I started SiOx Glass in 1987, but
before that time I held many positions in different
industries that helped give me the skills needed to run a
business and work with glass. Beginning at age fifteen, I
started working at my father's car dealership, washing
cars and sweeping the parking lot. He taught me the value
of hard work! When my father sold the company in 1981, I
began several years of working in different career fields,
including construction, trucking, remolding, and building
maintenance.
In 1987, I acquired an old ceramic
kiln and molds from a tenant who left them behind in
storage. I had no idea what to do with it, but I was
interested in making glass. Harriet Anderson's Powered
Enamels in Glass taught me what I need to know to get
started. In the summer of 1987, I had a great experience
at our first art show at Spencerport Canal Days. From then
until 2005, I continued to work full-time, while making
glass and doing art shows part-time. At that time, my work
with the real estate investor ended when he sold his
portfolio. Sensing a great opportunity to expand, my wife
and I made the decision to continue SiOx full-time.
SiOx has developed a wonderful line
of functional and decorative art glass, including flat
wear, vases, and candle vases - beautiful pieces for all
occasions. In 2007, I developed a new line of art glass
for SiOx customers: interchangeable glass flowers, with a
design that allows the customer to change flowers from a
simple garden flower to a custom-made tabletop flower pot.
They also fit perfectly into beautiful wall units made
with copper stems and leaves. What makes the product
unique is the variety of colors and styles available.
Currently, we offer two styles and twenty-two different
colors! We are always trying to expand our assortment to
meet the needs of our customers. SiOx also makes a line of
larger interchangeable flowers that are displayed by
hand-twisted steel rods. These are available in different
styles and colors as well. Additionally, the flowers can
all be left outside year-round, creating a bright spot in
any garden even on the darkest of winter days! Our flowers
are enjoyed by customers all across the United States, and
we now have flowers on 6 continents and in 23 countries.
SiOx is truly a family business; my
wife and two children work with me all summer, from
setting up the shows, creating new ideas and helping with
whatever needs to get done. We would like to thank our
great customers for their support over the years and new
customers to come!
Look for us coming to a show near
you!
|