In 2026, Quality Glass Block reaches an incredible milestone—50 years in business. To honor this moment, we’re not limiting the celebration to a single day or event. Instead, we’re dedicating the entire year to looking back, reflecting, and sharing the stories that shaped who we are today. From our earliest years to our most recent projects—and even a look toward the future—we invite you to join us on a journey through five decades of craftsmanship, perseverance, and growth.
To begin this celebration, we’re starting where every great story does: at the very beginning.
Ray Tuminello Sr., founder of Quality Glass Block, is a Vietnam War veteran who returned home in 1968 to a country that, like many veterans experienced at the time, did not welcome him back. Finding steady work was difficult, and the transition to civilian life was anything but easy. Eventually, Ray found a job, but it didn’t take long for him to realize it wasn’t the right fit. After years of working outdoors, being confined inside all day simply didn’t sit well with him. He knew he wanted a career that kept him outside, working with his hands.
That turning point came when his uncle introduced him to one of the procreators of the Bricklayers Union in Chicago, Illinois. Ray took up the trade and began his apprenticeship, learning the fundamentals of masonry and construction. Over time, his path led him to glass block where he truly learned the lay of the land in the industry.
Later, while working on a job, Ray witnessed changes being introduced—changes that didn’t align with his values or vision for the work. That experience became a defining moment. Ray realized he didn’t want to work for someone else anymore. He wanted to be his own boss and build something of his own.
He began laying brick for contractors, and in 1976, with determination and a clear vision, Ray started Quality Glass Block—right out of his garage.
A Day in the Life
The early days were long, demanding, and deeply hands-on. Ray’s mornings started at 6 a.m. with a cup of coffee before heading straight into the garage. His days followed a steady rhythm—mixing mortar, building rails, and preparing for the work ahead. The rails were flat metal lines used to build glass block windows vertically, much like laying brick, just without the opening.
When he began producing glass block windows, the process became a true family effort. Ray would carefully build the windows, while his wife, Mary, struck the joints by hand. As the work evolved, so did the process—eventually, the windows were prebuilt horizontally and then transported to be installed on-site. Once the windows were ready, Ray would head into the field to install them, often spending the entire day on the job.
But the work didn’t stop there. After returning home from installations, Ray would clean the windows he had made earlier that morning. Only then would he go inside to have dinner. And after dinner? It was back out again—this time to give estimates and connect with new potential customers.
These days were long and exhausting, but they laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Looking Ahead
Those early years were just the beginning of what has become a 50+ year journey for Quality Glass Block—a journey made possible by hard work, long nights, and taking on challenging projects head-on. As we celebrate this milestone throughout the year, we’re excited to share more stories from our past and reflect on how far we’ve come.
We Want to Hear From You
While this journey wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our employees, it also wouldn’t exist without you—our customers. Your projects, creativity, and trust have been an essential part of our story. Throughout this anniversary year, we’d love to share your experiences and inspiration using Quality Glass Block products.
Please take a moment to fill out our Google Form and help us continue celebrating 50 years—together.
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