“Moorhead is Fargo’s greatest asset and Fargo’s greatest asset is Moorhead,” commented Marv Degerness. Because he owns and operates his glass business on both sides of the Red River, Degerness has a unique perspective on the business environment. In addition to Fargo and Moorhead locations, he runs a third location in Grand Forks, ND. The Moorhead Harmon Glass Doctor location is located at 1100 2nd Avenue South. He purchased the local franchise and has been offering home and business glass repair and replacement services since 2004.
Degerness was quick to point out that Moorhead has a high level of customer loyalty. Of course, there are many definitions of customer loyalty, but the Moorhead customers have demonstrated much appreciation for the high quality products and services provided to them by Harmon Glass Doctor. He credits his three Moorhead employees for the success of this location. Employees Jeff and David handle the repair section and Connie handles the front office.
As an automotive glass replacement shop, Harmon Glass Doctor caters to common problems such as windshields that are cracked or punctured–by either stones or debris thrown up by the road. Windshields may be first on our minds however, it is estimated that there are over 80,000 glass parts in today’s car.
It is an interesting point that Minnesota has been a leader in the windshield repair industry. The early repair process was not a permanent repair and the first company to produce a more permanent repair system was Minnesota Mining, and Manufacturing (3M) Company in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1971 called “Scotch Weld.” This was an important development because in the beginning when the horseless carriages started using glass to protect drivers, they did not adequately protect the occupants from flying debris. The windshields could shatter and send a shower of sharp shards into the vehicle causing harm to the passengers.
Originally from Gary, MN, Degerness and wife Clare have one grown daughter Liv, and are proud grandparents of four. As with many entrepreneurs, Degerness has devoted a great deal of time and energy to building up his business. The challenges are numerous and a firm commitment is necessary in order to succeed in the business world. Even with a hectic schedule, Degerness understands the importance of community service. As a dedicated member of the Kiwanis, he has served as past president and song leader. He is a member of his church choir as well as a member of the Master Chorale of Fargo Moorhead.
In addition to the numerous hours, weekends, and holidays that owners and operators must devote to their business, Degerness shared that one of the biggest challenges for a small business owner is the wearing of the many hats that is required for a smooth and profitable operation, especially in the early days of the business. From leading the company to executing the day-to-day, every entrepreneur must be a master of switching gears. Specifically, bookkeeping can be one of the most painstaking, resource-intensive, and time-consuming processes of a business – just one of many hats to wear and manage.
The next time you need assistance with your car windshield, call Harmon Glass Doctor. The doctor is in – “We Fix Your Panes.”
Marv Degerness
Owner/President Harmon Glass Doctor
marv.degerness@mail.glassdoctor.com
1100 2nd Avenue South PO Box 599, Moorhead, MN 56560
