We asked Mark to share a few things about being a local glazier on the beautiful Central Coast of NSW.

Name the best place on the Coast

“My favourite spots include the serene shores of Toowoon Bay and Avoca, where I find peace and relaxation.

What do you love about working here?

“I enjoy working on the Central Coast because of the ease of getting around and the genuine nature of our customers. It’s a community where people are down-to-earth and easy to work with.”

What’s the best thing about being a glazier?

“My O’Brien Glass team is like a tight-knit family—hardworking, trustworthy, and always up for a laugh. Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with colleagues who share my dedication to quality service and camaraderie. Plus, every day is different.”

What’s your favourite pastime?

“When I’m not working, you’ll often find me fishing on Brisbane Water or enjoying weekends with family and friends at the Blue Lagoon Caravan Park, our favourite hangout.”

The post Local Glazier Spotlight – Mark Bancroft, Central Coast appeared first on O'Brien.

Cue: our latest commercial, “Stop! Repair Time!”

Still waiting to see the ad? View here.

Our newest advertisement purposely breaks away from the typical O'Brien^® style seen on TV screens over the past few years. Taking a fresh approach to entertain a broader, younger demographic, we’ve used our ‘hero tech’ differently, telling the chip-to-crack story from the point of what you don’t want to happen.

“We never want to get comfortable in our advertising at O'Brien. As viewing habits change, we must adapt how our message and brand is conveyed. That’s why we’ve changed where you hear our jingle and how it’s played, plus using our branding in different ways to ensure the ad is still uniquely O'Brien. Bringing this re-vamped chip repair story to life was exciting”.
–Claudia Johnston, Senior Marketing Manager

While “Stop! Repair Time!” is a new twist on a tried and tested O'Brien^® message, some things will always stay the same…

Keeping it real with our real-life stars

In our latest campaign, three-valued O'Brien^® team members participated in making the commercial. Nat Rouessart and Emma Speechly starred in front of the camera alongside two actors, Tom and Sabrina, and the wonderful Winston. Plus, Ed Finlay recorded the voice that played over the radio in the opening scene.

“The shoot day was a breeze —definitely not your typical workday! The locations were outside, so a big change from our usual gig inside one of our Service Centres. Such a fun story made the day a blast, with plenty of laughs between takes and pats with the real star- Winston. It’s pretty awesome to swap out my technician hat for a bit and get in on these fun campaigns that I love being a part of.”
– Nat Rouessart, O'Brien^® AutoGlass Technician.

Adding to the fun of the day was having the talented (and handsome) Boston Terrier, Winston (who came along as a bonus extra thanks to Arielle at Two Giraffes creative agency). He performed like a pro, howling the jingle in tune and on cue.

Emma enjoyed hanging out with Winston in the back seat during the shoot (doing a great job keeping him on task), enjoying the fun company on set and the change of pace for the day (from her busy role at O'Brien^® head office).

“It was such a great day, and even better to see the marketing team’s hard work and all that goes on behind the scenes to make these amazing commercials. I was lucky enough to be slobbered on and kissed all day by the singing pup, Winston, who was the main star of the ad – sorry Nat!’
– Emma Speechly, O'Brien^® AutoGlass Business Improvement Leader

After the shoot day, Nat headed to the sound-proof booth at the recording studio to join Ed (where they both recorded their voice-overs like the pros that they are). Always happy to help and take time out from his job as a Mobile Technician, Ed travelled up from Wollongong to record his now familiar voice for the O'Brien radio commercial heard in the opening scene.

“The second I heard that Marketing needed me to be the ‘radio voice’ in the new ad, my eyes lit up. I love jumping from my usual day job as a mobile windscreen technician to working in a recording studio or on set, where I showcase my otherwise hidden skills and talents alongside Nat and the crew. It’s an amazing opportunity to be part of the well-known TV ads for O'Brien.”
– Ed Finlay, O'Brien^® AutoGlass Technician.

Did you know Ed is also a well-known face in O’Brien^® TV commercials? Check out some of Ed’s work here.

Keep an eye out for the singing Winston.

After a short test campaign in Sydney, the “Stop! Repair Time” advertisement is now showing across TV screens nationwide. We hope our audiences enjoy the fresh new take on our important message, and remember to call O'Brien^® to help fix your windscreen chip. You never know, you might be lucky enough to have Nat or Ed as your O’Brien^® technician!

At O'Brien^®, solving your problems is what we do. Delivering high-quality service with genuine care and expert support is our top priority. There’s nothing more satisfying than solving your problems with our dedicated team at O'Brien^®. From vehicle glass to home and commercial glass and electrical and plumbing services, our O'Brien^® team is here for you. So, call us today on 1800 059 829 or find your nearest expert here.

The post Meet the team behind the latest O’Brien® TV ad: “Stop! Repair Time” appeared first on O'Brien.

Now, it’s time for our BOA 2024 winner, Jack Karssemeyer, to take his place on the global stage to compete against 29 other technicians from around the world at the Best of Belron competition
in Lisbon, Portugal.

The Best of Belron is a biennial global event held across the Belron Group designed to recognise and determine the best Belron technician worldwide. The competition will see technicians from 30 different countries worldwide showcasing their skills and expertise. Over the course of two intense days, they will complete a range of vehicle glass repair, replacement and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) recalibration tasks, using Belron’s standard repair and replacement processes, known as the Belron Way of Fitting.

We sat down with Jack to learn about his journey, his preparations for the upcoming competition, and his experiences (so far) at O’Brien®.

Jack, you recently won the Best of Australia title. What has that been like since winning?

Jack: Winning the BOA has been a pretty crazy feeling. I have had my eyes set on it since starting at O’Brien® just over four years ago, so achieving it sooner than I expected was incredible. It’s been unusual to have everyone in the company recognise my face and name, but amazing at the same time; it just goes to show we’re all family here at O’Brien®.

I also think it’s made me more excited about my work at O’Brien®. This competition has reinforced to me the importance of the smaller aspects of our job, and I’ve found joy in paying attention to the little details that can really show how much we care about our customers.

You’re heading to the Best of Belron competition in Lisbon soon. Are you excited? How are you feeling about it?

Jack: Absolutely, I’m very excited. This is as big as it gets for our profession. The preparation has been so intense, but I feel ready. It’s a great opportunity to showcase my skills on a global stage.

Can you walk us through your training regimen for this competition?

Jack: Sure. So, I’ve been fortunate to be pulled out of my regular branch at Moorebank to undergo high-intensity training and with less than one week to go, we’re still going strong. It’s been a whirlwind, but incredibly exciting.

My training has been very focused. For the past two months, I’ve been working to perfect the intricate details of the windscreen fitting. With the support of the O’Brien Centre of Excellence Technical Team, we’ve been improving these minute aspects to ensure I can execute it perfectly on the day. It’s all about the small details that make a big difference both in competition and to our customers.

What sort of support have you received from the team at O’Brien®?

Jack: Since March, the support has been incredible from across the business, with everyone behind me to help me succeed at BOB.

Shout out to my branch manager, John Paton, he has been amazing (as have my whole Service Centre team). The entire Technical Trainer team have been there for me, with additional training and mentoring.

My coach in the Technical Trainer team, Phil Cole, who won the Best of Australia in 2022, has been with me in Sydney for the final two weeks of my one-on-one training as well. Overall, the commitment from everyone has been so great, and it reflects the strong team culture we have here at O’Brien®.

Learn more about Phil’s experience at the Best of Belron 2022 here.

What would winning the international competition mean to you and your team?

Jack: Winning would be indescribable, especially as Australia/O’Brien® has never done it before. It would be a huge accomplishment, not just for me, but for the entire team that has supported me. It would be a win for all of us at O’Brien®.

Do you think anyone at O’Brien® could achieve what you have so far? And what would you say to someone considering joining the team at O’Brien®?

Jack: Definitely. With a passion for what you do, perseverance and the right mindset, anyone can achieve what I have. It’s about putting in the effort and staying dedicated to your craft.

That’s why I think everyone should consider a career at O’Brien® – the opportunities are endless and it’s very rewarding. Outside of the competition, helping customers and seeing their relief when everything is fixed is a great feeling.

I’ve also made some of my closest friends here and after four and a half years, I still look forward to going to work every day. The people and the supportive environment make it a great place to be. If you’re thinking about a career here, I’d say go for it. You never know where (in the world) it might take you.

Finally, what are your plans after the competition?

Jack: After the competition, a few of my family members and partner are flying over, and we’re planning to make a trip out of it and explore a bit of Europe together. I’ll be away from work for about five weeks, but it’ll be a well-deserved break. I can’t wait!

The entire O'Brien® team is behind Jack as he represents the team in Lisbon – we’re proud of you!

Next time you need to get your windscreen repaired or replaced, think of the team at O'Brien®. We’re your trained experts in all things windscreen glass – book online or call 1800 059 829.

At O'Brien®, we’re proud to have so many outstanding Vehicle Glass Technicians, as well as many other team members, working for our company right across Australia. If you would like to be part of our technical expertise and service excellence culture at O'Brien® visit obriencareers.com.au for more information today.

The post Countdown to Best of Belron 2024 – a chat with Jack appeared first on O'Brien.

With 64 O’Brien® AutoGlass locations across Australia, there could be an expert technician nearby, ready to assist you with your vehicle glass needs.
Today, we wanted to shed some light on what the O’Brien® AutoGlass mobile service covers, so decided to have a chat with one of our most experienced mobile technicians, Mike Kelly from the Smeaton Grange Service Centre in Sydney.

We asked Mike a few questions about the work he does each day at O’Brien® to help keep his customers on the road. We hope you learn about the ins and outs of the O’Brien® Mobile Service and a few handy tips as well.

Q: Tell us about what services you provide as part of the O'Brien® AutoGlass Mobile Service.

Mike: Every service centre has at least one qualified Mobile Service Technician who specialises in providing convenient windscreen replacements and repairs. As a Level 5 technician with 19 years of experience, I primarily work on the road, replacing windscreens at customers’ homes, businesses, or even at the beach– essentially wherever our customers need us, provided it’s a safe location.

We can help with chip repairs, windscreen replacements (for non-ADAS vehicles), door and rear glass replacements and we can even offer additional services like windscreen wiper and cabin filter replacements as well.

When you make a booking, our call centre team can confirm if there is a mobile service option available at your service centre for the time you’d prefer.

Q: Is it safe for someone to drive with a chip or crack in their windscreen?

Mike: A chipped windscreen may seem like a small problem in the short term, but there’s a chance that that chip may spread and eventually turn into a large crack. There’s no issue driving with a chip, however, there’s no knowing when a chip could turn into a crack. In fact, it will often when you least expect it, so it’s wise to get a chip repaired as soon as it happens.

In the event of a crack appearing, if the crack doesn’t impede the driver’s vision, it’s usually ok to drive your vehicle to a safe location, but you should seek our assistance immediately afterwards. That’s what’s good about our Mobile Service, so you can avoid the need to drive with reduced visibility and unsafely.

Q: What tips do you have for customers that they can follow right away in the event of getting a chip in their windscreen?

Mike: A chip in your windscreen means that your windscreen is weak where this damage is, which means your windscreen could crack at any time. So, the best approach is to get it fixed as soon as you can.

A handy tool to keep in your glovebox is an O'Brien® Saver Patch Kit. These are free, and available at your local O’Brien service centre. This clear sticky patch can cover your chip and prevent moisture or dirt from being embedded in the cracks of the chip. While this patch won’t prevent the chip from turning into a crack, it could help improve the cosmetic appearance of your repaired chip. If the chip is kept clean, there’s a better chance of the repair being less visible. But the best thing is to act quickly to repair your chip, which can save you from having to replace your entire windscreen. Like we say in our ads, repairing a chip is definitely FASTER, CHEAPER and GREENER.

I repair lots of chips every day, as it’s very convenient for customers to have us come to them (instead of bringing their car into our service centre). And I always leave behind a few Saver Patch Kits (because you never know when you will get a chip).

Q: How long does a typical windscreen replacement take, and what is the process like?

Mike: At the start of my day, I’ll have already loaded up the new windscreen for your vehicle (which our branch team arranged to have ready at our centre when you first booked with us). This means I’ll have not only your new windscreen but all the tools I need to complete the installation when I arrive and once I’m there, at the customer’s location, I get straight to work.

On average, a windscreen replacement takes around 90 minutes to complete.

Once the replacement is done, we recommend you let the car sit for approximately half an hour to ensure everything sets properly which means you’ll usually be back on the road and safe, within about an hour and a half.

Note that if you go to a service centre for a windscreen replacement, you will need to allow an extra 30 minutes (depending on how busy they are), and if your car has ADAS features, it will require additional time for a recalibration to be performed.

Q: How do you ensure you have the right glass for each job?

Mike: At O’Brien®, we have a vast inventory of prefabricated glass covering a wide range of vehicle makes and models at our National Warehouse, something in the range of 150,000 different shapes and sizes.

When a job request comes in, we verify the vehicle’s specifications and promptly order the necessary glass from our national warehouse. Technicians like me are trained to identify the correct glass type, and our advanced inventory management systems ensure we make the accurate choice. Plus, with the extensive delivery network, the right glass is delivered to our service centres quickly as well.

Q: Can you provide the Mobile Service anywhere to customers?

Mike: We can provide our services at customers’ homes, businesses, or even at convenient public locations like shopping centre car parks.

However, for safety reasons, we typically require off-road parking to carry out the work efficiently. If a vehicle is stuck on the road due to damage, we’ll assess the area for safety and proceed accordingly. If possible, it’s also great if the vehicle can be kept under cover as working with glass in the direct sun can be blisteringly hot – that’s a great help to us. For example, if the glass is too hot, we have to wait until it cools down to perform a chip repair (which adds extra time to the job and can delay you getting back on the road).

As Mike, our mobile tech expert said: if you’ve got a chip in your windscreen, don’t wait.

Remember, it doesn’t take much for a windscreen chip to turn into a crack, plus, chip repair is faster, cheaper, and greener than windscreen replacement.

So, don’t wait for the chip to turn into further damage.

Have your windscreen chip repaired by a friendly expert technician like Mike who can come to you and help get you back out on the road fast.
Call 1800 059 829 or visit our website to book your repair or replacement today.

Do I look familiar? You’re probably right! You may have seen me in the recent O'Brien Group Brand ad. To view the ad, click here.

The post Behind the Scenes of O’Brien® Mobile Service: On the road with Mike Kelly, an O’Brien® Technician. appeared first on O'Brien.

Started in 2007, and held every two years, the Best of Australia competition is an esteemed event that pits the top O’Brien® Automotive Technicians from around Australia against each other in a series of challenges designed to test their skills and expertise. On March 14th, O’Brien® staff from across three divisions, key customers and suppliers came together to witness the competition final and see the 7 skilled technicians battle it out for the title of Best of Australia.

We’d like to congratulate the following discipline-specific award winners:

• Jack Karssemeyer of O’Brien® AutoGlass Moorebank NSW – Best Side and Body Glass
• Nat Rouessart of O’Brien® AutoGlass Tuggerah NSW – Best Recalibration
• Jack Collins of O’Brien® AutoGlass North Parramatta NSW – Best Chip Repair

Of course, in the end, there could only be one overall winner, so we’d like to extend a huge congratulations to:

Jack Karssemeyer – the O’Brien® Best of Australia 2024 Winner.

After being awarded the title at the gala event held on the same night, we were lucky to have a chat with Jack to get an insight into his journey to the podium and what the title of ‘Best of Australia’ means to him.

Here’s what he had to say.

Introducing Jack K. – the O’Brien® Best of Australia 2024 Winner.

Jack, joined O’Brien® as an 18-year-old straight out of high school, going from trainee Technician to the Level 5 Technician he is today, in just over 4 years. He perfectly embodies the O‘Brien® commitment to excellence and has had his eyes set on being part of the Best of Australia competition for some time.

It’s no surprise that when his skills and achievements were recognised; he was in awe when his name was announced as the winner:

“It was surreal. I was so nervous standing up there and when my name got called, it felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off me… it meant everything. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and something I’ve always had my focus on.”

As a Sydney local, this was Jack’s first time competing in the Best of Australia (BOA). As he describes, his success is a testament to his manager, John Paton, and his technical trainer mentor, Mark Cameron.

“I’d like to shout out my manager, John, my mentor Mark, and the whole technical training team for the amazing job they did to help me prepare for the event. They helped me in so many ways – I hope they’re proud of what we achieved together.”

Celebrating A Century of Service

Jack’s achievement comes at an exciting time for the team at O’Brien® as the company celebrates 100 years of service in Australia. The Best of Australia 2024 was combined with a 100-year celebration event held after the competition wrapped up, where the winner was announced in front of over 300 people.

“Having BOA and the big 100-year celebration was really special – to be a part of such a milestone for the whole company was amazing and it really encouraged the best out of all the competitors as well. There was an amazing buzz out on the competition floor!”

True to the O’Brien® way, Jack admits that he made lifelong friends with his fellow BOA competitors and describes this comradery as one of the highlights of his experience:

“I love O’Brien® as a company. There are so many different branches of progression you can go through. It is like a giant family and the night showed that. People from all aspects of the company came together to support one another and although we were competitors, each of us shared ideas and insights throughout the process and had a great time – I’ve made some friends for life.”

Looking forward: The Best of Belron competition

The Best of Belron is a biennial global event held across the Belron Group. This competition recognises the best Belron technicians from 39 countries worldwide who specialise in using Belron’s standard repair and replacement processes, known as the Belron Way of Fitting. The finalist for each country’s national event is invited to compete on the world stage, which means Jack will now head to Lisbon, Portugal to compete against the best in Belron this June.

“In three months’ time, I’ll be heading over to Lisbon to compete in the Best of Belron competition. It really is an honour to be going over there to compete on behalf of O’Brien®, and to test myself against the other competitors and to show what I’m made of. I’m so excited!”

The road to Lisbon looks much the same as the lead-up to the BOA competition with ongoing training and practice alongside the Technical Training team and no doubt plenty of advice from our Australian BOA Judges and fellow competitors.

We wish Jack the best of luck before he flies off to compete in three months and no doubt plenty of advice from the alumni of Best of Australia winners who’ve represented O’Brien on the world stage. We’ll be keeping across how Jack’s preparation is going, so stay tuned for more updates on Jack’s journey to Lisbon.

Want to join the fun and be part of one of Australia’s most iconic companies?

Do you think you’d love a career at O’Brien®? We’d love to have you!

O'Brien® is always on the hunt for talented people who are looking to start a promising career with us.

Head on over to O’Brien® Careers and find the perfect role for you.

Of course, for all your AutoGlass needs, call 1800 059 829 and speak to the experts in our Customer Solutions Centre today!

The post Congrats Jack Karssemeyer, Winner of O’Brien® Best of Australia 2024 appeared first on O'Brien.

It’s a high standard that we uphold in every aspect of our service. To achieve this, we focus on:

• innovative technology,
• tried and tested processes,
• continuous training for our Automotive Technicians and
• dedication to providing the highest level of care to our customers.

So, as we do every two years, we’re once again putting a spotlight on the signature O’Brien® excellence by bringing together our top Automotive Technicians from all over Australia.

The final of the Best of Australia 2024 is nearly here!

Here’s everything you need to know before the adrenaline-fueled showdown that’s being held on 14th March.

What is the Best of Australia competition?

Started in 2007, the Best of Australia competition is an esteemed event held every two years that pits the top O’Brien® Automotive Technicians against each other in a series of challenges designed to test their skills and expertise.

The winner of Best of Australia, then goes on to compete on the world stage against the best Technicians from other countries across the Belron Group (read on for more detail on this exciting event).

This year, there are seven Technicians who each won their state competitions in 2023 and secured a spot to represent their region at the upcoming final event. We’re bringing together these winners for the ultimate test on 14th March at Doltone House, Darling Island, Sydney.

Meet our Best of Australia 2024 finalists

This year’s finalists are proud to represent their regions for the Best of Australia 2024.

Our seven finalists are:

Bengt Stayte of O’Brien® AutoGlass Townsville QLD
Marco Pieri of O’Brien® AutoGlass Morley VIC
Sam Mullan of O’Brien® AutoGlass Launceston TAS
Nat Rouessart of O’Brien® AutoGlass Tuggerah NSW
Jack Karssemeyer of O’Brien® AutoGlass Moorebank NSW
Jack Collins of O’Brien® AutoGlass North Parramatta NSW
Jeremy Marshall of O’Brien® AutoGlass Coffs Harbour NSW

The winner of the Best of Australia Competition will then go on to represent O’Brien® at the coveted Best of Belron Competition in Lisbon, Portugal this June.

We spoke to one of the national finalists, Jack Karssemeyer, from the O’Brien® AutoGlass Service Centre in Moorebank, Sydney, about the upcoming contest.

“Since I started working as a trainee technician with O ’Brien®, the Best of Australia has always been a dream to aspire to being part of. It’s a unique experience to be able to compete in your field of expertise against other technicians for such an honoured title and get the chance to represent O’Brien on the world stage as well!”

“We’ve spent a bit of time together in Brisbane, with each of use working and training closely with our mentors from the Technical Training team. Our goal is to master the Belron Way of Fitting enough that we don’t even have to think about the next step – it’s second nature to all of us now.”

Jack K. competing in the regional competition doing a Chip Repair

About the Best of Belron competition

The Best of Belron is a biennial global event held across the Belron Group, who is the largest automotive glass company in the world, with brands across every continent worldwide, including O’Brien® here in Australia. This competition recognises the best technicians worldwide who specialise in using Belron’s standard repair and replacement processes, known as the Belron Way of Fitting.

The Belron Way of Fitting captures the expertise and know-how of automotive glass around the world and defines a best-practice approach to repairing and replacing vehicle glass.

This signature process maximises safety, endorses technical quality to the highest standard and places a focus on continuous improvement of the service we offer our customers at O’Brien® AutoGlass.

The finalist for each country is decided through a national competition held by each member of the Belron Group (for O’Brien®, this is our annual Best of Australia event), with the winners going on to compete in the international round against 30 other countries.

Find out what it’s like going to Best of Belron here from the winner of BOA 2022, Phil Cole, who went to Barcelona, Spain.

Gearing up for the finals

The seven competitors, with the support of their mentors from the O’Brien® Technical Excellence and Training team, have now completed their final training phase of their preparation for the upcoming event.

“The finalists have poured their hearts into their work, and we are absolutely thrilled to see them bring their A-game to the competition floor.” – Mohamad El-Chami, Technical Training Manager

Sean Brookes, Head of Technical Training and Excellence added, “I am immensely proud of the exceptional work accomplished by our competitors and technical trainers the Best of Australia 2024 competition. It’s the pinnacle of the technical calendar across Belron, and witnessing the dedication and excellence displayed by all involved at O’Brien fills me with immense pride and gratitude.”

Beyond the competition, the O’Brien® Best of Australia event highlights our company’s commitment to ongoing training and expertise throughout our organisation.

We understand that our success is only due to the success and dedication of our expert technicians and staff, and this ongoing commitment is a testament to the quality of service that O’Brien® provides to its customers right across Australia.

The Technical Trainer team, cheering on the competitors at the final regional event in 2023.

Support your local O’Brien® techs!

If any of these phenomenal O’Brien® AutoGlass Technicians are from your local service centre, be sure to wish them luck before they head off to Sydney to compete for the O’Brien® Best of Australia crown!

We wish all our finalists the very best of luck for the upcoming competition, and we look forward to announcing the Best of Australia winner soon!

Want to join the fun and be part of one of Australia’s most iconic brands?

Fancy competing in BOA in the future? If you think you would, why not consider a career at O’Brien®? We’d love to hear from you!

O'Brien® is always on the hunt for talented people who are looking to start a career with us. Head on over to O’Brien® Careers and find the perfect role for you.

Of course, for all your vehicle glass repair and replacement needs, call 1800 059 829 and speak to one of our expert team at O’Brien® today!

The post Gearing Up for O’Brien® Best of Australia 2024 appeared first on O'Brien.

That’s right, we’ve been serving customers in all kinds of glass across Australia since 1924.

And while a century of service is a rare feat that we’re incredibly proud of, time has truly flown.

What started as a humble silvering business by Frank G. O’Brien in Allen Street Waterloo, Sydney, has steadily grown to become one of Australia’s most iconic brands delivering expertise in home and business glazing, vehicle glass repair and electrical and plumbing services.

• Today, O’Brien® is Australia’s leading
  vehicle glass repair, replacement and recalibration company, providing a national service to nearly 500,000 motorists in the past year,
• We’ve come a long way, and with a shared passion for excellence and a drive to exceed customer expectations, we will continue to serve customers with high-quality products and service when they need us. To commemorate this special occasion, and to highlight the ethos that has driven us for a century, we’ve decided to take you on through the O’Brien® decades.

The 1924 – 1939: humble beginnings.

Founded in February 1924 by Frank G. O’Brien, our journey began here. We may have been small in size to start, but we were bold in our pursuit of customer satisfaction and employee well-being, and that hasn’t changed.

In fact, it was this zeal for service that led Frank and his growing team to incorporate under the Companies Act in 1930, laying the foundation for our future success.

The 40s and 50s: the war effort.

From 1940-1959, we quickly expanded our services into domestic and commercial glazing, specialising in shatter-proofing shop fronts and larger businesses.

As the World War II threat approached Australia, we were quick to support the effort by manufacturing windscreens for Australian aircraft and hand mirrors for our troops.

It was a trying time, but in the true Australian spirit, we persevered and did everything we could to assist.

The 1960s: mergers and expansion.

The 1960s brought a more peaceful era in Australian history.

In a time of rapid growth and industry, we merged with fellow Australian company, Glass Supplies, allowing us to broaden the scope and capabilities of our complex glass manufacturing and processing.

In 1965, we relocated our company headquarters to Padstow in Sydney (where our head office remains today) and introduced  Armourplate Doors to secure retail shop fronts and large office buildings.

The 1970s: joining Belron Group.

In 1971, we were proud to become the first overseas limb of the renowned vehicle glass repair and replacement, Belron Group.

With the support of Belron and our now 350 employees, we continued to grow and excel in the industry and established two separate divisions: Windscreens O’Brien and O’Brien Glass.

In 1976, manufacturing of laminated windscreens and architectural laminates became integral additions to our service offering in glass.

The company renamed to O’Brien Glass Industries Ltd on 2 March 1978.

The 1980s: expansion and milestones.

The 1980s was an exciting era for O’Brien®, despite the challenging economic conditions.

We started with extending our footprint to 95 branches, employing 800 staff.

Our Building Glass division diversified its product range to introduce the O’Brien Lock Service.

The first ever TV advertising campaign was launched in 1983. This marked the beginning of a range of quirky, yet memorable ads to grace Australian TV (and became part of advertising folklore for those that grew up in this decade). By this time, we were sourcing more than twenty thousand tonnes of glass annually for our automotive business and we solidified our presence across the country by opening branches nationwide.

By the end of the decade, we also reached several significant milestones, including:

• 60 years of operations,
• 1000+ employees, and
• Manufacturing our millionth windscreen.

The 1990s: A branding and advertising focus.

As the 20^th century ended, we continued our upward trajectory.

We continued to achieve record sales growth and in 1996, we launched a new TV advertising campaign for Windscreens O’Brien, showcasing our side and rear vehicle glass replacement expertise, together with our convenient mobile service.

We also refreshed our logo during the 90s, incorporating the distinctive Belron red and yellow symbol, and began to place an increasing emphasis on our customer service – a trait which we are still recognised and applauded for today.

The 2000s: “O’O’O’ O’Brien®”.

After the turn of the century, our windscreen and glazing divisions united under one brand: O’Brien®.

We introduced a new fleet of vehicles across the nation, revitalised our branch signage and forwarded our focus on technical expertise with the establishment of the Technical Training Centre of Excellence for our Auto division.

Then, in April 2005, the iconic O’O’O’ jingle was registered, becoming synonymous with the O’Brien® brand you know today.

The 2010s: advanced tech and service expansion.

The 2010s brought significant advancements in global automotive technology and we introduced best-practice tools like the Glass Medic Repair Kit and 1-Tek®. A formidable partnership with Bosch was formed and O’Brien® launched an Australian first for the automotive industry, our Cal-Tech® ADAS Recalibration service.

Our TV commercials continued to highlight our care and expertise and featured Mark, and our customer surveys were moved online as we embraced the digital future, sought greater convenience, and enhanced our customer’s experience with a new design for our branches.

In 2018, we acquired Laser Plumbing & Electrical, further expanding our service offering to our customers.

The 2020s: doubling down on advanced tech.

The 2020s brought a tumultuous time with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. But as we did during the 1940s, we adapted and persevered.

With the increasing demand for our Cal-Tech® Recalibration services, we strategically expanded our O’Brien® AutoGlass branch locations right across the country and continued to advance our service by introducing the Advanced Repair Technology (ART) Chip Repair Kits and remote headsets for Cal-Tech®.

From 2020, the first of our Electrical and Plumbing franchisee members took up the opportunity to brand as O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing.

Our iconic O’O’O’ jingle gained renewed focus with its familiar sound played across TV, radio, and digital advertising, reaching an estimated 200M+ jingles heard each year.

2024: O’Brien turns 100!

In late February 2024, O’Brien® turned 100!

And while we’ve grown and changed significantly over the years, one thing we are proud of: O’Brien® is committed to the highest standards of quality service.

We’re excited to celebrate a century’s worth of experience, expertise, passion for customer service and pride in our workmanship, but we will never get complacent.

We know that the key to our success and growth over the decades has been the pride we take in our expertise, the quality of our workmanship and our dedication to providing first-class service to every customer.

In 2024, as for the last century, we’re committed to solving your problems with real care whenever you need us, as our leadership team expertly steers our company towards new horizons.

Get in touch with your local O’Brien® experts for vehicle glass, glazing, electrical or plumbing services here.

At O’Brien®, solving your problems is what we do.

Nothing is more satisfying to us than delivering the high-quality service you need with genuine care and expert support.

From vehicle glass, and home and commercial glass to electrical and plumbing services, our O’Brien® team is here for you.

So, call us today or find your nearest expert.

For more images from our history, click here.

The post Celebrating Our 100-Year Journey at O’Brien® appeared first on O'Brien.

Prevents Major Plumbing Emergencies

Plumbing emergencies can be a nightmare, and they can happen at any time. A blocked drain, burst pipe, or leaking tap can cause significant damage to your home and lead to costly repairs. Regular plumbing maintenance can help prevent these emergencies from occurring in the first place.

Inspecting and maintaining your plumbing system regularly allows you to identify and fix minor issues before they become major problems. This can save you from the hassle and expense of dealing with a plumbing emergency.

At O’Brien Plumbing Coffs Harbour, we offer a comprehensive plumbing maintenance service that includes inspecting your pipes, drains, taps, and fixtures to ensure they’re functioning correctly. We use the latest equipment and techniques to identify potential issues and provide you with the best possible solutions.

Saves You Money on Costly Repairs

One of the most significant benefits of regular plumbing maintenance is that it can save you money on costly repairs. Small issues that go unnoticed can lead to significant problems down the line, which can be expensive to fix. By regularly maintaining your plumbing system, you can identify and address these issues early on, preventing them from turning into major problems that require costly repairs.

Moreover, regular maintenance can extend the life of your plumbing system, saving you money in the long run. Your plumbing system is an investment, and you want to ensure it lasts as long as possible. By taking care of it and addressing issues early on, you can avoid costly repairs or even a complete replacement of your system.

Improves Water Efficiency and Lowers Bills

Regular plumbing maintenance can also improve water efficiency in your home, which can lower your bills. A leaking tap or a running toilet can waste a significant amount of water over time, leading to higher water bills. By regularly maintaining your plumbing system, you can identify and fix these issues, reducing your water usage and lowering your bills.

Moreover, upgrading to more water-efficient fixtures can also help reduce your water usage and lower your bills. At O’Brien Plumbing Coffs Harbour, we can help you identify and install water-efficient fixtures in your home. This can help you save money on your water bills and reduce your environmental impact.

Ensures Safe Drinking Water

Regular plumbing maintenance can help ensure that the water coming out of your taps is safe to drink. Over time, your pipes can accumulate debris and minerals, which can affect the quality of your water. By maintaining your plumbing system regularly, you can ensure that your pipes are clean and your water is safe to drink.

Enhances the Overall Comfort of Your Home

A well-maintained plumbing system can enhance the overall comfort of your home. For example, a well-maintained system can ensure the water pressure of your shower and taps are ideal for your preferences. Plumbing issues can be frustrating and even have a significant impact on your daily routine or lifestyle. By maintaining your plumbing system, you can ensure everything functions correctly, making your daily life more comfortable and convenient.

Helps Maintain the Value of Your Property

Regular plumbing maintenance can help maintain the value of your property. Prospective buyers are often concerned about the condition of a home’s plumbing system, and having a well-maintained system can make your property more attractive to buyers.

Promotes a Healthier Living Environment

A properly functioning plumbing system can promote a healthier living environment. Leaks and water damage can lead to mould growth, which can cause respiratory issues and other health problems. By maintaining your plumbing system, you can prevent these issues and ensure that your home is a healthy place to live for all occupants and visitors.

Extends the Life of Your Appliances

Your appliances, such as your washing machine and dishwasher, rely on your plumbing system to function correctly. Regular plumbing maintenance can ensure that your appliances are working correctly, extending their lifespan and saving you money on costly, premature replacements.

Provides Peace of Mind

Finally, knowing that your plumbing system is operative can provide peace of mind, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected plumbing emergencies or repairs. Regular plumbing maintenance can help you feel confident that your home’s plumbing system is in good condition.

I you are a homeowner in Coffs Harbour, regular plumbing maintenance is crucial to keep your home safe and functioning properly. Our team of expert plumbers can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your plumbing system is in top condition.

The post Benefits Of Regular Plumbing Maintenance For Your Home appeared first on O'Brien.

You’ll usually find Alexis, from our Glazing Solutions Team, behind the scenes talking to customers over the phone and helping to solve their glass needs. But this day, she was lucky enough to join one of our Glaziers in our Sydney team, Martin, out on the road. And it proved to be a very different job experience for the day.

So join us for an action-packed day with Martin and Alexis as they embark on a journey full of appointments and helping customers.

Starting the day right

No day starts without the 8 A.M. meeting with fellow glaziers for a team debrief and run down of the day. It’s a great chance to connect with others in the team, share the adventures ahead, and keep updated with branch news. Martin then loaded the O'Brien^® truck with the tools and glass needed for the next two days ahead of appointments. Once Alexis arrived, she put on the required safety kit, and they set off.

Full Steam Ahead

Not every day starts smooth and easy in Glazing! With the first customer no longer available for the day, Martin quickly notified the office planning team leader, who helped move things around. He explained, “You’ ‘ve got to be flexible as your day won’t always go to plan.”

But the day was soon back on track, with the next customer greeting them with an offer of a coffee, which Martin politely declined, and they talked through the broken glass situation in her home. A low-lying panel of grey glass had shattered into sharp shards.

After assessing the situation, Martin quickly determined that ‘safety glass’ was the best solution for this job, which was different to what was initially quoted. However, the customer agreed after Martin explained the relevance of having the correct type of glass in high-risk areas like a bedroom. So, geared up with gloves, gauntlets and glasses, Martin got to work removing the broken shards and installing the new safety glass.

From Alexis’ call centre experience, she shares, “We have to ask lots of questions from our customers to obtain accurate information to determine the correct glass type for the window. However, our experienced glaziers always confirm details once they arrive to ensure that the most suitable glass type is used for reglazing.”

Martin adds, “People trust you when you take time to explain what we are doing and why, especially for their safety and peace of mind. I always want to do what is right for my customers, as they rely on us.”

After Martin cleaned up the area and provided the happy customer with clear instructions for not touching the glass for 24 hours (until the silicone had set), Alexis and Martin were soon on their way again.

Onto the next job

After a scheduled break to rest and recharge, Martin and Alexis were back on the road to another reglazing job for a real estate agent at a tenanted property on the other side of town.

After balancing a tricky access situation and the smell of a nearby compost bin, Martin completed the reglaze of the tenant’s window. Then, a broken glass door panel was the next task.

After assessing the situation, Martin felt a more seamless door repair solution with different glass was needed, so he contacted the real estate agent. Instead of using laminated glass, which would have made the door look a little clunky and not as aesthetically pleasing, he recommended using a thinner, toughened glass for the reglaze (which the agent agreed to proceed with). As toughened glass is made-to-measure (and would need to be ordered and another site visit booked), Martin confirmed the dimensions and then applied sticky plastic film as an interim make-safe solution for the tenant.

“At O'Brien^®, we pride ourselves on being glass experts. So, if I’m at a job and can see a better way to do things, I suggest it to the customer. That way, they can decide what is best for their needs,” Martin explained. “People rely on our expertise and appreciate that we are there to help – and that’s exactly what we do.”

Reflection

As the day drew to a close, Alexis shared, “Martin was extremely professional and knowledgeable about the glazing process. It was a great experience to see how a Glazier handles the jobs that arise from the calls I take directly from customers. A full-circle experience! Knowing what happens at on-site glazing jobs helps me to deliver better service to my customers when they call.”

Then it was a quick farewell, with each parting way to head home. As Martin had pre-stocked his truck with glass for the next day’s appointments, he was ready to begin his day of glazing early!

The O'Brien Glass^® team can make time in our day for you, too!

While no days are alike at O'Brien Glass^®, our commitment to quality home and commercial glazing services and customer service excellence remains consistent.

We’re here to help you with your glazing needs and emergency glass replacement – no matter the situation or time of day. For more information about our services, call us on 1800 719 738 or send us a message to speak with one of our friendly team. You might even have Alexis answer your call too!

The post The Inside Scoop: An Action-Packed Day With A Glazier appeared first on O'Brien.

Well, you might have heard two new voices appear in our latest radio ads that have been running across Sydney and Melbourne recently.  Yes, joining our well-known techs, Nat and Ed, are two new real-life techs, Dorothy and Cam.

Today, we wanted to introduce them both to you and find out a bit more about their experience as our latest radio stars and Auto Technicians here at O'Brien^®.

Dorothy – O'Brien^® AutoGlass Rosebery, NSW

Dorothy has been with O'Brien^® for 3 months now.

She previously worked as a Glazier for her family’s business back in Hungary, but since arriving in Australia 7 years ago, she has mostly worked in hospitality.

After seeing the recruitment ad featuring Nat on TV, she just knew she had to apply for a job at O'Brien^®  – and she hasn’t looked back!

While her role as an Automotive Technician is a little different to what she was doing back in Hungary, she’s really enjoying what she does and still gets to work with glass but this time in vehicles.

“I’m really looking forward to getting some more experience with the glass replacement process in vehicles and learning more about camera recalibration,” Dorothy tells us. “It’s really nice to see that there are so many training courses and safety requirements in place here to help all employees feel comfortable each day.”

Cameron – O'Brien^® AutoGlass Bayswater, VIC

Cameron has been an Automotive Technician at Bayswater for more than 6 years.

He loves getting out and about, working with his hands and interacting with different customers each day. He particularly enjoys installing car door glass and has become quite good at it over his time here at O'Brien^®.

“It’s a pretty good gig working at O'Brien^®. You get the occasional day that can be a bit challenging (like every job I guess), but overall, it’s pretty sweet, the team is great, and I really enjoy it,” says Cam.

So, what do Dorothy and Cam think about their newfound radio stardom?

“I think it’s really cool that our company uses real employees for radio ads. I always thought big companies used paid actors, but for O'Brien^®, it turns out they actually rely on us to help get their messages out there,” Cam explains. “A few mates have already messaged and asked if that’s me on the radio – which is cool.”

At O'Brien^®, we pride ourselves on getting our team members involved in our ad campaigns – and they love it too! Dorothy says, “I feel really respected, valued and appreciated as an O'Brien^® team member.”

While they were initially a bit nervous, both Dorothy and Cam really enjoyed the whole experience.

“I was just working one day, and one of the Marketing team was visiting our branch, and after chatting for a bit, then asked if I wanted to be in a radio ad. I’d never done it before and I was very nervous, but I got a few days to prepare, and it was a great experience,” says Dorothy.

Cam adds, “I was a little nervous, but it was pretty sweet. I was given the questions and was allowed to say wanted I really wanted to say. I’d definitely put my hand up again.”

Dorothy finishes with a few parting words for our readers

“If someone is looking for a career change, I would encourage people, especially women, to get out of their comfort zone and try something new and apply for a job at O'Brien^®.”

So, there you have it!

Are you keen to join the O'Brien^® team?

If this sounds like your kind of thing and you’re interested in working as part of an amazing team, check out the roles we have available at O'Brien Careers today.

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