Mark Jacobson grew up in Lennox and always wanted to own his business. The dream was realized earlier this year when he purchased Handyman Auto Glass from Russ Nelson, who had purchased it previously from David Singer. Singer started the business in 2001.
Jacobson said he learned a lot from the previous owners and plans to keep running things the same way. Handyman Auto Glass is a mobile repair business that repairs rock chips and replaces windshields, as well as house glass.
“I’m open to check anything out,” Jacobson said.
Prior to becoming the owner of Handyman Auto Glass, Jacobson was a salesman with Fastenal and an assistant manager at Sherwin Williams. When he was younger he worked in auto detailing. He said that may be something he will add in to the business.
“I might look at window tinting and auto detailing. I’m looking to stay busy in the winter,” he said.
Jacobson said right now business is good. He will travel about a fifty mile radius around Lennox for different jobs, even further if there are multiple windshields that need replacement.
“There’s a need for this kind of business, and I’m able to chase my dream of owning my own business. I always wanted to,” he said, “I just never thought it would come so soon.”
Jacobson said there will always be a need for glass, and as Sioux Falls gets bigger there will be an even higher demand.
“Seven out of ten [windshields] have some damage,” he said.
The windshield plays an important role in the integrity of the roof structure, he added; for instance, in a front end collision the windshield provides up to 45% of the structural integrity of the cabin of the vehicle and in a rollover, up to 60%. That’s why he encourages people to repair those cracks and chips before a replacement is necessary.
“Most insurance covers chip repair for free,” he said, “But more than likely you’ll have to pay the deductible for a replacement.”
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