Business owners craft successful career in custom glass repair

Lending

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Shawn Schroyer has an impressive resume.

Not only has he worked on a car that belonged to Elvis Presley, he also has a skill set rare enough that customers have traveled to rural Nebraska from all across the country for his expertise.

Over the past 19 years, Shawn has worked in all sectors of the glass industry. During that time, he recognized the convenience a mobile shop would provide to customers, particularly for farmers, truckers, and heavy equipment operators.

Shawn and his wife, Allison, own and operate Schroyer’s Mobile Flat Glass LLC based out of the Blue Hill, Nebraska, area, about 45 miles from Grand Island. The family-run business opened in April 2025 and offers on-site glass services including windshield and glass repair, replacement, measuring, cutting, fitting, and installation for vehicles, farm equipment, heavy machinery, and specialty or antique cars.

To get their business moving in the right direction, Shawn and Allison faced the significant challenges of upfront costs and labor. The couple spent months converting a school bus into a mobile workshop—building cutting tables and glass racks, as well as sanding and painting the exterior.

They also spent time and energy securing inventory and tools, and addressing legal requirements such as insurance and filing their business as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). And they established a customer base, in part, by attending parades and community events where they distributed marketing materials.

Several months in, the business was growing, so Shawn and Allison reached out to the Center for Rural Affairs for financial assistance to expand their services.

Loan Specialist Khushi Steichen guided them through the loan process, and they received their funds in January 2026. The loan helped with the purchase of a new business van and calibration equipment, maintenance for their bus, advertising, a website, and overhead costs.

“I reached out through the website, and a representative contacted me to set up a meeting,” Shawn said. “They provided a clear list of required documents beforehand. After submitting the documentation, it was reviewed by the committee and we were approved within a few weeks.”

Shawn said Center staff made the whole undertaking easy.

“The process has been smooth and efficient,” he said. “Khushi has been an incredibly helpful and kind partner throughout. She made the entire process a positive experience.”

Working with the business owners was a good experience on the Center’s end, too.

“Shawn and Allison truly embody hard work over expectation,” said Khushi. “They came prepared from Day One. They asked thoughtful questions, had 99% of the required documents ready at our initial meeting, and were consistently professional, patient, and appreciative of our services every step of the way.”

Being organized and maintaining clear communication are key elements for any small business owner looking to receive financial assistance. Shawn suggests making sure all financial affairs are in order prior to applying, and to provide all the documentation requested.

“Stay dedicated to quality and be prepared,” he said. “Starting a business involves periods of high stress, potential mistakes, and a significant learning curve in areas like accounting and advertising. It is important to remain accountable with business income; often, you cannot pay yourself for the first year. Having a secondary source of income or a backup plan is highly recommended.”

Shawn works beyond full-time hours for the business; and Allison brings in extra income with outside employment. All of their children want to eventually join the family business as well.

“I work with my wife, who is my best friend and an excellent teammate,” Shawn said. “While she is a charge nurse at Webster County Hospital, she spends her time off working with me and has gained extensive knowledge of glass installation over the past year.”

Being a business owner has its share of challenges, like being accountable for every aspect of the operation from managing advertising and expenses to learning accounting software. Shawn says it’s a constant balancing act to ensure customers receive the best pricing while the company maintains profitability.

“Providing on-site, custom-cut flat glass for automobiles and heavy machinery and modern windshield replacement saves our customers the significant time and expense required to transport equipment to a traditional shop,” Shawn said.

Beyond offering convenience to his customers, Shawn loves being his own boss and being able to personally ensure the quality of his services. The past two decades have given him a great appreciation for his customers and his craft.

“I love the feeling of finishing all the glass in vintage cars and the challenge that comes along with it; few are able to do it,” Shawn said. “I take pride in getting car glass installed with quality workmanship and patience and seeing the customer's reaction when they see how beautiful new glass makes their car.”

Are you in need of financing to purchase or upgrade a business? Contact one of our loan specialists; find out more at cfra.org/lending-staff.

At a glance

Schroyer's Mobile Flat Glass
Shawn and Allison Schroyer
On-site service and repairs in and around the Blue Hill, Nebraska, area
531.533.8013‪
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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