About Us

Family Effort Fuels 6 Decades of Growth

Success Built Around Quick Customer Service

Leslie Tietsort Jr. was driving a milk route in May 1954, when he sold an old Plymouth for $500 to make a down payment on a small firm called Harbor Glass at NE 8th St. and Walnut Ave.

His wife Bettie joined him in the tiny one-room shop, which had enough room for a cutting table and a desk. His father, who was known as “Red” Tietsort, was a skilled auto glass specialist. He worked without pay for six months as their first employee.

“Everything went back into the business, except for enough to buy groceries and the bare necessities. We could never have made it without Red. He was an experienced glass man and was known all over the city.”

That was the beginning of City Glass, a family firm that is currenlty located in the 14,600-square-foot former Bob Moore auto body shop at 821 NW 5th St. It’s the “biggest, prettiest and best” shop among firms specializing in replacement glass of all kinds in Oklahoma City, said Bettie, but it’s just one result of a remarkable family effort exerted for nearly four decades.

Cinda, their daughter, and her husband, Danny Sullivan, took over the business in 1991.Danny Sullivan is the current owner of City Glass.

Mark, the oldest son who also worked with his parents, eventually took over the firm’s Tulsa shop, which was started in 1988. This shop was later closed as left the glass business to pursue another career choice.
Steven, the second son who also worked with his parents, once operated the family’s Sooner Glass shop in Norman, but he left the glass business and moved to California. The Norman shop was closed in 1983.

In addition, the Tietsorts helped start the City Glass Company shop on 4116 N May Ave., which was operated by their old partner, Harry Townsend. He was one of the first employees when City Glass was starting to grow in the 1950's."

The essence of the family’s success has always been the same; taking care of customers with quick service.

Time Line of City Glass Company

1953
Leslie & Bettie purchased the business of Harbour Glass Co. located at 824 N. Walnut. This only consisted of two rooms. The pattern room was approximately 16 x 24, and the other room was 24 x 30.

1954
They had the opportunity to purchase the property at 911 N. Walnut. One office was about 12 x 20 and the other 20 x 40. At a later date they built onto the back a 24 x 40 room that would hold at least two cars.

1960
Leslie and Harry Townsend became partners in another City Glass Co. at 4116 N. May.

1963

Bought the southwest corner of 8 th and Harvey. It was all one big building. We made a waiting room and offices and the rest was a work area. This property was purchased by Southwestern Bell, torn down and paved for parking in 1980.

1977
We purchased Automotive Glass Co. at 717 NW 6th from George Kerfoot and Earl Mounts. We left the name the same and operated as a wholesale shop only.

1980
City Glass Company moved from 823 N. Harvey street to a new location at 717 N. W. 6th. It was operating as Automotive Glass Co. and changed the name to City Glass Company. The building was 60 x 100 with an upstairs and later we made it a three story building.

1986

We purchased the northeast corner of 6th and Shartel, Armstrong Petroleum, next door to the property on the 6th Street. Later we joined the two buildings and made a plate room.

1991

We purchased property at 821 NW 5 th, where Oklahoma City Glass resides to this day; and sold the property on 6th Street.

2013

Leslie George Tietsort Jr passed away. I greatly owe Leslie for making this company what it is. Knowing Leslie in the 70's and 80's, I saw him work tirelessly. He worked 12 or 15 hours a day, 6 days a week, saving Sunday for his family.

Not an unkind word has ever been said about this great man, many a kind word has been.

Bettie Tietsort, Leslie's wife, resides in Norman. She was beside Leslie most every day at City Glass, until they both retired in 1991, as or more important to the success of this growing business. She is a wonderful woman. To half fill her shoes would be a success.

Cinda Sullivan and daughter, Natalie, reside in Norman. Cinda was instrumental in early day and latter day success of the company. She has the work ethic and honesty of her parents.

Cinda still comes in occasionally to help. We appreciate it.

Ask The Expert

How does my insurance company get billed for glass service?

You, as the insured, will contact your insurance company to report a claim. You will pay us the deductible. We will in turn will bill your insurance for the remaining balance.

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