Western Sydney businessman Chris van Dijk followed his father into the glass trade as a teenager and by age 21 was running his own business.
From those early days in a 65 square metre rented space, he now runs a multi-million dollar commercial glass operation.
I spoke to Chris for our Let’s Talk Business podcast in 2024. In this blog I’ve distilled 10 business lessons from that conversation, which captured Chris’ valuable experience over two decades in business.
1. Start before you feel ready
You don’t need perfect resources or conditions. Start small, learn fast and build as you go.
2. Learn by doing
Hands-on experience builds real confidence and capability far faster than theory alone.
3. Growth requires risk
Playing it safe leads to stagnation. Progress comes from taking calculated, uncomfortable leaps.
4. Resilience is everything
Setbacks – financial, operational or personal – are inevitable. Showing up consistently is what separates winners.
5. Mindset drives outcomes
Shifting from ‘Why me?’ to ‘What can I learn?’ turns challenges into growth opportunities.
6. Confidence builds trust
Be confident in your work because you’ve earned it – but stay grounded and self-aware.
7. Compete on value, not price
Quality, service and reliability create long-term success – cheap pricing doesn’t.
8. Solve problems, don’t just sell
A consultative approach (guiding clients, fixing issues, adding insight) sets you apart from competitors.
9. Build a strong team culture
Treat mistakes as learning opportunities, involve your team and lead from the front.
10. Invest in people and relationships
Great businesses are built on strong teams and partnerships – support their growth and they’ll drive yours.
You can watch our podcast interview on YouTube or listen on your preferred podcast app.
I’ve also included a summarised version of our conversation below.
CVD Glass’s early days
“I followed my dad [into the glass business],” Chris told me.
“He was in the industry for years and had his own business in the ’80s. As a kid, I’d go to work with him – he even made me a jumper with the company logo when I was three or four.
“During school holidays, I worked with him, and in Year 11 I started a traineeship at a window manufacturing company. I was working as fast as the experienced guys, so they brought me on properly – and from there it just took off.
“At that point, I didn’t think I’d end up in this industry. I thought I’d have an office job. But becoming an estimator at 19 changed everything. By 21, I had my own business.”
Starting the business
At 19, Chris had hands-on experience in manufacturing and installing. The only thing left to learn was the estimating software.
He learned quickly – taking plans home, working through them with his dad, and building both technical and practical knowledge.
Within a couple of years, he and his father started their own business. Their first job was a $50,000 project at a golf course.
They had no money and no factory – just a 65sqm rented space.
That small start eventually scaled into a multi-million-dollar operation.
Growth and challenges in a family business
The business grew steadily – from 65sqm to 950sqm over 17 years.
For many years, growth was limited by a conservative approach. Chris’s father preferred sticking to familiar work.
Eventually, Chris pushed for change, recognising that competitors were catching up. It took several years of persistence to shift direction.
When work slowed, they even took on smaller installation jobs just to stay afloat.
That turning point led to winning a $550,000 project, which forced the business to scale quickly.
Taking risks and building resilience
Taking on bigger projects came with fear and pressure.
“I was scared. Bigger factory, more staff, more costs. But it was a choice – stand still and fail, or take the leap and work hard,” Chris recalled.
“Growing up in Western Sydney, I learned you fight for everything. We’d already been through tough times – clients going bust, not getting paid – but we still showed up every day.
“No one’s coming to save you.”
Confidence and mindset
Chris describes his approach as “confident, not cocky”.
“Business has highs and lows. When you’re on a high, expect something to bring you back down.
“I’m confident because I’ve done every part of the job. But I’ve also learned that responsibility drives you – especially when others depend on you.
“Positivity is essential. If you’re not confident in what you do, why would anyone trust you?”
Lessons from family
Chris credits his parents as foundational influences.
From his father: hard work, resilience and discipline. From his mother: organisation, control and attention to detail.
These traits now shape how he runs his business – structured, responsive and quality-driven.
Building a quality-driven business
CVD Commercial Glass isn’t just about manufacturing – it’s about delivering complete solutions.
The business helps clients navigate design, technical specifications and practical constraints – often correcting unrealistic architectural designs.
This consultative approach sets them apart in a competitive market.
Industry challenges
Chris said the industry faces significant challenges:
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limited regulation
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inconsistent standards
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competition from cheaper overseas imports.
Competing through value
Rather than competing on price, CVD focuses on:
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quality workmanship
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fast turnaround times
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strong after-sales support.
Chris introduced a 24-month labour warranty – double the industry standard.
“If something goes wrong, we fix it. No charge. That’s how we stand behind our work.”
Regulation and industry standards
Chris believes stronger regulation would benefit the industry by lifting standards and accountability.
He views the trade as a profession – one that requires skill, training and pride in workmanship.
Team culture and leadership
Chris takes a collaborative, ground-level approach to leadership.
“I’ve done every job in the business. I don’t see myself above anyone,” he said.
“Mistakes are treated as learning opportunities, not failures. This creates a culture of trust and openness.
“Team members are encouraged to raise issues, share ideas and contribute to solutions.”
Hiring and retention
Chris focuses heavily on long-term staff retention.
He avoids rushed hiring decisions and instead builds relationships over time.
At the start of each year, he sits down with every employee to discuss:
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personal goals
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career ambitions
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how the business can support them.
“People don’t just work for money – they want growth and purpose. If you don’t provide that, they’ll find it somewhere else.”
Perspective through personal hardship
A defining moment in Chris’s life was when his daughter spent two and a half years in ICU.
“That changed everything. Life is short. It puts things into perspective.
“During that time, the business suffered significant losses – over half a million dollars. But family came first.”
When his daughter came home, Chris rebuilt the business through sheer effort and determination.
Growth through adversity
Chris described a shift from a “victim mindset” to a “growth mindset”.
“I stopped asking ‘Why me?’ and started asking ‘What is this teaching me?’”
Through personal development and support from family and friends, he developed resilience and clarity.
Small wins along the way helped rebuild momentum.
Energy efficiency and future opportunities
CVD is positioned at the forefront of energy-efficient building solutions.
Chris has undertaken specialised training to model window performance and meet evolving compliance standards.
He now works closely with:
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architects
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builders
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energy consultants.
Often, he helps educate them on what is realistically achievable.
Staying ahead of industry trends
With upcoming regulations requiring higher energy efficiency (such as double glazing), CVD is well prepared.
The company also collaborates closely with suppliers to stay ahead of technological and environmental advancements.
“Suppliers aren’t just suppliers – they’re partners.”
Advice for young entrepreneurs
Chris offers simple but powerful advice:
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Be willing to take risks.
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Choose something you’re passionate about.
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Don’t give up when things get tough.
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Most importantly – start.
“If you don’t start, you’re not going anywhere.”
Most of all, Chris brings energy, passion and consistent drive to his business, and this has been a defining point in the growth and development of CVD Glass as a successful business that is going places.
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