KELLOGG – For six decades and across three generations, Shoshone Glass and the Sawyer family have been serving the Silver Valley. 

In June, the company celebrated its 60th anniversary – The first major milestone for third-generation owners Chris and Jodi Sawyer, just one month shy of their one-year anniversary as owners. 

Chris and Jodi are the son and daughter-in-law of Kerry and Lori Sawyer, who ran the business from 1996 to 2024 after purchasing it from Kerry’s parents, Bill and Sandy Sawyer. 

“Taking over a family-owned business can feel like stepping into expectations, emotions, and a whole lot of responsibility,” Jodi said. “It’s not just a business move; it was a very personal and emotional transition. Bill and Kerry had the bar already set very high providing for our customers, employees, and our own family. Making them proud is always there in the back of Chris’ mind.” 

Shoshone Glass is one of the businesses synonymous with the city of Kellogg, and why wouldn’t it be? Sixty years is a long time to do anything in one place. But the company has kept pace with the times, adapting with technology and technique, while adding the right mix of new products and services to its repertoire. 

When it comes to glass, Shoshone checks every box, offering commercial and residential windows, interior and exterior doors, shower, screen and storm doors, automotive glass repair and replacement, as well as custom cuts and installation of acrylic, poly, laminated and mirror glass. 

Most people will tell you they don’t want to work with their spouse, but Chris and Jodi have two generations of examples showing how to make it work and even thrive. 

“At first, I thought it would be too much, but Chris is my best friend, so it's been pretty easy,” Jodi said. 

“The flexibility gives us time to be with our kids at their functions and support their sports and activities,” Chris added. “Watching it evolve and grow into ours while providing a future for our own children to be involved in it has been so rewarding.” 

During Kerry and Lori’s tenure, Shoshone Glass became one of the biggest supporters of community events, activities and all things Kellogg High School — an emphasis Chris and Jodi have continued. 

Groups like Wildcats Live, Silver Valley Kiwanis, NRA, Silver Hoops, Comancheros, Silver Valley Fuller Center, and many youth sports and KHS activities have all benefited from the Sawyer family’s generosity. 

“We have tried to keep supporting the same way Lori and Kerry did,” Jodi said. “We do consider all donations that come in and welcome different clubs and organizations to ask.” 

Sixty years is a long time, but when you’re as successful and active as the owners of Shoshone Glass have been, it can feel like the blink of an eye. 

“We appreciate our community and all who support our little local shop,” Chris said. “Without them, Shoshone Glass wouldn’t be where it is today. We also appreciate all the hard work our employees do daily. We have full trust in them, and when we are gone, they have everything handled for us. We have a great group here to work with.” 

Shoshone Glass is located at 132 W. Cameron Ave. in Kellogg, Idaho. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment or consultation, stop by or call (208) 783-1159.  

This story was originally featured in the September edition of the North Idaho Business Journal.