do the calibrations needed for ADAS repair.

“You can’t do the calibrations outside. We needed the proper space and adequate lighting and background because of our system; everything is sensitive," said Negron.

SECURING A LOCATION

One of the challenges Negron and McCarthy faced was finding the right location to open their business amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“Michael and I were looking for a location prior to COVID-19, but it’s very difficult finding the right space on Staten Island,” said Negron. “During the pandemic we figured it was a good opportunity to find a location with other businesses closing and landlords looking to rent their space.”

SERVICES OFFERED

In addition to ADAS calibrations, the owners offer a host of services, including: windshield replacement; back glass, door glass and quarter glass replacements; windshield chip repairs; tint removal, and mobile services.

“We try to do everything so it’s the most convenient for the customer. We keep many windshields for various types of cars in stock. ...If you have a 2020 Toyota Hylander, we have a windshield for that in stock...We want to give everyone the full package,” said Negron.

And safety is a top priority with every installation.

“The safety of the customer is most important. That is why we are such a good fit for the windshield replacement business. The personality traits we have infused in our business are conscientious, confidence and honesty,” said Negron. “Our favorite part of the job is using all the latest tools and technology so we can help out all our customers to the best of our abilities."

AUTO GLASS DIRECT LLC AT A GLANCE

Address: 5077 Arthur Kill Rd. Unit D

Website: www.autoglass-direct.com/

Facebook:www.facebook.com/Autoglassdirectllc/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/autoglassdirect/

New Businesses in Focus is a weekly column that relates the stories of new Staten Island businesses owners.

If you have a new business on Staten Island, e-mail porpora@siadvance.com.

Tracey Porpora is the business writer and Sunday manager for SiLive.com/Staten Island Advance.

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