Q&A with South Delta's VANGO Glass and owner Murray Engelsjord

VANGO Glass is a glass shower specialist, catering to residential and smaller commercial clients who value quality custom glass installation and workmanship at a competitive price.

What are some of the advantages of operating your business in a small, close-knit community such as Ladner and Tsawwassen?

I like forming working relationships with other service-oriented small business operators in the community, to support eachother while growing our businesses together. My work is primarily based on word of mouth referrals, so I need to respect my clients’ reputations as much as my own. They’re not just clients, but neighbours and friends, too.

Local tradespeople understand that.

Clients also see me around town, so they  know I am always close by to pop in to answer a question or two when they need me.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

I admit I am a bit of a control freak about quality—both of craftsmanship and service. I’ve previously been foreman for some very large companies and major projects. But I was always frustrated by “putting out fires,” and a lack of quality control.

Now, I can set my own schedule to ensure my own standards are met, while leaving me time to get to know my clients.

What are some of the unique aspects of your business and how do they best serve your clientele?

As a journeyman glazier for over 20 years, I’m skilled in all types of custom glasswork, but I love creating custom frameless showers the best. I’ve literally installed thousands of them—probably more than anyone in the Lower Mainland—including work that has been featured on HGTV.

People don’t think there’s a difference in  quality from a technician to a journeyman, but believe me, you will never see extra metal u-chanel, messy globs of silicone, or large, leaky gaps with a VANGO shower.

What is your favourite South Delta community activity or event?

We never miss the Canada Day festivities, or Sun Festival for that matter. My daughters adore attending the TOOB’s or Rotary pancake breakfast with their parents and grandparents.

Describe your perfect day in South Delta.

We would take the kids to Robb’s Fish and Chips for a British-style breakfast, then head down to Centennial Beach for a play at the park or to build sand castles. If they still have the energy we can then head to the Riefel Sanctuary to feed the ducks and chickadees. We’d then finish the day off with a summertime family movie in the park bundled up under the stars.

What community service organizations or projects does your business support, and why?

We’re big believers in acting locally, but like to support kids and family’s first. After  experiencing a major house fire this year, we realize even more how important friends and neighbours are. We support DeltaAssist who does great job of tailoring services for Delta families in need, as well as our local elementary school (Cliff Drive) and Kidzone Childcare because they both make children and their secure development such a priority.