Quick Fix

It's happened to almost every driver, whether on a leisurely road trip or a daily commute: A passing truck hurls bits of gravel at your windshield, and before you know it, a tiny nick becomes a foot-long crack. But a source of annoyance for drivers is a source of income for The Glass Mechanix licensees, who repair cracked windshields at a price that's easy on the pocketbook.

Equipped with repair supplies manufactured by The Glass Mechanix, you can make repairs for car dealers, car rental agencies, truck companies and fleet accounts. "Even when economic times are hard, this type of business is going to do well because people are always looking to save money," says Lex Confessore, general manager of The Glass Mechanix.

Start-up costs range from $1,200 for a windshield and plate-glass kit to $3,700 for the deluxe system, which includes supplies for windshield, plate glass, headlight, taillight, cloth and velour repair, and scratch removal. Licensees receive an instructional video and manual; the deluxe system also includes a three-day training course in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, including airfare and hotel accommodations.

For more information, call (800) 826-8523.