Wayne Montano has former President Ronald Reagan to thank for getting him into the glass repair business.

Montano, 50, was one of more than 11,000 air traffic controllers fired by Reagan after an industry-wide strike in August 1981. Looking for work, he ran into local glass repairer Jim Eberhardt.

Montano decided shortly after that meeting to enter the business. He spent two and a half years learning the craft from Eberhardt and then took over the business from his mentor.

Today, the Phelan resident travels to antiques shops and shows throughout Southern California, repairing glass bowls, glasses and pitchers.

Known by many as the "glass doctor," Montano recently spent the weekend of Aug. 17 to 19 at Ontario Antiques 203 W. B St., fixing about 110 pieces brought in by private individuals and glass collectors from the Inland Valley and beyond. Montano plan to return to the store in January.

Glass dealer Jay Byrne, 50, drove from Tujunga to have Montano work on some pieces. Bryne appreciates his attention to detail.

"You can't tell when it been repaired,"he said.