In this episode of Lifted, I sit down with Matt Kuehlhorn, founder of Kooler Garage Doors in Grand Junction, Colorado — one of the most forward-thinking and brand-driven garage door companies in the country.
Matt didn’t start in garage doors. In fact, he went from outdoor education to painting houses to a one page contract that ultimately sparked the birth of Kooler. Today, he runs a rapidly growing company known for its culture, branding, and operational discipline.
This conversation is packed with insights owners rarely talk about publicly.
We cover:
• How Matt turned a small mountain town opportunity into a scalable company
• Why he chose a brandable name and built the business with an exit in mind
• The mindset behind building culture, rituals, and an apprenticeship model
• How to deliver an experience that customers feel at every touchpoint
• Why replacing a door is often better for the customer than repairing one
• The role of TV ads, PPC, and LSAs in a mid sized market
• When to invest in CRMs like ServiceTitan and new tech like virtual ride along tools
• Why pricing correctly and learning financial literacy changes everything
• How small operators can still compete — and win — in today’s fast moving market
Matt brings a level of honesty and strategic thinking that you don’t often hear in the garage door world. If you’re looking for practical ideas, inspiration, or a model to follow as you grow, this is an episode you’ll want to bookmark.