Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC) members don’t have to wait until Auto Glass Week™ to learn from their peers. AGSC’s Networking Circles allow members to do that every month.
The circles kicked off in person during Auto Glass Week™ 2025 and are designed to provide networking opportunities for owners and managers of AGSC shops. The first remote meeting was held via Zoom on Nov. 13, 2025. Aric Haarala, vice president of Omega EDI and board member of the AGSC, and Neil Christensen, CEO of Nu-Vu Auto Glass and chair of the networking circles subcommittee, helped initiate the program. Both Haarala and Christensen are also circle leaders.
Sharing Ideas, Solving Challenges
“Networking circles are one of the most valuable member benefits the AGSC provides,” says Haarala. “Learning from other successful decision-makers helps us navigate changing landscapes, stay ahead of the curve and avoid pitfalls. Formalizing those connection points adds accountability and a layer of intentional interaction that drives change. This year, my group discussed how to generate consistent referral work, calibration troubleshooting, and build a ‘best-in-class’ customer journey. Future topics include implementing AI, establishing a strong web presence and an in-person meeting at Auto Glass Week™.”
The circles are a free service for AGSC members. They meet virtually once a month, and in person annually at Auto Glass Week™. Plus, the circles are carefully organized so that no member is in the same group as someone else in their market.
Christensen says the circles have covered topics such as mastering referrals, understanding calibration technology, leadership and understanding the customer journey.
“Being part of this will help you understand that you’re not alone,” Christensen says. “Business owners across the country are going through the same things that you are. It is refreshing to talk to a group of peers once a month or more that will help you overcome challenges and hold you accountable.”
Christensen says he’s learned something valuable every time his group meets.
“While discussing the ‘customer journey’ during our last meeting, I was able to glean tips for offering a better customer service experience,” he says.
“I am excited to see this grow as more people join,” Christensen adds. “It can only help.”
Seeing the Value
Ann Welly, president of All Service Glass, is also a circle leader. She’s left each meeting with new ideas.
“What I’ve appreciated most about the networking circles is the openness,” she says. “People are willing to share what’s really working and where they’re still figuring things out. When leaders come together to learn from one another, it raises the bar for all of us. That’s what makes this industry stronger.”
Whitney Mackenzie, co-owner of All Star Auto Glass, is another circle leader. Being part of the circles has “felt like the answer to something that was missing,” she says.
“It has easily become one of the best parts of the month [for me],” she says. “I can’t wait to see how our networking circles continue to grow.”
A Resource for Every Member
AGSC education manager Mindy Hood facilitates each of these groups and is present at each. She has been impressed by the sense of camaraderie she’s seen in all the groups.
“The circle members have been enthusiastically collaborating and creating resources to help each other grow,” she says. “No one is afraid to share. That’s a pretty remarkable resource for the industry to have.”
Any AGSC member interested in joining a networking circle can sign up under the members-only tab on agsc.org or contact Mindy Hood at mhood@agsc.org for more information.