At the start of 2019 I found myself with a huge decision to make. To continue working as an employee within the garage door industry, or to strike out on my own. After a short time (and after many, many conversations with family and friends, who all said this was not even a question and that they had wondered for a long time why I hadn’t already made the jump) I decided to do just that and set up Laporte Garage Doors.

At 22 I began my journey ‘on the tools’ in the window and door installation sector, working for Everest, Supremo-glaze and Anglian windows before discovering there was an actual Garage door industry. After fitting one or two of the incredible German sectional doors, and very much enjoying the work involved, I decided to look further into the sector and found a local company with whom I gained employment. The people I worked with were not forthcoming in teaching, only allowing me to fetch and carry.

After six years I moved further afield and worked for a garage door firm in Romford. It was here that I learned my real skills. My former employer was a wealth of information having worked for the giant that was ‘PC Henderson’ before starting his own business. He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of garage doors of all brands, thousands of repairs under his belt and went about his business with professionalism and courtesy. For 10+ years I shadowed him and learned the skills that I possess today. It was he who first sent me out on my own, and trusted me with his brand and reputation. I do not think I let him down, especially as he still gives me advice on how I conduct my business.

And so I began my own company, bringing the values I had leaned throughout my career and applying them to my own company. I hope to service the garage door needs of Essex for a long time to come.

I hope to see you very soon.