Local Business Spotlight: Southwest Glass and Door

The early 90’s were good for Liberal, Kansas. Among other things, state championships were raining down, oil and gas was strong, and industrial ag was growing. But today’s memories are not about corporate industries or football games. That same time, a husband and wife followed that ubiquitous desire to control their own destiny and be their own bosses. Jeff and Jacki Mitchell opened Southwest Glass and Door in downtown Liberal in 1992.

Jeff is a second-generation glass man who learned the trade working with his father at Harding Glass Ind. Anyone who has launched his or her own business, though, knows the challenges that come with starting from scratch. Looking back now, the couple can laugh at those early months thirty years ago and the joy they felt when they had enough business to buy a calculator. They persisted, building a brand on quality, integrity, and hard work. Today, the company that started with only two employees—Jeff and Jacki—now employees fifteen.

Southwest Glass and Door serves the five-state region of Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. This footprint ensures that they can meet the demands of their clients even with the challenge of transporting materials as fragile as glass. Their product line has remained stable throughout their three decades of operations, but Jeff has seen significant changes in the glass that they sell. For example, the technological changes within glass itself. As industry standards advance, so too does the demand for new windows as a form of insulation and thermal efficiency. A visit to their website simplifies the experience into four easy steps: Schedule, Design, Install, and Love it. Products include Pella windows; Delcraft and Clopay garage doors; as well as entry doors, patio doors, and storm doors for any home.

Locally, the Mitchell family appreciates the people and the communities of the five-state region. It has been a wonderful place to raise a family and own a business thanks in large part to the kindness of the people and the climate that allows for year-round work. If you’re considering starting a business in Seward County, Jeff has two pieces of advice: “Find a successful businessperson for guidance and set goals—realistic goals—then monitor yourself. But be flexible.”

After thirty years of service to the families and businesses, it’s difficult to know just how many doors and windows Southwest Glass and Door has installed, but as you’re traveling through this part of the country, pay attention to the quality and clarity of the windows and doors that you see. Chances are that those were provided by Southwest Glass and Door, and they’d be happy to supply you with yours.

To find out more, or to request their services, contact Southwest Glass and Door at 620-626-7400 M-F 8:00-5:00 or visit https://www.swglassdoor.com/

To learn more about the opportunities for businesses, organizations, and people in Southwest Kansas, follow the Seward County Development Corporation's monthly newsletter.