Glass Inc. celebrated its 20th anniversary Friday with a patriotic outdoor celebration.

The Meridian-based company was founded by Robert Smith, who said an outdoor bash was the best way to bring people together, considering the company has other offices in Gulfport and Foley, Alabama.

“We’re bringing all the employees here from other branches and all of our customers and people that have been associated with us for the last 20 years,” said Smith. “They’re coming here for one big celebration.”

“20 years is a pretty big milestone,” he added. “This is hopefully just our first 20.”

Smith, along with several others, left their work with a different glass company to work at a budding Glass Inc.

The business, which opened its corporate office in 1999 on Grand Avenue in Meridian, specializes in commercial and residential glass and glazing systems. Their work can be seen everywhere from Meridian City Hall to the Beau Rivage Casino and Resort in Biloxi.

“Glass Incorporated opened on July 5, 1999 with seven people who had originally come from Mississippi Paint and Glass,” said Kristen Smith, the company’s communications and public relations coordinator and Robert Smith’s daughter. “All of them came over when my dad decided to open Glass Inc., and all those seven people are here with us today.”

Jack Combest, one of Glass Inc.’s employees, said he’s enjoyed his 13 years with the company.

“I always say my boss likes to fish, hunt and play golf,” said Combest. “He hired me on the driving range one day. He’s a good guy to work for, got a good company and there’s a lot of good people here.”

“We’re patriotic, we just want to support the United States and the company and have a good time,” he added.

Cody Crane has been working on the same job sites with Glass Inc. for 20 years and says there is a “noticeable difference” in how the company does business. 

“There’s a noticeable difference how Glass Inc. makes everyone else’s job a lot easier,” said Crane. “They’re a team player.”

As for the future, Kristen Smith says she and her brothers plan to take over the family business once their father decides to retire. Plans to expand are also in the works. 

“Our next step is probably to open up a Memphis office in the next three to five years,” she said.