Our Story
About Southern Garage Doors
2013
2013: The Beginning of Excellence
Southern Garage Doors Inc. represents more than a business venture; it embodies a tale of perseverance, passion, and unwavering dedication to quality service. Our roots run deep in family values and a longstanding connection to the Sarasota community. Established in 2013 by Ronald Knepp, our inception was built on a foundation of extensive experience in the construction industry and a commitment to delivering superior garage door services.
Ronald Knepp's journey began in the 1980s when he relocated from Indiana to Sarasota, eventually meeting his wife and integrating into the community. In 1994, the couple moved to western Pennsylvania to launch a successful pole building company. It was there that Ronald's entrepreneurial spirit truly flourished, expanding the business to include garage door services, underscoring his dedication to craftsmanship and customer service.
After years of success in Pennsylvania, Ronald and his wife felt the pull of Florida, returning on a full-time basis in 2011. During the transition phase from 2009 to 2011, they skillfully balanced their time between Pennsylvania and Florida, laying the groundwork for the establishment of Southern Garage Doors Inc.
In 2013, Ronald capitalized on his expertise and entrepreneurial zeal by founding Southern Garage Doors Inc. His mission was to provide unparalleled service to the homeowners and businesses of Sarasota. During the nascent stages of the company, Ronald was joined by his son, Matthew, working diligently alongside his father. The photograph above captures Ron and Matthew with their first service truck, symbolizing their collective commitment and the family-oriented values that continue to drive our company.
2016
2019: Handing Over the Baton
In 2019, Matthew ascended to the presidency of Southern Garage Doors Inc., inspired by the entrepreneurial journey he witnessed throughout his upbringing. Matthew's leadership progression is a natural evolution, fueled by a shared commitment to excellence, efficiency, and outstanding customer service.
Continuing to build upon the firm foundation laid by Ronald, Matthew has seamlessly integrated into his leadership role while his father remains an invaluable presence on our board of advisors, sharing his wisdom and experience.
Matthew's expertise extends well beyond the garage door industry, with over a decade of experience and a continuous pursuit of knowledge. Matthew holds the credentials of a licensed garage door contractor in Sarasota (#SGD-36) and Manatee (#MC00001), as well as a licensed real estate sales agent in Florida.
Under Matthew’s capable leadership, Southern Garage Doors Inc. steadfastly prioritizes quality, efficiency, and impeccable service. Matthew’s genuine passion for innovation and customer satisfaction propels the company forward, ensuring every client interaction reflects professionalism and unparalleled expertise. Combined with the core values of integrity and dedication instilled by Ronald, Southern Garage Doors Inc. remains a leader in the industry, committed to delivering the highest quality service.
2022
2025: Embracing the Present
At Southern Garage Doors Inc., we firmly believe in harnessing the power of the present moment. Each customer interaction presents an opportunity to leave a lasting impact. Our team of professional residential garage door and opener technicians is dedicated not just to exceptional service, but to exceeding expectations, ensuring a positive experience for every customer.
Our experts embody core values of integrity, stewardship, service, and fairness in every aspect of our work. Each garage door repair, installation, or maintenance underscores these principles and strengthens the trust we aim to build with our clients.
Approaching each task with humility, we recognize the privilege of accessing our customers' homes and businesses, which carries with it a responsibility to execute with professionalism and respect. We ensure our customers feel heard, valued, and understood throughout the entire process.
Deeply rooted in the Sarasota and Manatee communities, we actively give back through local organizations, charitable causes, and community initiatives. We cherish the collaborative spirit, understanding that working together can significantly and positively influence the lives of others.
We remain committed to keeping pace with the industry's latest trends and technological advancements, continually investing in the training and education of our team. By embracing innovation, we provide the most cutting-edge solutions for our customers' garage door needs.
Above all, our commitment to exceptional service drives us. We're grateful for the opportunity to deliver reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solutions tailored to each customer's unique needs. Recognizing that our success is intertwined with customer satisfaction, we're dedicated to surpassing realistic expectations.
As we continue our journey, we invite you to experience the distinction of Southern Garage Doors Inc. together. Let's harness the power of the present moment to create a lasting impact on our community, one garage door at a time.
We handle large and small Garage Door repairs with the same commitment to excellence. When you need Garage Door repairs, we understand that you need service right away to protect your home and family. Whether you need a new garage door opener, garage door spring, or have any other Garage Door need, we are ready to serve you.
Solutions Tailored To Your Needs
We understand that in most cases it is far more affordable to fix a garage door than to replace it, so we work hard to provide affordable maintenance through inspections and garage door repairs, rather than pressuring you for new garage door installation before it is necessary. We can replace your broken Garage Door Spring or Garage Door opener in a matter of hours, providing you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your family and your property are safe.