Hi I’m Caelum Kong and I am interested in automatic doors because it is my favorite hobby. I am fascinated by automatic doors and how they work. Perhaps in the future, I might want to be an automatic door technician.

For my ADL assignment, I connected with the local business called Activated Automatic Doors Systems Ltd. They are located at: #14-2330 Tyner Street in Port Coquitlam in BC.

Business Profile

Website: Activated Doors

Activated Doors Limited is a local family run business located in Port Coquitlam, BC. It has been operating in the Lower Mainland of BC over 30 years.

The company installs and services automatic doors for commercial and residential customers, including homes, offices, grocery stores, malls, banks, etc.

Activated Automatic Door Systems is a proud supplier of the Record-USA series of operators and sliding doors. Record products are designed and built in Switzerland and Record is a pioneer in the field of automatic entrances. Record operators are among the quietest, cleanest and most trouble-free units available today.

Activated Doors Limited believes in being environmentally responsible and doing things in a safe manner. Their technicians are red seal certified technicians (LEL #202561). The company has many great reviews:

Interview

The manager of Activated Doors Limited, Mike Nestor, kindly agreed to answer a few of my questions in an email interview. The following is the Q and A:

Q: Can you explain what types of products and services your business provides?

A: Here at Activated Doors, we are a Record Automatics dealer. We install and service low energy automatic openers for disabled persons commercially and residentially. We also install full automatic sliders and swingers for commercial use. As well, we service all door and door hardwares to keep businesses secure and allow people to pass through safely.

Q: Can you explain your roles and responsibilities with your current position?

A: Currently my official position here is Service Manager. It is my role to communicate with the clients. Receive their information for install needs or for service and dispatch the calls to our techs. I assist techs remotely with troubleshooting and job compilation. Along with my Estimator, we schedule jobs ahead of time, in alignment with product arrival, and time estimation in order to efficiently plan out our tech’s schedule well in advance. I also review every work ticket for parts needed or used for completion, and order and invoice as necessary.

Q: Why are you passionate about related to your job or role?

A: This is a two part answer.

• First –  I have done lots of work for many people with all sorts of disabilities that can prevent them from moving freely in the world. My job has gifted me the opportunity to remove barriers that can limit their access to areas both commercially and in their own homes. This is very rewarding.
• Second – I have a great team. I enjoy working with them and helping keep their days going smoothly. NO day is ever the same as the last. I am always challenged.

Q: What obstacles have you faced to get you where you are today?

A: I wouldn’t say there were many obstacles. If you work hard. Put your best foot forward, and be honest, you could easily find a long career in this filed. We all help each other here to rise up.

Q: What advice you pass on to someone interested in what you are doing?

A: Pay attention to EVERYTHING. This isn’t just a “Doors Job” This is a carpentry job. It’s an electrical job. It’s a Mechanical job. And most importantly it’s a PEOPLE job.  Watching people and how they move can solve problems. Resolve issues. Gain insight to future issues. And allow one to provide a complete service with great results.

Q: What kind of training would I need to get a job in your industry?

A: There is no necessary training to start in this field. Though it IS very niche, having the following inner skills can easily get your foot in the door to apprentice.

• Aptitude to learn
• Basic tool knowledge
• Good work ethic.
• Be able to work on your own
• On time and reliable
• Show up ready to complete the job, not avoid it.

My Reflections and Future Prospects

This community connection project was a good experience because i learned a lot about the job and possible careers in this business. I feel thankful to Mr. Nestor for taking the time to communicate with me through emails. He is a nice person. He even offered to give me an opportunity to apprentice after I graduate high school:

Caelum. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to respond to your questions.

I hope you keep this interest as you get older. When you are done school,  feel free to come see me and we can see if we can fit you in here as an apprentice.

Good luck in your endeavours

Sincerely