Today we’d like to introduce you to Hiresh Rahimi.
Hiresh, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I came to the United States as a Kurdish refugee from Iran in the early 2000s. Like many immigrants starting over in a new country, I took on whatever work I could find to build a future. Not long after, I made the decision to join the Army,
Years later, while accompanying a friend who had just started working as an auto glass technician, I was unexpectedly offered an opportunity that would change my life. The owner of the company noticed me, offered me a position, and gave me my first real chance in the industry. I received formal training and began working as a technician. I was grateful for that opportunity, and when I eventually decided to start my own path, I made a promise to that owner that I would never open or work near his place of business, a promise I have proudly kept to this day.
Over the years, I moved through different states searching for the right market and the right opportunity in the auto glass industry. Eventually, I landed in Maryland, where I joined forces with a friend and together we founded Auto Glass One. In the beginning, we operated out of a single red van and provided exclusively mobile service.
A few years later, I met my wife. Around the same time, we took the next big step by opening our first shop. Soon after, my business partner decided to move on, and my wife and I purchased his share of the business and committed ourselves fully to growing the company.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road was far from easy. We faced financial struggles, manpower shortages, setbacks, and plenty of trial and error along the way. There were difficult times that tested us, but step by step, we worked through every obstacle. Through it all, we never lost sight of what mattered most: treating customers with honesty, respect, and care. That commitment became the foundation of our business and the reason for the reputation we have built today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Auto Glass One, we specialize in auto glass repair and replacement for all vehicle makes and models, including historical, rare or advanced vehicles equipped with ADAS safety systems that require recalibration after windshield replacement. We provide both in-shop and mobile service, allowing us to serve customers quickly and conveniently throughout the area.
What we are most known for is our customer care and honesty. From the very beginning, we built this business through word of mouth and genuine relationships with our customers. We believe people remember how they are treated, especially during stressful situations like vehicle damage, insurance claims, or unexpected repairs. That philosophy helped us grow from operating out of a single red van into a well-established shop with a strong reputation and a loyal customer base.
We are especially proud that our business was built from the ground up through hard work, consistency, and perseverance. As a family-owned business, every customer matters to us, and we take pride in doing things the right way rather than the fastest or cheapest way. We stand behind our work, use high-quality materials, and focus heavily on safety and workmanship.
What sets us apart is the combination of experience, professionalism, and personal care. We try to make every interaction feel honest, respectful, and straightforward. We also have extensive hands-on experience in the industry, and we continuously adapt to newer vehicle technologies and calibration requirements so we can provide dealership-level quality while maintaining the personalized experience of a local business.
Above all, we are proud of the trust we have earned in the community and the reputation we have built over the years through consistency, integrity, and taking care of people.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success is not some distant destination or a single major achievement. Success is something that should happen every day.
It’s being able to lay your head on your pillow at night with a clear conscience, knowing that you treated people well, caused no harm, and did the best you could with the knowledge, resources, and abilities you had that day.
Success is knowing that your family is safe, healthy, and provided for. It’s finding satisfaction in honest work, keeping your word, and making a positive difference, even in small ways.
I believe the biggest accomplishments are built from countless small successes. When you consistently do the right thing, work hard, and take care of the people around you, those daily victories accumulate over time and create a life and legacy you can truly be proud of.
