A Chattanooga Glass Company Since 1925
About Independent Glass Company
Precision Glass. Exceptional Service.
Independent Glass has been serving Chattanooga for a century.
If you’ve been in business that long, you learn a few things.
You learn that most problems are easier to prevent than fix.
You learn that communication solves a lot of headaches before they ever become problems.
And you learn that your reputation follows you everywhere.
For over 100 years, Independent Glass has built its reputation one project at a time. Not through shortcuts or sales tactics, but by delivering quality work, treating people fairly, and standing behind the finished product.
Today, we’re proud to be a local glass company serving homeowners, builders, contractors, and businesses throughout the Chattanooga area. While the industry continues to evolve, the expectation of getting the job done right hasn’t.
One Company. Three Generations.
Independent Glass has changed hands over the years, but it has never really changed directions.
John Kidwell helped build the company into a trusted name throughout Chattanooga, eventually leading the business alongside his wife, Doris.
Today, grandsons John and Eric Rimer continue that work as the third generation of family leadership.
The same commitment to doing quality work and treating people right.
We Didn’t Stay in Business for 100 Years by Standing Still
One misconception about older companies is that they resist change.
In reality, most businesses don’t make it to a century without adapting.
Independent Glass has continued investing in new technology and improved workflows because we believe experience and innovation should work together. Better measurements, better communication, and better systems ultimately lead to better results for our customers.
The goal isn’t technology for technology’s sake.
The goal is fewer mistakes. Better communication. Faster turnaround. More accurate fabrication. A smoother overall experience.
Not because technology is impressive, but because accuracy matters. Efficiency matters. Customer experience matters.
We still believe craftsmanship matters.
We just think craftsmanship should get better when better tools become available.
The company may be celebrating its 100th anniversary, but we’re not interested in operating like it’s 1925.
More Than Glass
We install glass for a living.
But most customers aren’t really buying glass.
They’re trying to finish a bathroom remodel. Open a new business. Complete a renovation. Meet a deadline. Solve a problem.
The glass is important. But helping people get to the finish line is just as important.
That’s why we’ve always viewed our role as something bigger than simply fabricating and installing glass. Sometimes it means finding a temporary solution that keeps a project moving. Sometimes it means helping a contractor meet a deadline. Sometimes it simply means being responsive when questions come up.
The product may be glass. The job is helping people get where they’re trying to go.
A Residential & Commercial Glass Company
Today, Independent Glass provides residential glass and commercial glass services throughout Chattanooga and the surrounding communities.
Our work includes frameless shower enclosures, custom mirrors, architectural glass, storefront systems, office partitions, glass handrails, decorative glass, wine cellar glass, antique mirrors and specialty custom applications.
One thing we’ve learned over the years is that customers don’t care whether a project is classified as residential or commercial.
They care whether the company they’re working with is reliable. They care whether calls get returned. They care whether the work is done correctly. They care whether someone will be there if they need support later.
The projects may be different. The expectations aren’t.
A Custom Glass Company Built on Referrals
People often ask how a local business stays around for over a century.
The answer is surprisingly simple.
Take care of people.
We’ve never had a complicated strategy for generating referrals. We just try to treat customers the way we’d want our own families treated. Give them honest recommendations. Deliver a quality product. Solve problems when they come up. And make the entire process easier than they expected.
Our goal isn’t simply to complete a project.
It’s to be the company someone feels comfortable recommending to a friend, neighbor, family member, or contractor.
That’s how trust gets built.
And that’s how local businesses survive for generations.
Local Accountability Still Matters
People throw around the phrase “local company” a lot.
For us, it means accountability.
Independent Glass is proud to be a local glass company.
That means something to us.
When something needs attention, we’re here. When customers have questions, they’re talking to people who can actually get answers. When challenges come up, the people making decisions are involved in solving them.
We’re not a call center. We’re not a regional office.
It means customers aren’t calling a national hotline and hoping to reach the right department. It means ownership remains actively involved in the business. It means customers have access to the people making decisions and solving problems.
It also means we’re accountable.
For over 100 years, that’s been something we’ve taken seriously.
Our Mission
To provide expertly crafted custom glass solutions through honest service, precision installation, and a commitment to long-term quality.
Our Vision
To continue growing Independent Glass while preserving the craftsmanship, accountability, and customer experience that have defined the company for generations.
Our Values
Craftsmanship at Every Step
We believe details matter.
From precision measurements to final installation, we take the extra steps necessary to deliver premium glasswork that looks better, fits better, and performs better over time. Our proactive approach helps prevent future issues and includes ongoing support when adjustments are needed.
Honesty & Accountability
We believe customers deserve honest recommendations, straightforward communication, and solutions that make sense for their project.
We stand behind our work. If something needs attention, we address it. We believe responsibility doesn’t end when installation is complete.
We’d rather be known for honest guidance and dependable work than aggressive sales tactics.
A Higher Standard of Service
We work hard to make the glass portion of a project the easiest part of the process.
Service is more than installation day. It’s responsiveness, professionalism, communication, and creating a better overall experience from start to finish.
Continuous Improvement
The tools have changed. Customer expectations have changed. The industry continues to change. We believe part of our job is continuing to improve alongside it.
Learn More About Independent Glass
Looking for a local glass company that’s still focused on craftsmanship, communication, and doing things the right way?
Contact Independent Glass today. We’d be happy to learn more about your project and see how we can help.