Who Knew? A New Shop Named Hoodoo

Hoodoos are geological formations in the southwest United States.

“Hoodoos stand out not only geologically, and we want to be a company that stands out,” Sean Dodson says of opening Hoodoo Glass LLC of Farmington, N.M. on June 1. His 8-year-old daughter thought of the company’s slogan: “Windshield got a boo-boo? Call Hoodoo.”

Dodson began in the industry 15 years ago in sales, was then a branch manager for a company in Four Corners before leaving the industry for a couple years. When he returned, he says he worked his way up to auto glass technician. “I just decided I had enough experience and knew the industry well,” he says of opening a business with co-owner Jerret Guillory. “He is new to the industry.”

Sean Dodson and Jerret Guillory opened Hoodoo Glass in Farmington, N.M.

Hoodoo Glass offers repair, replacement and calibration services. “We’re strictly auto glass, any kind of automotive and equipment glass,” Dodson says. Providing calibration “was a no brainer” as he and Guillory created their business plan. “In today’s industry, you’ve got to have that,” he says. Hoodoo provides mobile services, and can provide services for passenger vehicles and fleet. Dodson says a lot of oil and gas companies are in their area. Dodson and Guillory can repair or replace windshields on fleet vehicles while drivers are in safety meetings. “It’s very convenient for the company.”

In a previous position, Dodson worked with the Ute in northern Mexico and the Navajo nation who are in Four Corners. “We do work with both tribes,” he says. “It’s a boon for sure with the Nation and the Ute People.” Dodson said he hopes to work with them again with Hoodoo, repairing and replacing windshields on their passenger and fleet vehicles. “They’re a pleasure to do business with.”

Sean Dodson performs a windshield replacement.

Dodson says he recognizes the economic challenges facing the auto glass industry, but he and Guillory are excited and scared to start their own business. “I think there’s opportunity whenever it’s not easy. If it were easy, everybody would do it,” Dodson says of starting a company. Although population is spread out in the Farmington area, and Hoodoo Glass is not near a metropolitan or urban area, Dodson says they have a tight community. “I think as a community we tend to come together and support, especially small businesses,” he says. PGW Auto Glass has a facility in Farmington, Mygrant Glass delivers from Albuquerque, and Pilkington is also in Albuquerque.

“Gasoline prices is something that is concerning,” Dodson says of the economic challenges facing the industry. However, customers seem to understand the need for mobile charges to offset the cost of gasoline. Dodson says Hoodoo provides a discount if five or more auto glass jobs are done for a dealership or company, then Hoodoo does not charge for mobile.

Dodson came from California to Farmington in 2005, but Guillory is a Farmington native. Dodson served 15 years in the U.S. Army. “I think it’s something all men and women should do,” he says. The service of others in the military provides freedom for all Americans, including the freedom to own a business.

Dodson quotes the saying “‘Don’t beg for a seat at a table when you can build your own.’ We built our own table.”