36-year old Lewis Roden has become the fourth-generation owner and director of Scotland’s longest established glazing business, following his parents’ official step-away from the leadership team.
Galashiels-based Mitchell Glass, which was established in 1875 by Robert Mitchell, is said to be a local community heavyweight in the Scottish borders with a ‘firm reputation’ for ‘excellent customer service’. As former chairman of GGF Scotland, Peter Roden and his wife Susan, who have run the installation business since 1993, have officially passed the baton to their son Lewis. Peter will go on to enjoy his official retirement and Susan will continue with the business on a limited part-time basis
With his sights set on introducing new technologies and software to improve efficiency, Lewis says he has been learning every element of the trade since joining the family business in 1999 to ensure its continued and ongoing success.
“I’m thrilled to be officially taking on the challenge of steering Mitchell Glass through the next phase of its exceptional history,” he said. “The company has seen its fair share of drama in its 145 years, and the past three months in COVID lockdown has been no exception!
“But the strength and sustainability of our brand values always sees us emerge from each challenge stronger than ever.
“The market is telling us there’s still a huge demand for our products and there is plenty of scope to further build on the solid foundation of our family business for decades to come.”
In 2011, Mitchell Glass became the first Scottish retailer to join the Conservatory Outlet Network and has been a contributor to its independent installer community ever since. Having taken the opportunity to recently congratulate the CO team in a show of support for its positive influence during lockdown, Lewis says he remains ‘extremely close’ to his key supplier.
Lewis’s father Peter, who was also presented with the GGF’s ‘Outstanding Service to the Industry’ Award in June 2019, continued: “Susan and I couldn’t be more pleased for Lewis, officially taking the reins. We will, of course, be there in the background to support him any time he needs us, but we have every confidence in Lewis’s ability and entrepreneurial spirit that will ensure he leads the business to the next exciting chapter in its history”.
Greg Kane, CEO at Conservatory Outlet, concluded: “Lewis is one of the most hard-working, knowledgeable and influential members of our installer network and we couldn’t be more delighted for him. We’ll do everything we can to support the future success of such a fantastic business.
“Mitchell Glass has been built by young innovators since its inception and continues to grow stronger than ever.”
