After 25 years working in body shops, JJ Maes decided it was time to build something of his own.
Maes launched 11 Bravo Mobile Auto Glass in 2018 after moving to Arizona with his family. The business initially offered a variety of automotive services before pivoting to auto glass during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The change proved to be the right move.
“It frees up time to spend with my family,” Maes told American Veterans Magazine.
Owning his own business has allowed him to create a schedule that includes school field trips, camping trips and other milestones with his youngest son, moments he said he missed while raising his older children.
Outside of repairing windshields, Maes said he enjoys helping customers understand their importance.
“It’s more than just keeping rocks and bugs out of your face,” he said. “It’s an actual structural part of the vehicle.”
The business name also carries personal significance. “11 Bravo” is the U.S. Army military occupational specialty for infantry, a nod to Maes’ military service.
Although he said the name wasn’t his first choice because he prefers to stay humble about his time in the Army, it ultimately became a tribute to that chapter of his life.
“It’s an accomplishment to be a business owner,” Maes said.
