Keeping History Alive, One Piece of Glass at a Time
In a world that moves fast and leans heavily on the disposable, Andrew Menees is building something meant to last for generations. From his stained glass studio, Vitreous Arts dba The Glass Blast, in Bettendorf, IA, he is preserving an art form rooted in craftsmanship, history, and human connection, one handcrafted window at a time.
A Path Shaped by Craft, Faith, and Education
An uncommon mix of experiences has shaped Andrew’s journey to entrepreneurship. With a background in construction, art glass, and a decade spent serving as a teaching missionary in Central America, he developed a deep appreciation for creativity, education, and meaningful work. Those experiences ultimately inspired him to create a business where artistry and purpose could exist side-by-side.
One Studio, Many Purposes
Today, his studio serves many roles within the community. It is a working stained-glass shop, a restoration center for historic windows, a creative design studio, and a classroom where students can learn the heritage craft of stained-glass artisanry. Whether repairing treasured pieces, designing custom artwork, or teaching beginners the fundamentals of the trade, Andrew has built a business centered on preserving beauty while creating opportunity for others.
Why Andrew Chose an SBA 504 Loan
Owning the building where the studio operates became a critical next step in turning that vision into reality. The SBA 504 Loan program made that possible. “The low 10% down payment was a huge benefit,” Andrew shared. “It made purchasing the building achievable and allowed me to move forward with confidence.” He also credits the lending teams involved for making the experience smooth and reassuring throughout the journey. “Everyone who worked with me did a wonderful job,” he said. “When I finally received the approval notice, I felt relieved and incredibly thankful.”
Building Stability, Creating Opportunity
That approval marked more than a business transaction; it created stability for a growing creative enterprise already making an impact locally. Since opening, Andrew has created jobs, expanded access to arts education, and helped preserve historic stained glass pieces that might otherwise have been lost over time. His long-term vision also includes increasing charitable and mission support as the business continues to grow.
The Real Reward: People Over Profit
For Andrew, the most rewarding part of entrepreneurship has not been the growth itself, it has been the people. “Connecting with customers, employees, and students while seeing the business thrive has been incredibly satisfying,” he said. One early milestone already stands out. Shortly after launching, Andrew successfully acquired another stained-glass shop from a retiring owner, helping preserve both the craft and the customer relationships the business had built over decades.
Advice From the Workshop
That people-first mindset also shapes the advice he offers to aspiring entrepreneurs. “Take time to listen and understand before attempting to offer your solution.” It is simple advice, but it reflects the same care and patience that define his work. In every restored window, every class taught, and every relationship built, Andrew is proving that small businesses can do more than generate revenue; they can preserve culture, strengthen communities, and create something meaningful that endures.
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