About

About Us

Established in 1925, Independent Class has been a trusted name in Chattanooga for nearly a century. Our company began as Independent Paint and Glass, evolving over time to meet the changing needs of our community while upholding our deep commitment to craftsmanship, reliability, and customer service.

Our Journey

Founded in 1922 and incorporated in 1925, Independent Glass has deep roots in Chattanooga's history. in 1960, John Kidwell began his journey with Independent Paint and Glass. After serving honorably in the U.S. Navy, John returned in 1971, becoming a cornerstone of the business through his dedication and leadership.

In the early 1980s, John and his wife Doris assumed ownership, guiding the company through a period of transformation. With the departure of longtime employee Mary Crimmins—well-known for her design expertise—the company narrowed its focus and transitioned from paint and glass services, eventually becoming Independent Glass. 

A New Chapter

Following the passing of John Kidwell in 2021, leadership of Independent Glass remained in the family. In the spring of 2024, John and Eric Rimer—grandsons of John and Doris—proudly purchased the company from their grandmother, continuing the legacy into its third generation.

John now services as CEO and Eric as COO, bringing a fresh perspective rooted in family tradition. Their goal is to use their generational advantage to bring cutting-edge efficiency and service to an industry often slow to evolve.

Our Team and Capabilities

The Independent Glass team is led by experienced professionals committed to quality. Spencer Schoolfield now serves as our Lead Installation Technician, while Walt Hall has taken on the role of Estimator and handles most of our on-site measuring.

We specialize in custom shower enclosures and have expanded our offerings to include frameless glass handrails. With the recent addition of a CNC cutting table, we now offer in-house glass and mirror fabrication with enhanced precision and faster turnaround times.

Our Commitment

At Independent Glass, we combine tradition and innovation to deliver outstanding results. Our full-time, insured installers ensure every project is handled with professionalism and care. With over 75 years of combined industry experience, we are proud to carry on a family legacy built on trust, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

We look forward to serving Chattanooga and the surrounding areas for generations to come.