Garage door industry magazine for garage door dealers, garage door manufacturers, garage door distributors, garage door installers, loading docks, garage door operators and openers, gates, and tools for the door industry.
Issue link: https://idoi.epubxp.com/i/255259
V O L U M E 4 7 I S S U E 1 2 0 1 4 23 DOORDEALERDIALOG "I got a lot out of meeting with people at those meetings," Jim said. "I found that when you talk to people at these events, they aren't afraid to talk to you. Even if you are a competitor, we are all interested in fnding ways of doing things better, and just because it helps me doesn't mean it will hurt them. Now, there are times I send people to my competitors, if I think they can help them more than I can." As Jim became a reliable participant in NWDOA meetings, he was asked to take on a position of responsibility. He was elected Secretary of the group, which meant one of his tasks was to schedule speakers for the group's meetings. He sought the counsel of wife, Linda, by asking her what types of programs would make her want to go to a meeting. This led to further involvement by both Jim and Linda, and he would eventually be elected President of the organization. He is now on his second round as President, and Linda is the Executive Secretary, responsible for the day-to-day management of the Association. Locally, the two are among the small community's most generous, particularly when it comes to their time. Linda was an offcer in the Seaside schools' Parent Teacher Organization for 25 years, and she and Jim have provided countless hours of volunteer assistance to other volunteer groups. A quick tour of their warehouse reveals a small furniture restoration operation, which began as a single item that Linda agreed to clean up and re-sell to raise money for a local school sports program. That led to more furniture donations, and now, both Jim and Linda have an ongoing inventory of used furniture coming into their shop for restoration and re-selling. All the proceeds continue to go to the school's sports program. The family business also includes Juan Lira, 26, Linda's son from a previous marriage, and Abigail, 19, who works in the offce. Juan, an aspiring musician at one point, determined he could see the value in a steady job. Although he still plays in a local band, he sees himself as a door professional frst. Younger sister Sabrina, at age 13, is likely to be involved within a few more years, and she spends time in the offce when she's not in school. "The family business atmosphere is what makes us tick," said Linda Anderson. "Our kids have grown up in the business and been involved in our community activities and association work. It's really what our family is all about. We are together, we run a good business, and at the same time, Continued on page 24 Juan Lira is always ready to greet walk-in customers in the front lobby of the company's headquarters in Seaside, Oregon. (continued from page 20) 1/24/14 10:50 AM