2016 Auto Glass Replacement, Repair Competition Winners Announced

2016 gold medalists (left to right): Desmonde Ellington (AGTO large-size company division), Braulio Lopez (WRO), and Alfredo Calva (AGTO regular-size company division).

The winners of the Pilkington Clear Advantage Auto Glass Technician Competition (AGTO) and the GlasWeld Windshield Repair Competition (WRO) were announced tonight at a ceremony in San Antonio, where Auto Glass Week™ is being held.

Desmonde Ellington of Glasspro Inc. in Mount Pleasant, S.C., took the gold for the AGTO large-size company division, while Alfredo Calva of Alfredo’s Auto Glass in Corona, Calif., took the gold for the AGTO regular-size company division. Each was awarded a prize of $5,000.

Braulio Lopez of Spain-based Cristalbox Express took the gold in the WRO and also will receive a $5,000 prize.

The silver in the AGTO went to Marty Bello of American Mobile Glass of N.J. in West Milford, N.J., and Steve Abrahams of United Kingdom-based Auto Windscreens took the bronze.

Matt Anderson of Novus Auto Glass in Spokane Valley, Wash., took home the silver medal in the WRO and Mauricio Hernandez of Autoglass Tec in Zapote, San Jose, came in third with the bronze.

Additionally, the AGTO judges gave a Ray Asbery Innovation Award to Sergio Ricardo Tamachunas of Abrasipa Industria de Abrasivos in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for utilizing a full fender cover that wraps around the entire front of the vehicle, attaching to the two side-view mirrors. It protects the sides and front end of the vehicle, preventing any damage that could be caused during the windshield replacement process.

The AGTO judges also recognized Brandon Tow of Grand Junction, Colo., with the Ingenuity Award for his part storage system, allowing for quick and easy storage of removal tools. It also provides storage for removed parts without losing them in the engine compartment or possibly causing damage.

The awards were given tonight in San Antonio at the Closing Awards Concert and Party in San Antonio. Stay tuned to www.glassBYTEs.com™ for additional coverage from Auto Glass Week, which concluded today.