Exploring Life & Business with Andrey Portnoy of Garage Door Masters KC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrey Portnoy

Hi andrey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Absolutely! Garage Door Masters KC began during a pretty challenging time for me. It was the height of COVID, and like many others, I found myself without a job. I had a truck, a small amount of leftover cash, and a desire to do something for myself. With no prior experience in garage door work, I took a leap of faith. I started buying materials and learning on the fly, mostly through Google, YouTube, and by observing installers I hired. It wasn’t easy—I had to figure everything out on my own, but I was determined to make it work.

Today, the business has grown beyond just me. I now have a small but strong team that includes another employee, Jonathan, as well as a crew of installers. We offer a range of services, mainly garage door repairs and replacements, across the KC Metro area. Our focus is on areas like Olathe, Overland Park, Leawood, and other nearby communities. It’s been an amazing journey, and it’s taught me that with grit and resourcefulness, you can build something from the ground up.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—starting a business rarely is. When I first launched Garage Door Masters KC, I had no experience in the garage door industry. I didn’t have a mentor or anyone guiding me, so I had to learn everything from scratch. That meant long hours watching tutorials, reading up on the industry, and learning from the installers I hired. The early days were especially tough. I had very limited funds, so every decision I made had to count.

Another big challenge was getting the word out. In the beginning, I was doing all the marketing myself, trying to build trust with customers who didn’t know me or the business. On top of that, the pandemic created uncertainty, so there was always that added pressure of making sure the business could survive through tough times.

Managing growth was also a challenge. As more jobs started coming in, it became clear that I couldn’t do everything myself. Hiring and trusting a team to maintain the same standards I set was a learning curve. But I’d say every struggle has taught me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of keeping a strong work ethic.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Garage Door Masters KC?
Garage Door Masters KC specializes in comprehensive garage door services, focusing on repairs, replacements, and upgrades across the Kansas City Metro area. We handle everything from broken torsion and extension springs, worn-out cables, malfunctioning openers, and off-track doors to full garage door replacements. We’re known for quick response times and ensuring our customers are back up and running as soon as possible, whether it’s a simple tune-up or a full door overhaul.

What sets us apart is our hands-on approach and our ability to handle a wide range of repairs. We can fix noisy doors, replace damaged panels, install or repair keyless entry systems, and even upgrade to smart garage door openers that can be controlled via smartphone apps. We work with all major garage door brands and opener systems, so no matter the issue, we’re equipped to handle it.

One of the things I’m most proud of is our reputation for quality and transparency. We don’t just offer a quick fix—we provide long-term solutions. For example, if a garage door needs frequent adjustments or repairs, we look at the entire system, from the track alignment to the opener’s horsepower, to ensure everything is working in harmony. We believe in educating our customers so they can make informed decisions about their garage doors.

At Garage Door Masters KC, we offer more than just services—we offer peace of mind. Our goal is to provide top-notch, long-lasting solutions, whether it’s a full door replacement or troubleshooting a faulty safety sensor. We want readers to know that we are the go-to team for all garage door needs, always prioritizing customer satisfaction and quality workmanship.

We serve clients throughout the KC Metro, primarily focusing on areas like Olathe, Overland Park, Leawood, Shawnee, and more. Our main office is located at 15045 S Alden St., Olathe, KS 66062, and we have an additional location in Roeland Park to better serve our customers. If anyone needs garage door services, they can reach us directly at 913-731-0190.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The COVID-19 crisis taught me a lot, both personally and professionally. One of the biggest lessons was the importance of adaptability. When I lost my job during the pandemic, I had to quickly pivot and start something entirely new—Garage Door Masters KC. That experience reinforced how crucial it is to be resourceful, to keep pushing forward even when the future is uncertain. It’s easy to feel stuck, but sometimes challenging times force you to step out of your comfort zone and take risks.

Another key lesson was the value of building a business that can thrive under unpredictable circumstances. During the pandemic, people were staying home more, and their home improvement needs increased, which worked in our favor. I learned that providing an essential service that people rely on, no matter the external environment, is a huge advantage. It also emphasized the importance of being flexible with customers—whether it was offering contactless service, being sensitive to health concerns, or adjusting to people’s shifting schedules, we had to adapt in every aspect of the business.

Ultimately, COVID taught me that the road to success isn’t always linear. Challenges will come, but if you’re willing to learn, adjust, and stay focused, you can come out stronger on the other side.

Pricing:

• Free service call with purchase of repair
• New 3 Layer Garage Door Installed from $1499 for the entire project
• Residential torsion spring replacements from 150 to 350 a spring + labor

Contact Info:

• Website: https://garagedoormasterskc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garagedoormasterskc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GarageDoorMastersKC/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxeRn3OXj_-dSr7U_U-KtsA
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/garage-door-masters-kc-olathe
• Other: https://www.tumblr.com/garagedoormasterskc