ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Michael Cruz replaces the back window in a car at New Angle Glass in Lynn.
By MICHELE DURGIN
When Harold “Hesh” Giller and Herbie Chandler were growing up in West Lynn during the 1930s it’s hard to imagine either of them knew their lifelong friendship and business acumen would become their legacy of New Angle Glass Co., opened in 1946 and still flourishing after 70 years.
“I am grateful for our success,” said Andy Giller, company president and Harold’s son. “I truly believe we’ve been able to last this long because, at the end of the day, if you offer the right service and follow through at every level, your reward is customer loyalty. And loyal customers are our best advertisements.”
Today the store, which originally opened on North Common Street in Lynn, has three locations. One is still located in Lynn, on the Lynnway, while the other two are in Chelmsford and Haverhill, serving customers throughout Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. And the nearly 20 dedicated and loyal employees prefer to refer to each other as family, rather than co-workers.
Giller, 48, expressed gratitude for the hardworking staff, and the community that continues to make New Angle competitive in the age of the Big Box Store. “We’ve got a wonderful group of people working here,” he said. “Their commitment to our customers is so genuine and heartfelt. The personal touch is key to a successful business, especially today.”
Giller said he is especially proud of the successful relationships he and his staff have cultivated and nurtured through the years. He stressed the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with insurance agents, car dealerships, contractors, and homeowners.
“I never planned on making the business my career. Yes, I worked here off and on during my time at Swampscott High School, as well as semester breaks during college,” said Giller, a 1990 graduate of Curry College. “But, I realized how much I enjoyed dealing with so many terrific people, both customers and employees. And, before I knew it, I was here full time and loving it.”
Michael Cruz, 29, is an auto glass technician who has been with New Angle in Lynn for eight years and has no plans to leave any time soon.
“I love working here. This is a family business, and we all feel like we are part of that family,” said Cruz, a 2005 graduate of Lynn Vocational Technical High School.
“Andy is the best! He treats me as a friend first, and is always there for each of us. And in return, we want to do our best to keep customers happy for him,” Cruz said.
“I work in customer service and I enjoy coming to work every day,” said Sally Fiandaca, an employee for 10 years. “ It’s a friendly atmosphere and Andy is so generous with his time. We are a real team and it truly feels like a family here.”
Fiandaca, 60, who clocks about 44 hours a week in the office, said she has no plans to slow down or retire. “I am going to stay here forever, “ she said with a smile.
And so, as Giller and his amiable staff prepare for the next 70 years of installing windshields, shower doors and mirrors, it’s easy to see how the small business two friends took a chance on 70 years ago is as bright and shiny as the beautiful glass tabletops its 2016 staff creates.