Building a Brand with Vision and Grit: Ryan and Mike of Door King
In a world where trades are often built on reputation alone, Ryan and Mike of Door King are redefining what it means to run a service-based business. In just five months, these two longtime friends and business partners have turned their vision into a growing commercial door company, setting a new standard for quality, professionalism, and heart.
In their recent appearance on Grit Won’t Quit, hosted by Tom of Wingman Planning, Ryan and Mike sat down to share the story behind Door King, a company quickly becoming a go-to name for commercial door installation and repair in New Jersey.
A Partnership Years in the Making
Though Door King is still new, Ryan and Mike’s working relationship goes back decades. Friends since high school, the two have always talked about starting a business together. Ryan, with his background in construction (founder of Morell Construction), and Mike, a mechanic with real estate experience, knew they had complementary strengths. After several false starts and life experiences that taught them discipline and resilience, the timing finally aligned.
Their motivation? A blend of personal growth, entrepreneurial drive, and a shared goal: to build something bigger than themselves.
Why Door King?
The name says it all: they’re aiming to be the kings of the door industry. But what really sets them apart is their mindset.
“We want to offer Royal Service,” Mike said during the episode. “That means using the best parts, being there for our customers at 2 AM if needed, and always doing the job right.”
Their focus is on commercial doors—think warehouses, storefronts, and facilities with high-traffic needs. They also offer garage door services for residential clients, but their niche is firmly rooted in business and industrial spaces. It’s a strategic decision that lets them specialize and scale in a high-demand market.
Lessons from the Early Days
Ryan and Mike are the first to admit they’ve made mistakes in the past. Whether it was launching a company before they were ready or navigating the 2008 real estate crash, every challenge has shaped how they approach business today.
“Back then, we weren’t mature enough,” Ryan shared. “Now we understand the importance of discipline, systems, and branding.”
Mike added, “A lot of people gave us advice based on safety and stability. But unless you’ve built a business yourself, you don’t really understand the grind.”
Building a Brand, Not Just a Business
One thing Door King prioritizes that many small businesses overlook is branding. From their sharp logo (originally drafted using ChatGPT) to a soon-to-be-released brand book, they’re investing in creating a recognizable and consistent image.
As Tom pointed out during the episode, branding is essential not just for standing out now, but for long-term growth, scalability, and even potential exit strategies.
Big Goals, Bigger Vision
Ryan and Mike aren’t content with staying local. Their long-term goal? Becoming a national provider. They’ve already landed vetting opportunities with major corporations like Amazon and are actively seeking service contracts that would require them to scale beyond New Jersey.
They also have their sights set on launching a training facility to educate new technicians using top-tier suppliers like ASSA ABLOY and Von Duprin. The vision includes more than just technical training—Mike dreams of building a strong culture within the company that includes team nights, family inclusion, and personal development.
Introducing: Next Level Alliance
Their drive to build community doesn’t stop at Door King. Ryan and Mike are also launching Next Level Alliance, a networking group for service-based entrepreneurs across trades like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. With plans for virtual meetups, raffles, and business spotlights, the group aims to provide real support and community for small business owners.
“Entrepreneurship is hard,” Mike said. “But it’s easier when you’re not doing it alone.”
What’s Next?
Despite juggling multiple roles and managing rapid growth, Ryan and Mike are staying grounded in their mission: to provide great service, build something lasting, and help others rise along the way.
Whether you’re a facility manager needing reliable door service or a fellow entrepreneur looking for inspiration, the story of Door King is one of resilience, smart strategy, and heart.
Need Commercial Door Service in New Jersey?
Visit 👉 www.doorkingtoday.com
This podcast episode was filmed at Wingman Planning in Belmar.
