We're proud to share that JRD Windshield Repair & Replacement was featured in AGRR Magazine's Summer 2026 issue. The article, titled "The Lone Star Shift" by Tom Herron, examines how population growth, advancing vehicle technology, and changing customer expectations are reshaping the auto glass industry across Central Texas.
AGRR (Auto Glass Repair & Replacement) Magazine is the largest trade publication in the auto glass industry, read by thousands of professionals nationwide. Being profiled alongside the broader trends shaping our market is a milestone that reflects the work we've put in over the past 17 years.
For our customers, though, the article highlights something more practical: what makes a good auto glass shop in 2026 is very different from what it was even five years ago. Here's a look at the key themes from the article and what they mean for you.
The ADAS Factor: Why Your Windshield Is Smarter Than You Think
If you've bought or leased a car made in the last few years, there's a good chance it has a forward-facing camera mounted behind the windshield. That camera is part of your vehicle's Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS), which powers features like lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and collision avoidance.
Here's the thing most people don't realize: when your windshield gets replaced, that camera needs to be recalibrated. It's not optional. Without calibration, your safety systems may not work correctly, which means features you're counting on in an emergency could be misaligned by just enough to matter.
"Customers value their time, and they want a turnkey solution. We can't tell them, 'I don't know when your car will be ready.'" — Jeremy Driscoll, Owner, JRD Windshield Repair & Replacement
The AGRR article specifically discussed how JRD handles ADAS calibration in-house rather than outsourcing it to a third party. Why does that matter? When a shop outsources calibration, your car sits waiting for a mobile calibration tech to show up, which can add a day or more to the job. By performing calibration on-site, we're able to return your vehicle the same day in most cases, with the confidence that the work was done under our roof by our team.
Why Austin's Auto Glass Market Is Different
Central Texas has been one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country for the better part of two decades. More people means more cars, more highway miles, and more rock chips from construction trucks on I-35 and MoPac.
"Relative to the rest of the country, the auto glass market in Central Texas is strong. It's been growing since 2009, and it doesn't show any signs of slowing down." — Jeremy Driscoll, as quoted in AGRR Magazine
But growth also means more auto glass companies competing for your business, and not all of them invest in the equipment, training, or customer experience that a proper windshield replacement demands. That's especially true now that ADAS calibration is part of the equation. A shop that doesn't calibrate, or subcontracts it out with no control over timing, is leaving a gap in the service.
Earning Trust, Not Just Quoting Prices
One of the themes that ran throughout the AGRR article was the shift in how customers make decisions about auto glass. It's no longer just about price. With cameras, sensors, and safety systems built into the windshield, customers want to know the work will be done right.
"We have to earn their trust. Price becomes secondary because they want it done right." — Jeremy Driscoll, AGRR Magazine
At JRD, that means taking the time to explain what's involved. When you call us for a quote, we walk you through the process: what glass your vehicle uses, whether ADAS calibration is needed, what the timeline looks like, and what's covered under warranty. We've found that when customers understand the full picture, they make better decisions, and they appreciate a shop that doesn't cut corners.
"We're not just providing quotes anymore. We're helping customers understand their options so they can make informed decisions. When people understand what's involved, doing the job right matters more than the lowest price." — Jeremy Driscoll, AGRR Magazine
Does Your Vehicle Need ADAS Calibration?
If your car has lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, or a forward-facing camera behind the windshield, the answer is almost certainly yes. Not sure? Get a free quote and we'll check your vehicle's specs for you.
17 Years and Counting
JRD has been serving the Austin and Round Rock area since 2009. In that time, we've watched the industry change dramatically. Cars got smarter. Windshields went from simple glass to sensor-embedded safety components. Customer expectations evolved from "just fix it" to "fix it right and explain what you're doing."
We've grown alongside those changes. We invested in ADAS calibration equipment early. We trained our installers to nationally certified standards. And we built a business around doing the job right the first time, because in auto glass, a poor installation isn't just an inconvenience; it's a safety issue.
Being recognized by AGRR Magazine is a validation of that approach. But what matters most to us is the next customer who calls, and making sure they get the same quality and transparency that earned us this recognition in the first place.
Read the Full Article
You can read "The Lone Star Shift" by Tom Herron on AGRR Magazine's website, or visit our press page for highlights and key quotes from the feature.
If you need a windshield repair, replacement, or ADAS calibration in the Austin area, get your free quote or call us at (512) 809-3282. We're here Monday through Friday, and available 24/7 by phone, email, and text.