Wasco Glass thrives under new ownership

Diana and Tomas Lopez are the proud owners of Wasco Glass. They bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their commercial and residential glass shop and agricultural equipment glass replacement business.

"We offer complete windows on homes and specialize in shower door installations, custom build screens, retrofit windows, mirrors, tabletops, tempered glass, new patio sliding doors, pet mesh screens and windshield chip repair only," Tomas said.

Wasco Glass launched on Nov. 1, of last year.

They purchased the business from Eric Schroeder, who previously ran the business under the same name for decades. Tomas worked with Eric for almost 20 years on and off as a subcontractor as his shower door and new window door installer, and he learned the trade from him. During that time, Tomas also owned Lopez Home Repair and Remodeling.

When Eric retired, Tomas seized the opportunity to take over the business to continue serving the community of Wasco and the surrounding areas of Kern County.

"After retiring, Eric took his time to show me all the tricks of the trade of working with glass. Eric continues to work with us at the glass shop when needed on large projects."

So far, business is good.

"We've been blessed. We offer just about everything that a bigger shop might offer. We offer the same but if not better," Tomas said.

He attributes their success to their positive attitude. "We're friendly, easy to talk to. We're also bilingual, and we never say no."

He enjoys being a business owner.

"Although I had my own business before, this is different. Now, I have my own office and building to work out of. The best part for me is the feeling of coming into a place and having my wife working with me. Now we work together, and we can support one another."

Both said they chose Wasco as a place to open their business because they are familiar with the community.

"My parents moved here in the late '60s, so I was born at the Wasco hospital. This is my town, and I love it. I've seen how much Wasco has grown. We look forward to Highway 46 growing, with new stores and restaurants. It feels nice to be a part of it knowing we're on Highway 46, the main road," Diana said.

It's that connection to Wasco that drives them to give back to the city. "We've been helping the community with donations and sponsorships since we started the ownership process in April," Tomas said.

They have helped the Orange Heart Foundation, the Rose Festival, the Rose Queen Pageant, the Sheriff's Department, the Fire Department, the Wasco Police Department, the Elks Lodge, schools and wrestling teams.

"That's important to me. I've always been a person that has helped, whether feeding the homeless or just people in need," Tomas said.

For the future, he said, "I hope to continue to get to know the community and for them to continue to know us."

Wasco Glass is located at 1311 Hwy 46. For more information, call 661- 758-3443 or 661-805-5363 or follow them on FB@Wasco Glass 2023 and IG@Wasco Glass 2023.