Auto Glass Week 2025, held Sept. 9-11 in Reno. NV, brought the global auto glass community together for three packed days of competition, education and networking. The annual event once again highlighted the technical skill, innovation and camaraderie that define the industry.
Among the many exhibitors and participants was Kaizen Glass Solutions, whose alumni, instructors and reunion events added a distinctive presence to this year’s show.
Glenn Holmes, right, guides an attendee through glass cutting.
A strong sense of community filled the show floor as technicians, vendors and educators reconnected. Kaizen Glass Solutions added to that spirit through its growing alumni network. Graduates from Kaizen’s training programs were well represented, engaging with vendors, expanding their knowledge, and strengthening relationships formed during their courses. Three even put their skills to the test by competing in the windshield repair and replacement competitions.
Their participation underscored a broader theme of the week: education as a lifelong process. Auto Glass Week provided attendees with opportunities to continue growing, whether through formal sessions, informal conversations or hands-on demonstrations.
Competition and Confidence
The international competitions drew large crowds and showcased the very best of technical excellence. A highlight came in the Auto Glass Replacement Competition, where Kaizen alum Jae Hyun Lim of Team Autoglass in Incheon, South Korea, earned second place among 34 competitors. First place went to Raul Plascencia of Direct Quality Auto Glass in San Bernardino, CA, a respected veteran in the field.
Kaizen’s own Jason Horne (2007 winner) and Jorge Sandoval (2024 winner) lit up the Parade of Champions for past winners who continue to inspire the industry.
Last year, Kaizen’s Instructor Jorge Sandoval was named winner of the Auto Glass Technician Olympics (AGTO) Competition.
Education also extended onto the show floor itself. Kaizen instructor Glenn Holmes made his debut with a live demonstration on laminated flat glass cutting. His session drew a crowd eager to learn how precise cutting — including specialty shapes using patterns and templates for tractors, classic cars and more — can be turned into new revenue opportunities for shops. The combination of competition and education reflected the dual focus of Auto Glass Week: celebrating excellence while sharing practical skills.
A Reunion to Remember
Outside the convention halls, networking and celebration were on full display. Kaizen hosted its annual Glass Night Reunion Party at The Edge Nightclub inside Reno’s Peppermill Casino, welcoming more than 200 alumni, instructors and industry partners. Guests enjoyed food, drinks and live networking in a festive atmosphere that captured the camaraderie of the industry.
Every attendee received a commemorative Kaizen T-shirt and lapel pin, while alumni were recognized with exclusive alumni pins as a symbol of their continued connection to the profession. The event reinforced the importance of community within the auto glass trade, reminding attendees that shared values and relationships are as vital as technical skill.
Looking Ahead
Auto Glass Week 2025 highlighted the industry’s strength and reach — from technicians competing at an international level to alumni reuniting years after completing their training. The event highlighted what makes the profession unique: a blend of precision, professionalism and people dedicated to pushing one another forward.
Leona Scott