Gabe and Renee Peace, the owners of ProLift Garage Doors of Salem in Salem, Oregon, have turned their personal and professional experiences into a business that serves the local community. With a dedication to quality service and community involvement, they make certain that every garage door they install, repair or maintain meets the highest standards.
Gabe had a steady job working for a company for over 15 years until the COVID-19 pandemic led to his permanent layoff. Approaching his 50th birthday, Gabe found himself at a crossroads, not wanting to return to the corporate world where employees are often just numbers. “I just didn’t want to go back to work for a big corporation,” Gabe shared. This situation led him to explore small business ownership and franchising.
For about nine months, Gabe and Renee researched different franchise opportunities. Gabe’s extensive background in construction and management was a perfect fit for many options, but it took time to find the right one. Initially, Renee was interested in a kitchen remodeling franchise, but it didn’t feel right. Gabe, being a “garage guy” who spent much of his free time working in his garage, found himself drawn to the idea of a garage door business. After much deliberation and prayer, they decided to move forward with ProLift Garage Doors.
Starting a business during the pandemic wasn’t easy, but Gabe and Renee were committed. They launched ProLift Garage Doors of Salem on October 25, 2021, during the on-going COVID-19 restrictions. Despite the challenges, they persisted, driven by their desire to offer a valuable service to their community.
Initially, the team was small, consisting of Gabe, Renee, and their technician, Dakota. They have experienced fluctuations in staffing, but their core team remains dedicated to providing top-notch service. “We’ve adopted Dakota like family,” Renee said, highlighting the close-knit nature of their business.
Services Offered
ProLift Garage Doors specializes in residential garage door and opener repairs and replacements. Their services include:
- Repairing and replacing garage doors and openers.
- Installing garage doors for new construction projects.
- Offering maintenance services to ensure garage doors function smoothly.
While their primary focus is on residential services, they are also expanding into commercial work. They provide services for storage units, which experience heavy use and require frequent maintenance. Additionally, they have begun servicing box trucks with roll-up doors, addressing a niche market with specific needs.
Importance of Regular Garage Door Maintenance
One of the key messages Gabe and Renee emphasize is the importance of regular garage door maintenance. “The more that I’ve learned, the more that I’ve seen it, it’s really opened my eyes to how dangerous the springs are,” Gabe explained. He noted that garage doors are the largest moving part of a house, and they are over your head, your car, your kids and your pets, therefore requiring regular upkeep to guarantee safety and functionality.
Regular maintenance tasks include:
- Lubricating all moving parts, especially the springs.
- Inspecting cables for fraying and ensuring they are securely attached.
- Checking the alignment of the rollers and tracks.
“Safety is huge,” Gabe emphasized, recounting his own experience with a severe hand injury in a previous job. He and his team educate their customers on how to perform basic maintenance tasks, offering a $90 maintenance service for those who prefer professional help. Renee added, “If you use your garage door like a front door, you should maintain it at least twice a year.”
Neglecting maintenance can lead to serious issues, such as broken springs or cables, which can cause the door to slam down unexpectedly, potentially injuring someone or damaging property. Gabe shared a story about a customer who kept using their garage door despite a broken spring, which eventually led to significant damage and the need for a complete door replacement.
Gabe and Renee have deep roots in the Salem community. Renee has lived in Salem her entire life, and Gabe moved to Oregon from California in the third grade. They appreciate Salem’s small-town atmosphere and the friendly, tight-knit community. “I’ve always liked the idea that it’s kind of like a city, but it’s not like Portland,” Gabe said.
They’ve always liked the aspects of Salem with the different things to do like exploring local bike trails. Gabe and Renee especially like going downtown and walking around to see if there are any new locally owned restaurants. One of their favorite spots is Los Toreros, a family-owned Mexican restaurant where they have formed a close friendship with the owners.
Gabe and Renee are passionate about giving back to the local community. Gabe dreams of one day providing free garage doors to veterans or others in need. “For the last two and a half years, I’ve wanted to get to where we can do that,” Gabe said.
Even without a formal program, they often help those in need. Gabe recalled a late-night service call to help a teacher’s assistant in Woodburn whose garage door opener broke, and she couldn’t open her garage door. The woman lived in a neighborhood where she didn’t feel safe leaving her car outside. Despite the late hour and distance, Gabe and Renee went to her home and showed her how to manually open the door. Gabe also installed a couple handles to make the door easier and safer to lift and put a slide lock on for added security enabling her to lock the door from the inside. They not only went the extra mile, but also didn’t charge her for the service, valuing her safety over a service fee.
ProLift Garage Doors of Salem is more than just a business for Gabe and Renee Peace. It’s a way to connect with their community, offer valuable services, and help those in need. Their dedication to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction sets them apart in the Salem and surrounding area.
If you’re in need of garage door installation, repair or maintenance, consider ProLift Garage Doors of Salem. Their commitment to service and community ensures you’ll receive the best care for your home. For more information or to schedule a free estimate, visit their website or give them a call today.
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