Danny calls it a day

It was in 1985, while working at car dealership, that Danny decided Corowa needed a specialised windscreen business. 

“It started with humble beginnings at a shed down the back of Sanger Street for nine years,” Danny said.

“As the business grew, I needed more space, somewhere where I could put busses, coaches and trucks undercover, so I purchased the block on Honour Avenue. 

“It used to be Jim Webb’s Hardware shop. I built a shed over the top of it and pulled the old one down.

“Being close to main street just made sense to me. This was the perfect location because people could drop their car off and walk down the main street, do their shopping, have a coffee and then just wander back.”  

Corowa Windscreens has become an iconic site on Honour Avenue for the last 25 years, with Danny servicing many loyal customers over the years. 

“We grew and grew with the support of the locals of course and the transport industry,” he said.

“We have a fantastic customer base. The communication with customers has been great. You get to know a lot of people over 35 years.” 

As technology evolved over the years, Danny and the team knew they had to stay ahead of the game.

“We had to keep up with the times and the modern vehicle. Over the years we became more specialised in what we do,” he said.

“Technology has changed the game. Every time something new came out we’d buy it. Anything to make the job easier. 

“It was important to keep up with the pace of technology because a lot of dealerships in bigger towns don’t offer what we have, and we are pretty proud of that.”

Other great business changes for Danny included incorporating window tinting into the business. 

“Damien has always done window tinting, as well house and factory tinting which helped diversify the business.” Danny said.

“We also became affiliated with the O’Brien network. That kept us up to pace with technology, accreditations, and kept us specialised. It opened a window to fleet and insurance work and the business is still affiliated with that today. We took on the Iron Man 4x4 dealership for the area which we still specialise in too.” 

In the year 2000, Danny, like so many businesses owners across Australia anxiously welcomed the introduction of the GST. 

“That was a pretty nervous time for any business. It was a big step, but we rode the wave of the GST.” 

There were plenty of challenges on the journey for Danny including global financial crisis and the millennium drought.

“The drought was a tough time to ride through. What kept us going was farmers couldn’t afford to purchase new cars and so they had to fix everything that was old.

“We rode through Covid too. We were probably busier because of it. Staffing was down so it put a bit more of a workload on the rest of us, but we got through it.”

In 2008, Danny met his wife Nan while in Phuket. 

“She moved out here in 2009 and she’s been a big part of the business ever since looking after the accounts and book work. Together we have our daughter Isabella who is six years old. She’s a special part of our business too. 

“Damien, my eldest son, has been an integral part of the business for many years and I have my son Andrew who moved back here four years ago and joined us. 

As Danny and his wife Nan look forward to the next chapter of their life, they extended a heartfelt thanks to the local community.

“I want to acknowledge and thank all the people of Corowa, Rutherglen, Howlong, Urana, Mulwala and surrounding districts for supporting us because without them, this business would never have become what it is.

“I’m stepping down from the role and handing it over to Damien and Mandy. I just want some time out and see what pops up down the track. Damo’s more than capable. He’s been working with the customers for a while now and it’s his turn now.

“It’s been a great ride. I’m looking forward to taking some time off and seeing what happens next.”