This interview is with Craig Focht, Cofounder & CEO at All Pro Door Repair.

Craig Focht, Cofounder & CEO, All Pro Door Repair

Craig, can you tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a home improvement expert? What sparked your passion for this field?

I’ve been in the construction industry for a while now, and over the years, I’ve built up experience in a bunch of different areas—everything from sales and team-building to management, leadership, and marketing. As a co-owner, I’ve had the chance to really dig into the business-development side of things, which has been a big part of my career. I actually graduated from The Colony High School, and since then, I’ve just kept pushing forward, learning more, and refining my skills in this field. It’s been a great journey, and I’m always looking for new ways to grow.

What are some of the biggest challenges and rewards you've encountered throughout your career in home improvement?

Among the largest has been staying ahead of technology advancements and customer needs. It is as if once you are done with one, another comes along, and it’s all over again. And you also have to deal with a team; everyone is on the same page. Everything needs to be top-notch, which is kind of like trying to balance things while you’re biking.

But I must say, the payoffs are more immense than the obstacles. When you finally see a project completed with all that sweat on your shoulders—and you get to show off a finished room to someone who’s simply overwhelmed with the results. And for me, personally, developing a business from scratch, seeing how people’s lives are changed because of what you do, it’s just super rewarding. That’s what all the bad days are worth, and why I keep going, always looking to grow and innovate our work.

You've mentioned the importance of balancing safety and aesthetics in home renovation. Can you share an example of a project where you successfully incorporated safety features without compromising the overall design?

This business is really an art of mixing safety and aesthetics. For instance, we were tasked with making a garage door as safe as possible and beautiful as part of a bigger house-improvement project. The homeowners were looking for something simple and clean, but not over-the-top safety sensors. So, we opted for a garage door that included safety sensors that were almost invisible to the naked eye, keeping the door clean. They were made of strong, solid material and were modern-looking, fitting right in with the rest of the house. The design not only accomplished the safety needs required, but it also gave a clean look to the door, showing how safety can be elegantly balanced in our trade.

In your experience, what are some common misconceptions homeowners have about home improvement projects, and how do you address them?

A big one is that people think these are going to be easy, inexpensive projects. Yeah, you can forget how complicated that small thing can get. In the case of garage doors, for example, some people will believe it’s as simple as hanging some hardware and calling it a day. But it is more than that — for instance, getting it aligned, secure, and on-style with the rest of the house. What we do to combat that is really educate our customers. During the design phase, we lay out the project scope, what, if anything, might go wrong. Just be realistic about what to expect, and keep things up and front of mind along the way. So there are no gimmicks, homeowners feel more involved and informed on the job being done, which always results in a better outcome.

Many business owners are also homeowners. What advice would you give to fellow entrepreneurs looking to improve their own homes while managing their businesses?

If I could offer a piece of advice to other entrepreneurs, my number one tip is to prepare for everything. Consider it like project management in your enterprise. Split the house-makeover up into manageable pieces, set realistic timelines, and allow a little bit more time and money than you think you’ll need. Creating as few interruptions to your life at home and at work as possible.

Now, here’s a garage-door trick for the rest of you: prioritize improvements not just for appearance but also for usability and efficiency. For instance, switching to a high-quality garage-door opener will increase curb appeal if you’ve ever hosted guests, as well as security and efficiency that saves you hours and months of hassle and expense down the road. Think more in terms of outcomes rather than just the short-term impact.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in all aspects of business. How do you incorporate sustainable practices into your home improvement projects?

When it comes to home improvements—and specifically garage doors—using sustainable methods is not only sustainable for the environment but also financially sound for homeowners. We take a lot of interest in purchasing environmentally friendly materials. We use recycled or sustainably-harvested wood for our wooden garage doors, for example, and insulation options that are more environmentally friendly and more energy-efficient. And that is just about the materials—we also consider the longevity and sustainability of the products we put in place. Why put in something you are going to be replacing or fixing over and over? That’s bad for your wallet and for the world. We, therefore, endorse products with longer lifespans and higher energy efficiency. Homeowners could save energy and the environment in this way. Smarter decisions that save our clients and the planet in the long run.

Technology is rapidly changing the way we live and work. What are some of the most exciting technological advancements you're seeing in the home improvement industry?

The home improvement tech sector is really exploding, and it’s pretty exciting to be a part of! For example, the new smart home system is a game-changer in my field (carpet doors). Doors you can open from your phone, from anywhere. So you could live half a world away and still be able to open or close your garage door, check that it’s locked, and get notified if something goes wrong. It’s about enabling homeowners to relax and do their work. The materials themselves are another awesome breakthrough. This trend toward things that are harder and stronger and smarter. Consider doors that change their insulation value when you’re outside in order to manage your home’s climate better. It’s this type of pairing between functionality and intelligence that is utterly changing the way we perceive the realm of potential in the home. It’s not merely better looks but smarter functioning, which makes it amazing to me.

Looking ahead, what trends do you see shaping the future of home improvement, and how can business owners stay ahead of the curve?

What I am noticing more is the demand for customization and personalization. Homeowners do not want generic solutions but ones tailored for the person and their life. This, then, in our world of garage doors, would mean providing more custom options—such as doors designed with the house style or panels that can be customized and equipped with smart security. This individualism can make a company truly stand out in the marketplace.

Now, on to something more technical, I think AR is going to be changing the game for home improvement. Consider an app that enables buyers to get a virtual preview of a new garage door before purchase. Businesses can take advantage of AR technologies, and the customers will be happier and more engaged in their decision-making process. Staying on top of this field is about adopting these creative technologies and going beyond traditional compulsions.

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring home improvement professionals just starting their careers?

If I could share one piece of advice for anyone just starting out with home renovations, it’s to start with building relationships from the very beginning. A specialty like garage door services, for example, relies heavily on trust and referrals. Keep not just delivering work but engaging with your customers, listening to them, and exceeding their expectations. That personalization will bring you referrals and loyalty, which is the currency of this business. My other key piece of advice is to never stop learning. We are never done—new stuff, new technology, new customer services. Stay on top of the latest news, attend conferences, if needed, earn certifications, maybe even find a mentor. Keeping up with the times also helps you become a better contractor, and therefore an asset to your customers. This kind of commitment to your work and your client relationships will differentiate you from the others.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Balance is key. Running a business, especially something as demanding as home improvement and repair, can really take over your life if you let it. Finding that balance between work and personal time is crucial. It keeps you sharp, motivated, and honestly, it makes you better at your job because you're not running on empty. I encourage everyone in the industry to take that seriously—work hard, but don’t forget to recharge and spend time with loved ones. It makes all the difference.