SAVVY Journal | May 2025 by The City Journals

A PLUS GARAGE DOORS TRANSFORMING THE SKILLED TRADE INDUSTRY

Since their establishment in 2005, A Plus Garage Doors has experienced significant growth. From a team of 29 employees in Salt Lake City to today’s team of 140 individuals expanding into Northern Utah (Ogden along with various Utah County service areas) and St. George.

HOUSE GENEALOGY UNCOVERING THE

STORIES BEHIND ORDINARY HOUSES

It sparked my curiosity about the people and events that came before us, prompting me to explore the history of my home and other homes throughout the city.

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

A PLUS GARAGE DOORS TRANSFORMING THE SKILLED TRADE INDUSTRY

A Plus Garage Doors has been bringing the “A Plus Experience” to Salt Lake City homeowners since 2005. Founded by CEO Carrie Kelsch, A Plus Garage Doors established their core focus as providing exceptional garage door services. They continue that mission by working to transform the industry, redefine excellence in service, build customer trust and satisfaction, and acquire professional technicians with expert craftmanship.

“We aim to be the first call for residents in need of garage door repairs or replacements—whether it’s Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister, or anyone who owns a home,” said A Plus Garage Doors General Manager Ryan Rowell.

Rowell described how, historically, garage door operation services were undervalued within the skilled trade industry. He has been thrilled to see a shift within the industry as that stereotype has been transformed to garage doors services being valued as a reputable trade.

“It’s truly inspiring to witness the shift, as garage door services have become one of the most in-demand trades in the industry,” Rowell said.

Rowell credits this shift in industry stereotypes to, when it comes to working with A Plus Garage Doors, challenging standards to showcase a team of clean-cut professionals who prioritize customer satis-

CEO CEO and founder Carrie Kelsch established A+ Garage Doors in 2005. Since then, she and her management team have been pushing changes in the trade industry. Photo courtesy General Manager Ryan Rowell

faction as a woman-owned company.

A Plus Garage Doors offers a wide variety of services to meet customer needs. From installing stylish high-end garage doors to complement newly remodeled homes all the way to installing affordable and functional options that meet basic requirements. Beyond installation, A Plus Garage Doors responses to urgent calls like: garage doors that won’t close, malfunctioning garage doors and broken springs.

It’s truly inspiring to witness the shift, as garage door services have become one of the most in-demand trades in the industry. Ryan Rowell

It’s not uncommon for Rowell to hear from the technicians how they ended up spending some time teaching homeowners and family members about the mechanics of the repair or coloring with the children of the homeowners.

“We pride ourselves on offering the highest-quality parts and products in the nation at reasonable prices, backed by excellent warranties for added peace of mind,” Rowell said.

Rowell described how A Plus Garage Doors aims to build personal connections with their customers. This goal is primarily achieved by their highly-trained, talented, professional technical team.

“We love making the experience enjoyable for our customers, often going the extra mile with fun touches—like giving ‘A Plus’ bandanas to their pets or engaging with families in a meaningful way,” Rowell said.

“We have an incredible team of genuine, trustworthy professionals who make customers feel at ease, creating a bond of trust that keeps them coming back,” Rowell said. “(The technicians) are dedicated to doing the job right the first time, ensuring a seamless experience for every customer.”

“A Plus was incredibly helpful with our garage door,” reported customer Travis Barton. “The door itself needed to be replaced and they were very knowledgeable and answered all of my questions. They were very down to earth and easy to work with, along with being very efficient and effective in repairing the door. The whole process was smooth.”

A Plus Garage Doors focuses on maintaining this professional team of technicians who are focused on achieving their personal goals, establishing families, and purchasing homes by offering opportunities for career advancement,

and upward mobility, and competitive income opportunities. Their aim is to provide a work environment where employees can flourish.

“The key to our success lies in our outstanding culture and remarkable team members — they are truly what sets A Plus Garage Doors apart from the competition,” Rowell said. “We believe in hiring great human beings first. It’s this philosophy that drives our success and makes A Plus Garage Doors a standout leader in the industry.”

In 2024, A Plus Garage Doors joined with Guild Garage Group (GGG) becoming the eighth member of GGG. GGG is an alliance of garage door service companies focused on leading the industry for residential services through collaboration. Their members work together to build and provide consistent training and ensure operational consistency.

“Our core belief is that together, we are stronger than any stand-alone business,” Rowell said.

Founded in 2023, GGG was focused on breaking away from the traditional private equity firm model to operate as a coalition. Their partnerships work to align procedures, create standardized operating practices, and provide high-quality products at reduced costs (without sacrificing quality or expertise).

“As a collective, we exchange best practices, collaborate on operational improvements, and support one another to build a powerhouse network,” Rowell said.

Since their establishment in 2005, A Plus Garage Doors has experienced significant growth. Rowell remembers joining a team of 29 employees in Salt Lake City. Today, A Plus Garage Doors has a team of 140 individuals expanding into Northern Utah (Ogden along with various Utah County service areas) and St. George.

A Plus Garage Doors continues to focus on expanding their impact within the skilled trade industry as they will be opening their newest location in Las Vegas.

“We can't wait to make a positive impact and deliver the exceptional service that

A Plus Garage Doors is known for,” said Rowell.

Rowell shares his excitement for the company’s future with the whole A Plus Garage Doors team.

“With nearly two decades of experience, we've proven that we’re here to support our customers not just today, but for years to come,” he said.

To schedule a service with A Plus Garage Doors, visit their website at: www.utahgaragedoors.net

Or call their service line, open all week 24 hours per day, at: 801-528-9544.

In 2023, A Plus Garage Doors joined the Guild Garage Group (GGG) which operates as a coalition instead of a traditional private equity firm. “Our core belief is that together, we are stronger than any standalone business.” Photo courtesy General Manager Ryan Rowell

HOUSE GENEALOGY UNCOVERING THE EXTRAORDINARY STORIES BEHIND ORDINARY HOUSES

By Collette Hayes | c.hayes@mycityjournals.com

On Jan. 7, 2021, Adrienne White and her husband began renovating their newly purchased historic home in Sugar House. The following night, while working in the basement, White and her sister encountered an inexplicable, almost paranormal, occurrence: an unidentifiable noise reverberated through the house. Quickly returning upstairs, they found nothing out of place nor evidence of an intruder. The experience prompted her sister to search for information about White's home, which led to the discovery of an obituary for a woman who had passed away in the house on January 7, 1976—exactly 45 years from the day the renovation had begun.

“I’m not a non-believer in paranormal activity, but I don’t believe 100% either. However, my sister sending me the obituary changed my life,” White said. “It sparked my curiosity about the people and events that came before us, prompting me to explore the history of my home and other homes throughout the city. Amazed and fulfilled by what I uncovered about my home, I launched House Genealogy in February 2022—a career combining historical research, genealogy and storytelling to help homeowners connect with the rich tapestry of their spaces.”

At House Genealogy, Adrienne White specializes in uncovering the unique stories of historic homes and the people who inhabited them. Her services include comprehensive house histories that bring the past to life through engaging narratives. Photo courtesy Kinser Studios

In 2024, when the proposal for a new Sports and Entertainment District was underway, the Utah Symphony musicians commissioned White to complete the National Register of Historic Places nomination for Abravanel Hall, formerly Symphony Hall. She conducted comprehensive research, gathered critical archival materials, and crafted the detailed nomination application. Photo courtesy Adrienne White

TAILORED SERVICES FOR EVERY HOMEOWNER

According to White, she assists clients with historical research consulting, whether working on projects like preparing a National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) nomination, restoring a historic property or researching broader community histories. She offers tax credit consulting, helping property owners navigate the requirements to qualify for historic preservation tax credits — a valuable incentive for preserving shared heritage. In addition, White offers concise, entry-level reports. These streamlined reports provide homeowners with a foundational insight into the historical significance of their property, highlighting key facts and untold stories without requiring the full research commitment of a comprehensive narrative. This range of services ensures every homeowner can engage with their home’s history to fit their unique needs and interests.

CRAFTING COMPELLING HISTORIES

At House Genealogy, White says she specializes in uncovering the unique stories of historic homes and the people who inhabited them. Her services include comprehensive house histories that bring the past to life through engaging narratives. These histories can be tailored to each client's unique needs and delivered as curated digital archive folders or elegantly designed coffee table books.

“I’m fascinated by the untold stories of the past, particularly those hidden in the places we walk by in our communities every day,” White said. “Creating House Genealogy allowed me to combine my passions for historical research, storytelling, and community preservation. I was inspired by the idea that a house isn't just a structure — it's a vessel for generations of life, love

Adrienne White researched two adjacent homes for a client on Edison Street. In one case, she found a historic photograph showing that one of the homes originally had two stories before a fire reduced it to one. Photo courtesy Family Search

This two-story house was reduced to one story (see photo below). Photo courtesy Salt Lake County Assessor

and history. Helping others uncover these stories is a way of connecting people with their past and deepening their sense of place and belonging.”

ELLERBECK BED AND BREAKFAST

Entrusted with developing a detailed history for the Ellerbeck Bed & Breakfast at 140 B Street, White discovered the owner’s narrative needed revision.

“While it was originally believed that Thomas W. Ellerbeck—the bookkeeper for Brigham Young—built the 1892 home for his plural wife, Henrietta Dyer Ellerbeck, my research uncovered that Henrietta had actually divorced Thomas in 1886 and built the home as a bold statement of independence. This revelation transformed the story from one of romantic legend into a powerful tale of 19th-century feminism.”

EDISON STREET

For a client on Edison Street, White researched two adjacent homes. In one case, she found a historic photograph showing that the home originally had two stories before a fire reduced it to one.

“This finding provided clear, new information about the home's original design,” White said. “Presenting this image unlocked an unexpected narrative for my client, who was amazed to learn that his home had originally accommodated a second story.”

ABRAVANEL HALL

“My work was pivotal in securing the listing of Abravanel Hall on Nov. 6, 2024, demonstrating the direct impact of dedicated historical research and preservation advocacy,” White said. “This building isn’t even 50 years old yet so I had to write some extra justification for it getting listed for its age of only being 45 years old. The National Park Service read my application and found it was significant enough to list it.”

NAVIGATING CHALLENGES & EMBRACING REWARDS

According to White, one of the most challenging aspects of her work is knowing when to conclude her research. With a wealth of potential sources and untold stories waiting to be discovered, it takes careful judgment to determine when the narrative is engaging and sufficiently complete. Yet, this challenge is also what makes the research process so exhilarating.

Entrusted with developing a detailed history for the Ellerbeck Bed & Breakfast at 140 B Street, White discovered that the owner’s narrative needed revision. Shown on left, Henrietta Dyer, who built the original home, and her children. Photo courtesy Family Search

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing how discovering a home's history deepens a homeowner’s connection to their property,” White said. “Sharing these well-documented narratives not only helps clients value their space more, but also boosts support for historical preservation. This clear link between people and the rich legacy of the past consistently drives my passion and inspires my work.”

White is deeply passionate about her work. For her, House Genealogy is a dream come true.

“Each project is an opportunity to unearth hidden histories, celebrate resilience, and bring the spirit of the past into the present,” White said. “I remain profoundly grateful to all of my clients for allowing me to share in their journey of discovering the rich, layered narratives of their beloved homes.”

Learn more about House Genealogy at www. housegenealogy.us.

Intermountain Ornamental Iron’s family-owned business is the oldest in the valley, specializing in iron railings, spiral stairs, fencing and known for quality, competitive pricing and outstanding customer service.

INTERMOUNTAIN ORNAMENTAL IRON: FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS OFFERS QUALITY IRON RAILINGS, FENCING AND STAIRS

By Jolene Croasmun

| j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com

Intermountain Ornamental Iron has you covered if you are looking to upgrade your home or business with exterior or interior iron railings, spiral stairs or fencing.

“We are a family owned and operated company, it was started in 1970 by my grandpa and his brother and has been passed through the generations,” said

owner Brooke Vetica. They are the oldest iron railing business in the Salt Lake Valley.

Vetica said her relatives were skilled in the business of iron rails and with just $80 in their account, “They were going to make some railings and install them on houses,” Vetica said.

Vetica and her sister, Amber Baker are the current owners of Intermountain

Ornamental Iron.

“We lead the way in the valley with spiral stairs.” The spiral stairs can be installed inside or outside of your home or business.

The process begins with a staff member of Intermountain Ornamental Iron coming to your place and getting a look at what best fits your needs. “From there we have a few different products for our

This image is an example of IBC-64 standard spiral staircase. Photo courtesy of ioironrails.com

customers to choose from including a prefab line,” Vetica said. Intermountain Ornamental Iron will try to meet the needs of the customer with style, timeline and budget.

“We offer an ornate galvanized steel line, all powder coated. It is a really strong, sturdy line and a luxury line that’s very strong called Prime-A-Lux. It's foam and it's really a coming of age railing. We're really excited about that line,” Vetica said.

They cater to new construction and existing homes that want to upgrade to iron railings. “It's a mix,” Vetica says. “We have a lot of contractors that we do work for, but we work with a lot of residents that are putting in handrails, stairs, or fencing to go around their property for their animals, or to keep deer out of their garden.”

A new and very popular request is pool fencing. With more people adding swimming pools to their property, the decorative iron fencing has been a way to enhance their pool’s security. Intermountain Ornamental Iron’s chic aesthetic fencing provides a safe and secure environment for family and friends.

The quality is outstanding at Intermountain Ornamental Irons which is why many celebrities in the area turn to them for fencing and railing needs. Vetica said, “We have installed fencing at almost every NBA player in Utah and Post Malone's house.”

“If you need a fence, a metal ornate fence gives it a chic look,” Vetica said. Investing in the beauty and peace of mind with custom iron railing and fencing at Intermountain Ornamental Iron is a great solution.

Get started by visiting their newly updated showroom located at 10047 S. Prosperity Rd in West Jordan or online www.ioironrails.com for a free quote today.