‘Never stop learning’ with Auto Glass Now’s Javier Ramirez
Javier Ramirez of Auto Glass Now shares his experience and how his hard work and willingness to learn led him to his current role as Regional Training Manager.
Javier Ramirez has always been willing to take on challenges.
“I was raised by a single mother who taught me to strap on my boots, go to work, and do the best I can," he said.
This work ethic combined with his love of learning is what led him to turn a part-time job in high school at a family-run auto glass business into a thriving career.
Today, Javier brings more than 25 years of experience to his role as Regional Training Manager at Auto Glass Now.
More than ‘just a job’
It wasn’t until his late 20s, however, that he saw the potential for auto glass to become more than “just a job.” The introduction of recalibration technology shifted his perspective: "I realized there was a lot here I could sink my teeth into. I love learning, and in this industry, there’s always something new to learn.”
After high school, Javier joined Shamrock Autoglass, a small, independent company in San Diego, full time. Then, he went to All Star Glass in 2002. His willingness to adapt and embrace challenges helped him to stand out.
He earned his first promotion in 2005 to foreman, and then in 2012, Javier received his first managerial position as store manager of the Ontario All Star Glass location.
Defining his leadership style
In that role, he began to develop his leadership style that he’s used at the store, district, and now regional level.
“I’ve always been a technician’s manager,” Javier explained. “I’d never ask someone to do something I wouldn’t do myself, whether it’s a hard installation or driving long distances to resolve an issue.”
This style drives him to stay connected at the ground level, even in his current corporate position. He still frequently visits the shops and while there, Javier never hesitates to troubleshoot with those on the floor.
After Driven Brands acquired All Star Glass in 2022, Javier served in various capacities, including district manager. He started in his current position in January 2024.
As Regional Training Manager, Javier feels like he can make a difference not only at Auto Glass Now – but on the industry as a whole – through the company’s work with the Auto Glass Safety Council. This self-governing body establishes and sets the safe auto glass repair and replacement practices.
“At AGN, we are advocates for training and as part of the Auto Glass Safety Council, we’ll have additional resources for our technicians when it comes to training,” explained Javier. “I’m really looking forward to being part of this.”
Adapting to change
Keeping up and adapting to changes has been a major asset of Javier’s throughout his career. While there’s been several changes in the industry, the biggest one that stands out to him was the introduction of calibration technology.
If your car is equipped with safety features such as lane keep assist, cameras, or a collision warning system, to name a new, then that safety technology is communicating with your windshield. Your vehicle will need calibration following a windshield replacement. It is a crucial requirement that the camera is calibrated properly and returned to its original OEM settings. Otherwise, the ADAS systems will not function properly.
This new technology changed that the complexity of auto glass repairs – and Javier embraced these changes. He took the opportunity to showcase his abilities: “I enjoy learning about technology and using technology, so the calibration system and the diagnostic tools opened up a lot of doors for me.”
His initiative led him to be part of a calibration pilot program, and he became known as “the guy that people could rely on for help.” Javier went on to pioneer programs for cutting-edge processes, including Tesla calibrations and a fleet response program.
“If I find something that can help people, I’m more than willing to share it,” he explained. “Making others’ jobs easier is important to me.”
This approach has taken him from working part time at a family-owned store in high school to a Regional Training Manager at a nationally recognized and industry-leading auto glass repair shop.
Javier believes this path is possible for anyone who is willing to dive in and learn: “A lot of new technicians think that asking questions is a sign of weakness, but I feel that it's completely the opposite. Asking questions is the only way you grow. When I see a technician that asks a lot of questions, somebody that’s hungry and wants to learn, that’s somebody that could make really a great leader one day.”