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2025 Family Biz Awards: 2. Advanced Performance Glass Inc.

Advanced Performance Glass Inc. is a family-owned commercial glazing company specializing in the full building envelope design and installation. APG has a metal panel division — miscellaneous steel, brake metal custom stainless steel — and provides insulation/sheathing to create a one-stop shop for exterior facades. 

The company serves projects ranging from retail shops to universities and medical office buildings, with a recent expansion into residential apartments.

Tell us a bit about your recent accomplishments.

Gary Rooke: The company continues to grow, recently expanding into more service work positioning us to support clients not only during construction, but long after. 

In 2017, APG moved from a 14,000-square-foot building to a new 44,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility housed with CNC machines, which allows us to make custom components in-house, creating efficiency and shorter lead times.  

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In 2025, the family launched Rooke Rentals LLC, led by a son, Jaime, who has built a loyal following in the aerial equipment rental industry.

Click here to see the rest of the 2025 Family Business Award Honorees

What are your family values, and how do they contribute to your business success?

Gary Rooke: My family values — integrity, hard work and respect — guide my leadership and help build lasting relationships. These values foster trust and success in everything I do.  

Working alongside my wife Elaine, my son Jeremy and my brother-in-law Chris, who share these principles, brings both personal and professional rewards (and some great dinner conversations!).

How do you see your business changing in the next five years?

Gary Rooke: I see the glazing industry embracing more technology, deepening community involvement, and adapting to changing workforce changes.  

Staying flexible, innovative and people-focused will be crucial to our success. With the growing demand for security glass, we have a real opportunity to help protect our community and give people peace of mind. 

Do you have a business succession plan?

Gary Rooke: Yes, I plan to retire in August 2026. We have had a succession plan in place to ensure a smooth transition. Our team is experienced, dedicated and committed to exceeding customer expectations while maintaining a workplace culture where people genuinely enjoy coming to work every day. 

Click here to see the rest of the 2025 Family Business Award Honorees

Advanced Performance Glass Inc.

HQ: East Hartford

Industry: Construction

Year Founded & Founder: 1986 by Gary Rooke (Gary Rooke Subcontracting); incorporated in 1987 as Advanced Performance Glass Inc.

Family Members Currently Employed: Gary Rooke, President; Elaine M. Rooke, CFO/Treasurer; Jeremy Rooke, Vice President; and, Christopher Gagne, Asst. Project Manager

Generation Currently Running the Company: 1st and 2nd

FULL-TIME Employees: 48

Part-Time Employees: 2

Website: www.advancedperformanceglass.com