THE oVERHEAD DooR SPECIALISTS
Portal Installations Written by Frank Peebles
take pride in being a part of what we’re doing together,” Davor said.
Some folks are door-half-open people, some are door-halfclosed people. Davor Drazenovic is a different kind again – the guy who makes sure the door is perfect for you, no matter what.
Two of his employees have been there since he and Brenda took the reins. The newest employee has four years’ experience with the company.
Portal Installations was a doorway into a new way of life for Davor and his wife Brenda. They were looking to be their own hands-on bosses, and set an example for their three kids about doing an honest day’s hard work. At the same time, Noel and Helene Valcourt were looking to pass their family business on to just the right new owners. They founded Portal Installations in 1974 and poured decades into it. They could cross that threshold with the Drazenovics. “We are trying every day to carry on that tradition they established,” said Davor. “Noel trained us and the Valcourts really set the standard for us. And they still stop in to visit from time to time.” That standard hinged on quality. Garage doors are too important to any home and business to take that lightly. They play a big part in a building’s aesthetics, sure, but they also affect things like winter heat, summer cool, and don’t forget security. Davor certainly never does. “All of our products are Canadian made,” he said. “We don’t have to worry about crossborder pricing, shipping delays, warranty issues. I’ve been to the factory many times where they make our Steel-Craft doors. It’s just down the road in Edmonton. These doors were constructed specifically for this climate, our elements, and our customers love that.”
PRINCE GEORGE profiles of
EXCELLENCE
New times bring new technology, like the smartphone app that allows you to open and close your garage door – with visuals and data – from anywhere you are. Garage doors used to offer an insulation value of a frigid R-2 but now the Steel-Craft weatherproofing ranges from R-10 at minimum all the way up to R-18. The new economy also brings new challenges. The largest door Portal Installations has installed was 65 feet across and 35 feet high at Endako Mine. The smallest was for a chicken coop only 12 inches by 24 inches, but fully motorized. They proudly installed all 39 bay doors for the new Inland Kenworth facility. “My guys love that – they love the out-of-theordinary,” he said. Their influence is felt all over the city in homes, in businesses and in helpfulness. They donate time and materials to the Hospice House, they sponsor minor hockey, baseball, BMX racing, Nitro Motorsports Park, motocross riders, the Spruce Kings and Cougars, and many others over the years. “We are locally owned and operated,” said Davor. “Prince George customer support has gotten us to the next level, so it’s important that we give back to help our local athletes and young people get to their next level. It just makes us a stronger community.”
“We are locally owned and operated. Prince George customer support has gotten us to the next level, so it’s important that we give back to help our local athletes and young people get to their next level.” - Davor Drazenovic
As strong as a Portal Installations door.
With Steel-Craft handling the engineering, the next priority is the installation team. “Everyone has an important role, and we’ve got an amazing group. Coming to work is so enjoyable when you’re with people who want to work together towards a common goal, and
PhotoS | Left: Portal Installations staff (from left to right) Shawn, Andrew, jeff, Marshall, Nick, Niki, Brenda, Davor and Keane. Missing are Kirk and Taylor. Right: Andrew stocking up with springs. Photos by Brent Braaten
710 3RD AVEnuE Prince George, BC P: 250.564.9596 portalinstallations.ca
PRINCE GEoRGE PRoFILES oF ExCELLENCE 2017 |
27