Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chris Tyrrell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Chris, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

Owning a business has been both the best and worst thing I’ve ever done—it just depends on the day. I never set out to start my own business, but I saw an opportunity, took it, and have been learning ever since. For me, fulfillment comes from within, so whether I’m a business owner or an employee, my contentment and joy aren’t tied solely to my role or circumstances.

That said, I’ve definitely thought about what it might be like to go back to being an employee. There’s a lot to admire about it—reduced stress, consistent income, and knowing that someone else ultimately shoulders the final responsibility. But owning a business has its unique advantages, like the freedom to build something meaningful, make an impact, and even navigate your own schedule.

Last year was one of those seasons where I felt the weight of business ownership. We faced significant challenges—employee turnover, unexpected vehicle failures, and a dip in revenue that forced some tough decisions. Each of these issues came with its own set of headaches, whether it was finding and training new team members, managing repairs and downtime, or strategizing how to stabilize our financials while keeping our values intact.

In moments like that, it’s easy to daydream about the simplicity of a steady 9-to-5 job. But when I step back, I see the bigger picture. Those challenges, as stressful as they are, also bring opportunities to grow as a leader and refine the business. They remind me why I chose this path—to create something that not only supports my family but also impacts my team, my customers, and my community.

Ultimately, I’ve come to realize that the path of business ownership is about embracing both the highs and the lows. The ability to overcome setbacks, celebrate wins, and see the tangible results of hard work is deeply fulfilling. For me, it’s not about the easy route; it’s about the one that aligns with my purpose and values.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I first got into the garage door industry through a friend of a friend back in January 2015. At the time, it was a part-time gig while I was working on my graduate degree. I had no intention of making it my long-term career, let alone starting my own business. But a couple of years later, an unexpected opportunity to start my own company came up, and I decided to take the leap. I didn’t grow up dreaming of owning a business, but this journey has been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life. It’s allowed me to build something meaningful that not only supports my family but also makes a positive impact on the community I care so deeply about.

My company, Chris’ Garage Doors, specializes in garage door services—from installations to repairs and maintenance. We help customers solve issues like broken springs, malfunctioning openers, and doors that just won’t function as they should. More than that, we work to ensure our clients have a safe, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing garage door that enhances their home. Over the years, we’ve introduced service packages to help customers maintain their doors more effectively, giving them peace of mind that their investment is well taken care of.

What sets us apart—and what I’m most proud of—is our company’s vision: Making Colorado a better place to live by valuing people as our highest commodity, doing the best possible work, and giving generously back to the community.

This vision is at the heart of everything we do. It’s about more than fixing garage doors; it’s about creating a ripple effect of positivity. Whether that’s by treating our customers with integrity, supporting our employees’ growth, or partnering with local organizations to give back, we strive to make an impact that goes far beyond our day-to-day operations.

I firmly believe that every business has the potential—and the responsibility—to be a force for good. It’s not just about making a profit; it’s about using your platform to create a positive impact on everyone involved. That belief has shaped the way we approach our work and fuels our desire to constantly improve.

One thing I want people to know about Chris’ Garage Doors is that we’re not just about getting the job done; we’re about doing it right, with care and integrity. Our customers aren’t just transactions—they’re people with homes and families, and we take that responsibility seriously. I’m proud of the relationships we’ve built, the trust we’ve earned, and the team we’ve assembled to carry out this mission.

Lastly, I’m proud that our company was recently honored with the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics. That recognition means a lot because it reflects our commitment to doing business the right way, even when no one is watching.

If there’s one thing I want people to take away, it’s that we’re not just fixing garage doors—we’re working to make lives a little better, one service call at a time.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Starting my business was undoubtedly the biggest pivot I’ve made in my life. At the time, I had just graduated from Denver Seminary with a Master of Divinity and was working part-time at a church. My focus was on ministry, and I assumed my career would remain within that space.

Initially, the opportunity to start a business felt like a practical side venture—something I could run on the side while continuing with my other work. But as the business grew, it naturally transitioned into my full-time focus. It was during this time, as I became more involved in the day-to-day operations, that I gained a deeper understanding of what this opportunity truly meant. I realized that my company wasn’t separate from my calling—it was my ministry.

Through this business, I’ve been able to live out my values in a tangible way: serving others with integrity, providing meaningful work for my team, and positively impacting the community we’re a part of. It’s been a vehicle for living out my purpose in ways I never anticipated, from supporting local organizations to creating a workplace culture built on care and respect.

This pivot taught me that ministry isn’t confined to a specific role or title. It’s about using your skills and opportunities to make a difference, wherever you are. What started as a side project turned into a platform for something much bigger—helping people, creating value, and making Colorado a better place to live.

Looking back, I’m grateful I took that leap of faith. It’s a reminder that sometimes life takes us in directions we don’t expect, but those pivots often hold the greatest potential for growth and impact.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building my reputation in the market has been a combination of intentional networking, a strong focus on core values, and a deep commitment to community engagement.

One of the most impactful steps I took was getting involved with the local business community. I joined organizations like the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce and the South Metro Denver Realtor Association, which connected me with other business professionals and community leaders. These relationships allowed me to build trust and rapport while demonstrating the quality and dependability of my work. Word-of-mouth referrals from these trusted connections were instrumental in helping my business grow and become established in the area.

In addition to professional networks, my commitment to giving back also helped strengthen our reputation. Through various giving initiatives, I became deeply involved with the local nonprofit community. This involvement not only allowed me to contribute to causes I care about but also showed that our company is about more than just profit—we’re committed to making a positive difference.

Our reputation has also been built on the foundation of strong core values that guide every aspect of how we do business:

Quality
Delivering top-notch work is at the heart of what we do. Every project is handled with precision and care, using high-grade materials and expert craftsmanship to ensure long-lasting results.

Integrity
Honesty and transparency are non-negotiables for us. From clear communication to ethical business practices, we prioritize integrity in every interaction and decision we make.

Kindness
We treat every client, colleague, and community partner with empathy and respect. Kindness is more than a value—it’s a cultural standard we uphold daily.

Dependability
Our clients count on us, and we take that responsibility seriously. We’re committed to being reliable, meeting deadlines, and delivering on our promises every single time.

Community
Giving back isn’t just something we do—it’s part of who we are. Whether it’s supporting local nonprofits, partnering with community initiatives, or fostering a positive workplace culture, we strive to create meaningful connections and make Colorado a better place to live.

What’s helped the most in building our reputation is that we don’t just talk about these values—we live them out in every interaction and project. Whether it’s showing up for a customer in need, delivering quality work, or investing in our community, we’ve built a brand people can trust and depend on.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://chrisgaragedoors.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisgaragedoors/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coloradogarage
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chris-garage-doors/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chrisgaragedoors

Image Credits

Silver Sparrow Photography (Headshot)