NRG Window & Screen owner repairing homeowners’ outlook

Greg Eaton has been a busy man the past three weeks.

Hurricanes Gustav and Ike may have taken a toll on some residents, but the storms were great for Eaton’s window repair business.

NRG Window & Screen has been serving the Tri-parishes for 30 years.

“I did not want to work offshore forever,” Eaton said. “I had a friend who started working in the business and he asked if he wanted to partner with him. We joined the partnership and have been doing well ever since.”

The business started out as Energy Saving Window Company. Then it changed to NRG Windows and Screens some time later.

NRG specializes in installing windows in homes, businesses and marine boats. At one time, NRG installed storm shutters and garage doors.

The company manufactures single-pane windows onsite. All other products are imported from suppliers in New Orleans, Dallas and Birmingham, Ala.

When Eaton first started repairing windows, he had to learn the business from scratch. There were no technical classes to learn how to properly install windows. Everything was learned on the job through apprenticeships.

“We learned on the job. We would measure the frame and then import the window and screening that fit,” he said.

In 1980, after the oil field business plummeted, Eaton decided to strike out on his own. His partner opted to go into installing garage doors full-time. Eaton hung with the window and screen side of the business, becoming the sole owner of NRG.

Not much has changed since then. Eaton said the services and products are essentially the same. Technology has improved, however. Insulated glass has improved the durability and energy savings of the lines he carries.

“The process we go through has not changed drastically, but the way windows are made has gotten better,” he said. “Now we have a glass window that is supposed to be energy efficient.”

Owning a business hasn’t always been easy. He said the company operated on a “shoe-string” budget in the early years. But as Eaton honed his skills as a window installer, he has watched NRG grow.

“We have gotten a steady base of customers and a lot of referrals. I can say that we are known as a service company and we give full service to our customers,” he said, “Right now, if you look at it, the amount of money that was spent to buy into this business does not compare to the buy-in cost of most businesses today.”

Gustav and Ike has kept NRG’s staff working double-time serving storm victims.

NRG services Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Mary and Jefferson parishes. Since the storms, Eaton’s client base has increased drastically. He went from an average of 10 customers a day to 25-30.

“People have to have estimates right away because they are filing it on their insurance or with FEMA,” he said. “Then, the work has to be done quickly because they need to secure their homes and businesses. But, you can’t always get the job done right away. The process takes time.”

“We’re busy all the time. We really didn’t need a storm to come to increase our customer base,” Eaton added. “Our aim is just to help our customers get their homes and lives back to normal.”

Greg Eaton has been repairing and installing windows and screens for 30 years. His company, NRG Window & Screen LLC, serves Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary and Jefferson parishes. * Photo by SOPHIA RUFFIN