HANOI: When Melvin and Adeline Brunke started Brunke Glass in 1960, windows in commercial buildings were typically made of plate glass, an uninsulated glass that is usually brittle.
During the peak anti-Vietnam war demonstrations, store windows in downtown Madison were broken almost daily by demonstrators. During that time, Brunke Glass employed 26 people. At that time, large chain retailers weren’t selling home products.
When the war ended, staffing dropped to eight to 10 employees, which is the current level today. As big box stores moved into the area and energy costs increased, the Brunkes had to adapt.
They diversified the business to sell insulated glass, replacement windows, custom mirror applications, decorative glass and custom shower enclosures. The business then started specializing in custom glass and mirrors.
In July 1983, Mark A. Richards and his wife Juliette P. Richards purchased the business from the Brunkes.
Mark, a UW-Platteville graduate, was previously a manager for Wisconsin Power and Light Co. in Prairie du Chien. Juliette graduated from Chicago State University and was an elementary school teacher. Mark, 69, serves as corporate president and Juliette, 64, is corporate secretary.
One of the stipulations of the sale of Brunke Glass was that the business remain family owned.
Two of the Richards’ three children are involved in the business. John, 36, has worked in the business for 20 years. He started in the shop, progressed to an outside glazier and estimator and is transitioning into management. Molly, 39, has worked part time in the office and in sales while also raising a family.
Brunke’s original location was at 4611 W. Beltline Highway. In 1987, the Richardses bought the facility at 6702 Watts Road and remodeled the building to accommodate a 2,500-square-foot office and showroom.
Specializing in residential and small commercial jobs, Brunke offers heavy glass shower doors, custom-cut vanity mirrors and framed mirrors, mirrored wall applications, glass furniture tops, decorative cabinet glass inserts, tempered and laminated safety glass and storm and screen repair.
Customers include builders and remodelers, along with residential and commercial customers from Madison and the surrounding area. Mark Richards explained: “Being a small company allows us the flexibility to provide personal attention to our customers.”
