Meet Jorge Sandoval, winner of the Auto Glass Technician Olympics (AGTO) Competition, a premier international competition designed to honor the technicians who complete the best auto glass installations.
The 2024 event occurred during Auto Glass Week, held Sept. 19-21 in Orlando, FL. After three previous tries, Sandoval beat 28 competitors to come out on top in 2024. His journey to victory is anything but conventional. His story is one of resilience, hard work and a commitment to excellence and quality craftsmanship.
Sandoval owns KD Auto Glass in Moreno Valley, CA, and is an instructor for Kaizen Glass Solutions. He has spent more than two decades perfecting his skills in the auto glass industry.
From Humble Beginnings to Business Ownership
Sandoval’s story began in 1999 when he moved to the U.S. However, he got fired from his sales position in 2012 and, from there, went full-time into auto glass work. He landed in the auto glass field almost by chance.
"I met a guy doing auto glass work, and we'd replace two to three windshields a day," Sandoval recalled.
Jorge Sandoval.
It wasn't long before he realized most people in the field focused more on profit than quality.
"I knew then that I wanted to be known for doing the job right and hold myself to higher standards than just chasing money," he said.
After honing his skills and gaining experience, Sandoval started his business, KD Auto Glass, in 2018. The business is named after his 10-year-old son, Diego, affectionately known as “King Diego.”
Before establishing KD Auto, Sandoval operated under various names but finally decided to put down roots and build a brand that stood for quality and reliability. “There is a right way to do this job; I wanted my business to reflect that.”
A Champion’s Training Ground
Sandoval’s journey to victory at the Auto Glass Technician Competition wasn’t without its challenges.
“It’s my fourth time competing. The first time, I got second place. The second time, I got third. In West Virginia, I got fourth place. Finally, this time in Orlando, I won first place,” he said.
He said preparation was key to his success. Guided by a former champion and backed by sponsors like Shauna Davis of Kaizen Glass Solutions and DuPont Rep Jaime Mendoza, Sandoval spent an intense month of rigorous study, familiarizing himself with every detail of the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS).
The competition is grueling, requiring competitors to complete complex procedures in a limited time while maintaining high quality and customer service.
Mastering the Competition: Focus and Precision
The Auto Glass Technician Competition tests both technical skills and customer service. Competitors must complete windshield replacements and recalibrations while proctors act as mock customers, posing questions and evaluating responses.
“You have one hour and 20 minutes to do everything,” Sandoval said. “You must log your information and pay attention to time, temperature, humidity and paperwork. You have to answer the proctor’s questions and be friendly, all while staying focused on the task at hand.”
There were 29 competitors this year, and the elimination process lasted for two days. Based on technical execution and knowledge points, the field was narrowed down to four finalists who competed on the final day.
Looking Ahead: Business and Beyond
Winning the competition not only brought Sandoval the $10,000 prize money, which he plans to use for a family vacation, but it also cemented his status as a leader in the industry. KD Auto Glass continues to grow, offering replacement and recalibration services that cater to the increasingly complex needs of modern vehicles.
“The industry is changing rapidly, especially with ADAS. Customers want to go to shops that can do it all, and that’s what we aim to provide,” said Sandoval.
Sandoval advises those aspiring to reach similar heights: “If you really want to win, you have to study the rules and commit to constant improvement. It’s not just about the work you do -- it’s about doing it the right way.”
Leona Scott