We had the good fortune of connecting with Van Brophy and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Van, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always been an independent person, and the idea of owning my own company has appealed to me for quite some time. From a young age, I learned the value of hands-on work and self-sufficiency. I’ve found fulfillment in the resourcefulness of independently tackling home improvement projects, my own car repairs, and crafting custom furniture for my family and friends. With these skills in mind, I embarked on a journey to find a career that incorporated them, offering an alternative to the monotony that is often married to a 9-to-5 routine.
That’s when I discovered the garage door industry. I rode along with experienced technicians who truly knew their trade, and I was instantly hooked. I dedicated five years to honing my craft working for a larger company, learning about different business structures and what structure I liked and what structure I did not like to work under.
As I contemplated the next chapter in my life and career, I realized it was time to transition from being an employee to steering my own ship. I anticipated hurdles and roadblocks on the path to running a business, but I was equally certain that there was no challenge I couldn’t conquer and no obstacle too large to deter me from pursuing my goals.
So, I embarked on this new adventure, fueled by the knowledge that my success is now entirely in my own hands. This sense of autonomy is incredibly empowering; I’m no longer bound by the decisions and motivations of others. I have the confidence that I can create something exceptional—an environment that genuinely values both customers and employees. My goal is to build a business that makes my friends and family proud of all the hard work I’ve put in. I’m filled with optimism and excitement about the growth that lies ahead, and I couldn’t be happier with the path I’ve chosen.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
One of the foundational principles guiding my business is a firm belief in the immense power of personal referrals. I aspire to build a business that embodies the traditional values that are reminiscent of the time before algorithms and social media’s sway over today’s consumer landscape. As someone who has at times needed to call for assistance with repair and maintenance needs within my own household, I deeply appreciate the trust required when welcoming someone into your home. I empathize with the stress and apprehension that many individuals feel when seeking the most skilled and reliable tradesman to care for their property, which is often their most significant and cherished investment. Rather than relying on deep pockets to secure top spots on Google, my goal is to create such outstanding experiences for my customers that my business can thrive primarily through organic growth and word-of-mouth recommendations.
My years working with a large company defined within myself the opportunity for a future where I could create more personalized customer experiences that were securely rooted in ethical service and quality workmanship. Seeing an opportunity to create something that both reflected my own ideals and dedication, and also brought me great pride at the end of the day became the driving purpose for establishing Ridgeline Garage Door Company.
I feel both responsibility and pride in my role of overseeing each customer interaction from beginning to end, all while working in a field that directly caters to the needs of my local community. Typically, when clients reach out, it’s because their garage doors are causing inconveniences in their lives. I take satisfaction in promptly addressing these issues, ensuring they can carry on with their day-to-day activities. It’s surprising how often I find myself at a customer’s home just before they depart for a vacation or business trip. Meeting many wonderful people, I gain a sense of fulfillment in leaving their homes free of the hassles that prompted their initial call.
Rather than opting for quick fixes or shortcuts, my goal is to provide my customers with the most reliable, robust, and durable solutions. I also aspire for my company to serve as a valuable resource, offering tools that enable customers to identify signs of wear and tear, spot potential hazards before they escalate, and proactively maintain their garage door equipment. I strive to achieve this not only through in-person interactions but also by creating comprehensive video content that shares insights and educates homeowners.
At Ridgeline Garage Door Company, our services encompass everything from repairs, routine maintenance, motor repairs and replacements, to complete garage door installations. We also offer emergency services to address customers’ urgent needs. What sets us apart are two unique offerings: our garage door staining service and our garage security consultations. Our staining service provides an alternative to full replacement and can transform standard steel garage doors into warm and distinctive wood-look doors. Through security consultations, I aim to partner with customers to inform them about various security features that can enhance and fortify their garages, ultimately securing their homes.
My true passion lies in delivering quality workmanship and providing exceptional service to my customers. I am committed to building a business that is remembered for the quality it delivers. There is immense satisfaction in knowing that through honest work I’ve been able to serve my neighbors and community.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d fuel our weeklong adventure with some great local coffee from Amped in Anthem and enjoy the cool morning on the patio. Then, I might have to take them to check out a couple of my favorite local aquarium stores like Tropical Treasures or Kona Reef. For an enjoyable afternoon, we’d explore all that Cave Creek had to offer and savor some tasty burgers at Local Jonny’s. For a fun day trip, we’d head up to Fossil Creek for nature exploration and a refreshing swim, all while basking in the beautiful landscape. On the way back, we might indulge in some delicious sweet and sour chicken from Shanghai Club, and don’t let me kid you, ordering the entrée is mostly an excuse to have their famous crab rangoon appetizer. The culinary journey would continue throughout the week with stops at Pappadeaux for soft shell crab and grilled catfish, and a visit to Iron Chef for the best sushi selection around. We’d cap off the week with a stop at The Olive Mill in Queen Creek, where we’d relish pizza and gelato, explore their olive oil tour, and then enjoy an evening in the beautiful grove while listening to some live music. If we were lucky, my wife might even be performing.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so much gratitude knowing that I currently possess all the support I could ever ask for through my family. My wife has dedicated significant time and effort to various aspects of my business, including building and managing my website, designing my logo, creating marketing materials, and establishing our social media presence.
My confidence and assurance in myself I owe to my father who has always encouraged me and given me the foundation to build and succeed from my earliest years. Many of the skills I have acquired are directly a result of his guidance and careful attention to turn me into the man I have come to be.
My mother has been a tremendous source of inspiration. Over the past several years, I’ve witnessed her grow and develop her successful real estate investment and property development business. She possesses a sharp business acumen, a keen eye for interior design, and impressive contracting skills. She fearlessly tackles challenges and consistently delivers the highest quality work. Her newfound passion for a career unlike any she’s had before, along with the fulfillment she finds in transforming neglected houses into beautiful homes for future buyers, has been truly inspiring. What’s more, she’s driven to share her knowledge and help others grow and achieve similar success.The love and support I feel daily is the foundation that I will be able to stand on and develop for years to come.
Website: www.ridgelinegarage.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridgelinegaragedoorcompany/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RidgelineDoorCo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ridgelinegaragedoorcompany
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ridgeline-garage-door-company-scottsdale
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ridgeline+garage+door+company
Other: next door : https://nextdoor.com/pages/ridgeline-garage-door-company-scottsdale-az/?init_source=search_autocomplete