THE HARMANS & AMERICAN WINDSHIELD
NOVEMBER 13, 2015
Q. Where are you from and how did you decide to move to Estrella?
A. Prior to Goodyear, we lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. Tired of the everyday hustle and bustle, we started looking for other areas to raise a family. Estrella Mountain Ranch came as a surprise we found on the internet. It appeared to be a picturesque oasis in the desert with green hills and lakes. Could this actually exist in Arizona? Michael was convinced the website images were enhanced by computer graphics. I insisted we at least go for a visit. So with a new baby in tow, we flew to Phoenix. I remember our Scottsdale realtor saying, “Why Goodyear? There is nothing there but trailer homes.” The master-planned community did not disappoint and the website painted an accurate picture. Estrella is so different from what we were used to and even our ill-informed agent was impressed. We bought our new house the next day. That was 11 years ago.
A. Prior to Goodyear, we lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. Tired of the everyday hustle and bustle, we started looking for other areas to raise a family. Estrella Mountain Ranch came as a surprise we found on the internet. It appeared to be a picturesque oasis in the desert with green hills and lakes. Could this actually exist in Arizona? Michael was convinced the website images were enhanced by computer graphics. I insisted we at least go for a visit. So with a new baby in tow, we flew to Phoenix. I remember our Scottsdale realtor saying, “Why Goodyear? There is nothing there but trailer homes.” The master-planned community did not disappoint and the website painted an accurate picture. Estrella is so different from what we were used to and even our ill-informed agent was impressed. We bought our new house the next day. That was 11 years ago.
Q. Can you tell me a little bit about your family?
A. I grew up in Marin County (CA) and spent many summers in Idaho on my father’s land ranch. That exposure created a great appreciation for both city and country life. Ginger was born and raised in Manila, Philippines and moved to San Francisco after finishing her degree in Advertising Arts. My Uncle Pete owned KFC franchises in San Francisco where he put me to work in a no nonsense fashion by starting me in the back as a cook and making me work through the ranks to eventually manage individual locations. Ginger worked in the retail business for Nordstrom’s, Emporium SF and Courtney Enterprise. We met in the Richmond district and wed in 1994. Together we decided entrepreneurship was the path we wanted to take. As expected, it was a challenge with no shortage of ups and downs. This is what we wanted and we haven’t turned our backs since. Ginger and I owned and operated Budget Blinds of Marin until the year 2000 when we successfully sold the franchise. Inspired by the dot-com boom, we took the window covering idea online. A couple of years later, we were fortunate to sell AWindowDesigner.com during its peak. Our baby boy Dean was just born that same year so we decided to say goodbye to California and pursue our “quality of life” dream. How time flies, this month Dean turns 12 years. Currently in 6th grade at the Odyssey Institute, he is doing well in the Honors Program and recently joined the drumline. In addition, he also plays the saxophone and drums. Dean is a Minecraft enthusiast. |
Q. Tell me about your business.
A. American Windshield started in 2011 backed by a network of skilled installers with years of experience. Our service areas include Phoenix, Tucson, Tampa, Jacksonville, Denver, Portland and Boston. We work hard to make auto glass replacement an easy process for that not so convenient occasion. All insurance billing and paperwork are handled by our staff. As a way of showing our appreciation, we buy back your old cracked windshield on all approved replacements. We are proud of our company as we continue to grow and strive for the highest quality in service and product. In return, we have been blessed with continued business from loyal customers. Thank you!
A. American Windshield started in 2011 backed by a network of skilled installers with years of experience. Our service areas include Phoenix, Tucson, Tampa, Jacksonville, Denver, Portland and Boston. We work hard to make auto glass replacement an easy process for that not so convenient occasion. All insurance billing and paperwork are handled by our staff. As a way of showing our appreciation, we buy back your old cracked windshield on all approved replacements. We are proud of our company as we continue to grow and strive for the highest quality in service and product. In return, we have been blessed with continued business from loyal customers. Thank you!
I remember our Scottsdale realtor saying, “Why Goodyear? There is nothing there but trailer homes.” The master-planned community did not disappoint and the website painted an accurate picture. Estrella is so different from what we were used to and even our ill-informed agent was impressed. We bought our new house the next day. That was 11 years ago.
Q. What is your business philosophy?
A. We are always open to new ideas and improvement. We treat our valued customers like family. Q. As a business owner, what is something you'd like to see city leaders do to support small business?
A. With all the empty retail space it would be great if the City of Goodyear could find away to make it more attractive and affordable for business owners to set up shop. Fill them and in return we will have an economically vibrant city. |
Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?
A. Michael occupies himself with DIY projects and enjoys cooking. He plays pickleball any chance he gets. When called to duty, he volunteers for the Rotary.
Ginger enjoys hiking, walking and jogging with her dog, Daisy. She organizes small projects around the house. Her favorite thing is playing the piano and learning new pieces.
Dean likes listening to music and playing the drums. He spends his time creating architecture, mazes and anime characters in Minecraft. He also enjoys throwing the football, riding his bike and running around outside with his friends.
A. Michael occupies himself with DIY projects and enjoys cooking. He plays pickleball any chance he gets. When called to duty, he volunteers for the Rotary.
Ginger enjoys hiking, walking and jogging with her dog, Daisy. She organizes small projects around the house. Her favorite thing is playing the piano and learning new pieces.
Dean likes listening to music and playing the drums. He spends his time creating architecture, mazes and anime characters in Minecraft. He also enjoys throwing the football, riding his bike and running around outside with his friends.
Q. What do you enjoy most about Estrella?
A. We truly enjoy our close-knit community and FRIENDS! There’s always something to do for everyone in Estrella.
A. We truly enjoy our close-knit community and FRIENDS! There’s always something to do for everyone in Estrella.
Q. What is your advice for new people moving the area?
A. Get out there and meet new folks! Join the various clubs and activities offered by this wonderful community. I met some of my very good friends 11 years ago at the Wednesday play group.
A. Get out there and meet new folks! Join the various clubs and activities offered by this wonderful community. I met some of my very good friends 11 years ago at the Wednesday play group.
Q. What is one thing you'd like to see in Estrella over the next 5 years?
A. As our pickleball group grows, I hope to see more courts put in equipped with proper lighting and fences. A dog park for our pooches to play off leash would also be a nice addition. Q. Anything else you'd like to add?
A. Thank you Jen! You're welcome! ~jen |
CONNECT
AMERICAN WINDSHIELD
Estrella Residents Ginger and Michael Harman 480.237.9382 Local 800.381.9840 Toll free www.AmericanWindshield.com |