Transforming a Family-Owned Business into a Thriving Enterprise: The Story of Souliotes Garage Doors & Gates

January 06, 2025 at 11:09 AM EST

Souliotes Garage Doors & Gates is a residential and commercial specialty subcontractor based in San Diego, offering customers high-quality garage doors and gates. With a commitment to delivering tailored solutions for each client, the company has become a trusted name in both home and business security solutions. What makes Souliotes truly stand out is its unique showroom, one of the few of its kind in the area, where residential clients can view full-sized garage doors and customize their perfect design.

From Design to Business Ownership

The journey of Souliotes Garage Doors & Gates began in 2019 when Emily and her husband, who had a background in house renovations and construction, decided to purchase the business. Although their initial foray into the garage door industry was uncharted territory for Emily, she brought valuable experience from her background in design and business management. With her expertise in operations and her husband’s strengths in sales and business strategy, the couple successfully navigated the challenges of taking over an established company.

The company, originally focused on residential garage doors, has since expanded its services to include gates and commercial solutions, a move driven by customer demand and market opportunity.

Building on a Solid Foundation

One of the couple’s key decisions was to prioritize continuity when selecting the business to purchase. Their focus was on acquiring a company with a long history of success, one that had already weathered various economic cycles. Souliotes Garage Doors & Gates is set to celebrate its 80th anniversary next year, making it a cornerstone of the San Diego business community. The company’s longevity and solid customer base provided a foundation for Emily and her husband to expand the business into new areas, including the addition of gates and commercial services.

Emily’s background in operations and people management proved to be invaluable in shaping the company’s internal structure. By focusing on employee satisfaction, customer service, and maintaining high standards across the board, the couple has created a thriving business that stands out in the competitive garage door industry.

Expanding Services to Meet Customer Needs

What started as a company offering only garage doors soon saw opportunities to expand its offerings. Clients were asking for gates that complemented their garage doors, prompting the business to add gate services to their portfolio. This move allowed Souliotes Garage Doors & Gates to offer a seamless design experience for residential and commercial clients who wanted their property’s access points to match in both style and functionality.

In addition to residential services, the company now caters to commercial clients, providing robust solutions for larger-scale needs such as automated gates for apartment complexes, retail spaces, and high-security areas. The company’s ability to adapt to changing customer demands has been a key factor in its success.

Leveraging Technology to Enhance Customer Experience

In today’s world, automation and smart home technology are increasingly integrated into home improvement projects, and Souliotes Garage Doors & Gates is at the forefront of this trend. Most of the garage doors the company installs come equipped with smart technology that allows homeowners to control their doors remotely via smartphone apps. This level of convenience is increasingly seen as a must-have for many clients, particularly those with rental properties or commercial spaces that require secure, remote access for multiple users.

The company has also seen an uptick in demand for security-focused technology, particularly among commercial clients who need to ensure smooth operations at all times. From high-end residential estates with multiple gates to commercial properties with high-security requirements, Souliotes has the expertise to integrate advanced technology into their products and services, enhancing the security and functionality of their clients’ spaces.

Building Connections in the Business Community

As a woman-owned business, Souliotes Garage Doors & Gates understands the value of support and community. Emily has actively sought to build connections with other women business owners, recognizing the importance of collaborative networks in driving success. As a new member of the WBEC-West (Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West), Emily has found inspiration in hearing from other entrepreneurs and exchanging ideas with those who share similar goals.

The connections made through organizations like WBEC-West have already proven to be beneficial, not only for the company’s growth but also for personal development. Emily’s involvement in local initiatives, including her work with the Boys & Girls Club in San Diego, reflects her commitment to giving back to the community that has supported her business.

Looking Toward the Future

Souliotes Garage Doors & Gates is continuing to grow and expand. The couple is focused on strengthening their presence in the San Diego commercial market, seeking out new opportunities to partner with businesses in need of reliable, secure access solutions. By staying committed to their core values and maintaining a flexible approach to business, Emily and her husband are positioning Souliotes Garage Doors & Gates for continued success for years to come. Their story proves that with the right balance of passion, expertise, and community support, any business can thrive—no matter how unexpected the industry may seem at first glance. To hear Emily Souliotes’ full journey on Women in Motion, click here https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/radford-doors-and-gates/ and visit her website at https://radfordgaragedoor.com/.

About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)

WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.

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Transforming a Family-Owned Business into a Thriving Enterprise: The Story of Souliotes Garage Doors & Gates

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