DGB Glass Inc.

Bringing in the Light and Getting It Right

Serving the glass needs of Texas' commercial builders, DGB Glass Inc. strives for a sure fit.

That's what Glenn and Julia Baker got when they started DGB Glass in 1988. Glenn Baker's philosophy was "to be a full-service glass company that did a good enough job where customers would want to keep using us again because of the quality of work performed."

And return they have. DGB Glass's $8 to $10 million revenue per year is proof that some of the state's and nation's top general contractors know that when they subcontract with DGB, the job will be done right.

The firm ranked 83 on Texas Construction's list of the state's top specialty contractors.

"Our word is gold," said David Griffin, vice president. "Our goal is 100 percent 'no call backs' for unsatisfactory work."

A sure fit in both service and relationships involves several priorities for the DFW Metroplex-based company. On the service side, DGB works with leading glass suppliers such as American Flat Glass, Viracon and Oldcastle and with Kawneer and Vistawall for aluminum to fabricate frames. Its employees undergo regular training and its project managers keep abreast of advances in technology, material, building skills and general business practices.

On the relationship side, the company has forged long-term connections with contractors. Marking its seventeenth year in business, the firm is a favored subcontractor for leading builders in and outside the North Texas region.

DGB is a glass and glazing subcontractor specializing in mid-sized construction projects. The firm coordinates, creates, and installs frames, glass, curtain walls, storefronts, skylights and many other glazing projects. Its long list of projects features offices, corporate headquarters, schools, warehouses, civic centers, condominiums, hospitals, churches and other commercial buildings.

Some of the high-profile projects DGB Glass has recently completed include the Fort Worth Convention Center addition and renovation, the Dallas Love Field International Airport Parking Garage and the Isola Bella Condominium in South Padre Island.

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The Fort Worth Convention Center, completed with Austin Commercial, is a glamorous addition to the Fort Worth skyline. Its most notable design element is the 36- ft. glass star crowning the southwest lobby.

The Love Field Garage, completed with Hunt Construction Group and Thos. S. Byrne Ltd, is a 1,850-ft. long, 52,000-sq.-ft. serpentine curtain wall, a can't-miss visual as one approaches the terminal that has given the airport a much-needed modernization.

The Isola Bella Condominium project, completed with Skanska USA Building Inc., adds to the hospitality and fun that South Padre Island offers.

DGB's goals have always been to meet and exceed the desires of the general contractor, allowing the firm to perform at the level it does because of the close relationship it has with manufacturers, vendors and suppliers. The company's flexible scheduling and manpower support also help get the job done on time.

"Our philosophy is that the general contractor, as well as the owner, get the results they paid for," Griffin said.

This philosophy stems from founder Glenn Baker's work ethic dating back to 1949. One of the first big jobs he worked on was the terminal and hanger at Amon Carter Field, which was located across from where DFW Airport sits today. Glenn Baker was 20 years old when he was made foreman on the General Motors project in Arlington while working for Pittsburgh Plate Glass of Fort Worth.

"In 1949, there were no aluminum doors unless they were custom made. Sash and divider bars were used as glass setting materials," Glenn Baker said. "Insulated glass and high-performance glass were the next big changes to come along."

While designs, materials and systems have changed over the last five plus decades, the basic principle of business success embraced by Glenn and Julia Baker and implemented by DGB Glass have not changed.

"Our philosophy continues today as it was from the beginning. We'll go above and beyond for the GC," Griffin said. "That's why we have strong relationships with the ones we regularly work with."

"We have to work as hard and as smart as we can to enable us to be a viable company that can move ahead into the future," Julia Baker added.

Employees of the company include seven in administration and project management and 38 working in the field. The project managers at DGB Glass have more than 100 years combined experience in the glass industry.

DGB practices extensive safety measures and on-going training. Weekly safety meetings and quarterly quality assurance meetings are held to learn new OSHA regulations or be reminded of such safety maneuvers as suspended platform scaffolding. Also, a crew member trained to administer CPR and first aid is always on each site.

DGB Glass is currently working on a Medical City Dallas project with DalMac Construction Co. The project is notable because of four additional floors being added to a four-story building, while regular hospital operations continue. Three additional stories are being added to the five-story Baylor All Saints Hospital in Fort Worth that DGB is working on with MEDCO Construction.

As well, on the Harris Heart Center in Fort Worth, DGB is currently working with Centex Construction, on the Globe News Center for the Performing Arts in Amarillo with Hunt Construction Group, on the Hall Office Park G5 building in Frisco with Austin Commercial (DGB has also completed four buildings in the same office park), and with Thos. S. Byrne Ltd. on the Montgomery Plaza project in Fort Worth (a revitalization of the historic Montgomery Ward complex).

DGB Glass Inc. is a certified business with the Women's Business Council and the Historically Underutilized Business program through the Texas Building and Procurement Commission.

A bright future seems to be ahead for DGB Glass based on its current projects and its history. Glenn Baker's goals for the future are parallel with the company's original philosophy "To have satisfied customers who will continue to use us and for DGB Glass to be able to look at a job and be proud to say it was one of ours."