Safelite technician takes second in worldwide competition

Columbus, Ohio-based Safelite AutoGlass vehicle glass technician and Columbus-area resident Mark Jackson has placed second in the international 2010 Best of Belron, a competition that chooses the best technician from 12,000 vehicle glass technicians throughout the world, according to a June 11 release.

Begun in 2000, by Safelite’s parent company Belron S.A., Best of Belron is a competition designed to demonstrate the company’s commitment to safety, quality and efficiency in vehicle glass repair and replacement. This year’s competition took place on June 9 and 10 at La Grande Hall de la Villette in Paris, featuring national champions from 27 countries competing for the title of best Belron technician in the world.

Jackson earned $5,000 Euros ($6,048) and a trophy for his performance in the international competition. Safelite AutoGlass will present Jackson with an additional matching cash prize and induct him into the Safelite AutoGlass Ring of Honor, a distinction awarded to all previous U.S. national champions. He will receive a Best of Belron ring and be enlisted in a special hall of fame that will allow him to be part of all future Best of Belron competitions held in the United States.

“While all 27 competitors were champions in their own right, we were extremely fortunate to have Mark representing us,” said Tom Feeney, Safelite president and CEO, in the release. “Though competition was fierce, Mark did what we expected, which was to excel.”

Jackson joined Safelite AutoGlass in 2005. He works as a mobile technician, providing customers with on-site vehicle glass repair and replacement services. He spent the months prior to the competition managing an intense training schedule while continuing to service customers in the field.

“This has been an awesome experience," Jackson said in the release. "Best of Belron is something that would never be duplicated at any other company. The opportunity to be recognized and rewarded in such a spectacular manner means a lot to me and says a lot about our commitment to quality. While all of the prizes are great, the biggest honor for me is the title. I don’t know that I can put the meaning of being number two of 12,000 technicians worldwide into words. It’s an incredible honor. I’m proud of our company and all of the people who supported me in getting here.”

Jackson’s sentiments were echoed by Safelite® Solutions key client partner Steve DiBiagio, senior vice president of strategic alliances for PHH Arval. “This is what business should be,” DiBiagio said in the release. “It’s so genuine, authentic and positive. This is not about glass. This is about action, this is about pride. This is just about doing it the right way with the right people and getting fantastic results. I am so proud to be a partner of Safelite. I am proud to work with a company of this caliber and people of this caliber.” Feeney agreed. “The Best of Belron experience is overwhelmingly positive. It reinforces the importance of our technicians and the work that they do. Mark is one of 4,000 Safelite technicians, but truly, his performance is representative of them all. The focus on quality, the use of new tools, efficiency and expertise demonstrated was phenomenal. We are extremely proud of him.”