NOVUS Glass has a long-standing reputation as a pioneer in the auto glass industry. The company’s origin story dates back to 1972 in the United States, when Dr. Frank Werner, frustrated after multiple windshield replacements due to small cracks, partnered with chemical engineer Bill Wiele to develop what remains one of the most effective methods of windshield repair. Entrepreneur Gerald Keinath later purchased the patent rights and transformed the innovation into a business, naming it NOVUS – Latin for "new" or "innovative." Today, NOVUS Glass holds more U.S. patents for windshield repair than any other company in the industry.
From apprentice to owner
For Murray Klassen, the journey into glass repair wasn’t exactly planned. “In the fruits of my youth, I went through quite a few jobs,” he says. “Then a mechanic told me about a glass shop looking to hire. I applied, had a great talk with the manager, and never looked back.”
Since starting in 2008, Klassen has built over 15 years of experience, learning both technical skills and the ins and outs of customer service. Working in smaller towns gave him the opportunity to manage front-end responsibilities like quoting and customer interactions, in addition to performing repairs. “You learn that not every person is the same, and their needs are different,” he says.
Opening the doors to independence
In July 2024, Klassen opened his own NOVUS Glass location at 63 Highland Road in Moose Jaw. “It was a lucky find,” he says. “The building fits my needs perfectly, and the location worked out better than I expected.”
Opening his own shop has allowed Klassen to make a more personal impact. “Being able to support local initiatives like youth sports or the Humane Society – those are decisions I get to make now,” he says. “It's nice to feel that connection with the community.”
A modern approach to glass repair
NOVUS Glass offers a full range of services including chip and crack repair, full windshield replacement, and glass replacement for doors, back windows, and even heavy equipment like skid steers and graders. They handle both insurance and cash claims.
But Klassen notes that auto glass work isn’t as simple as it used to be. “Many vehicles now have ADAS – advanced driver assistance systems – with cameras and sensors mounted in the windshield,” he explains. “After replacing the glass, we recalibrate these systems to ensure they function properly.”
The shop is equipped with modern tools to handle these sophisticated systems, and Klassen’s extensive training ensures the job is done right. “There are safeguards in place, but you still need to know what you’re doing,” he says.
Service that fits your schedule
Understanding that people lead busy lives, Klassen offers a pickup service for vehicles needing repair. “Sometimes it’s just easier for the customer if I come get the vehicle from their workplace or home,” he says. “It allows me to work in my shop, where everything is set up perfectly, and they don’t have to rearrange their day.”
NOVUS Glass is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional Saturday availability. Klassen is best reached by phone or text at 306-691-4440. “You can email us at moosejaw@novusglass.ca find us on Facebook, but phone is fastest,” he adds with a smile.
With a deep-rooted history, a forward-thinking approach, and a community-first mindset, NOVUS Glass continues to live up to its name – bringing something new and innovative to local auto glass repair.