Flagstaff Featured Business: Holbie’s Glass
The Flagstaff Region Featured Business is a monthly newspaper and web feature presented in partnership by Flagstaff County and The Community Press.
Holbie’s Glass
5532 51 Ave (Highway 13), Killam
780-385-3664
Holbie’s Glass opened October 1, 1997. Looking back on nearly a quarter century of doing business in the Flagstaff Region, husband-and-wife owners Darrin and Cheryl Holben can’t help but feel grateful to a loyal customer base that extends beyond the county’s borders.
“Holbie’s Glass is extremely thankful and would not still be here if it wasn’t for all our loyal and repeat customers from all over Flagstaff County and beyond, touching Beaver County and Paintearth, as well,” says Cheryl.
In 1997, the Holbens bought out an existing glass shop in which Darrin had been employed for the previous 13 years.
“In saying that, I have been a glazier in the glass industry for 36 years – all within Flagstaff County,” Darrin explains.
Located at Highway 13 and 51 Avenue on Killam’s west side, Holbie’s is known for its personal touch, attention to detail and community involvement.
The mom-and-pop operation does residential and commercial windows and doors on new builds, as well as renovation projects.
They stock flat glass in varying thickness depending on your needs; single-pane windows, screen doors, table tops and picture frames are just a few examples.
Safety glass, consisting of two pieces of glass laminated together similar to a windshield, is available at Holbie’s tinted or clear. It is used primarily for heavy equipment, such as tractors, backhoes and sprayers.
Holbie’s also stocks sheets of mirror for a variety of purposes, including table centrepieces and even old barn window projects.
Holbie’s replaces automotive glass (windshields, side and back windows) in all types of vehicles. They also sell overhead doors and automotive accessories, including floor mats, hitches, running boards, box covers and headlights.
“Pretty much anything for any vehicle or RV,” Darrin adds.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lexan, also known as plexiglass, has been a hot commodity over the past year for businesses in need of protective barriers for their customer service areas.
“Usually, we sell maybe four or five sheets a year,” Cheryl says. “This last year, we’ve sold upwards of 75 sheets of Lexan cut to size for each customer.”
Holbie’s also provides a 24-hour on-call service for emergency situations.
“If there’s a break-and-enter or vandalism or something like that, we go out to whatever site it happened at and work on replacing any damage to the broken doors, windows, or whatever,” Cheryl adds.
Asked to describe Holbie’s in one word, Cheryl doesn’t hesitate to respond. “Committed,” she says. “We’re committed to our family, our friends, our customers, and Flagstaff County. Darrin originally grew up in Galahad. I grew up north of Strome. We’ve been here for many, many years. I won’t say how many, but we have a true family and community feeling.”
Indeed, that commitment extends to the community. Holbie’s supports RAP (the Registered Apprenticeship Program), the FIRST Supper and Auction, the Caravan, the Red Serge Ball, the Hospital Foundation, and various 4-H clubs, School fundraisers, church auctions, daycare programs, and local hockey programs.
“Support local and shop local,” Cheryl says. “We truly believe that there is very little that you cannot attain within Flagstaff County.
“The more we all support Flagstaff County, the more we can see our community and county grow and become more viable and successful in the future.”
Also check out the feature in the April 7 edition of The Community Press – available for digital purchase anytime. Never miss an issue, become a SUBSCRIBER today!
Also, check out the 2021 Agriculture Section
The Flagstaff Region Featured Business is a monthly newspaper and web feature presented in partnership by Flagstaff County and The Community Press. For more information, contact Jenalee Waring, Economic Development Coordinator, at 780-384-4152.
