IDA Board Election Candidates
Northeast | |
| Candice Giel BrownCompany: Thomas V Giel Corp Bio: Candice Giel Brown is the 3rd Generation Owner of Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. Growing up in the business Candice has seen all aspects of the garage door industry. She attended Miami University of Ohio and earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing & entrepreneurship. She then worked in the construction industry for 7 years before returning to the family business in 2012 with her knowledge. Candice and her family then kept building the business together from 2012 until today. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors has doubled in size over that time period. She is currently in charge of running the daily operations of the organization, as well as a mother of two children, married for 15 years, Vice President of the Professional Women in Building Association of Pittsburgh and she is on the Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Board. In addition, she volunteers countless hours at her children’s school and gives back in her local community. Candidate Statement: “The main goal of joining IDA is to get more women involved in the construction trade. As a founding member of PWB Pittsburgh, we know there are already thousands of women in the construction industry! However, many of them are not outspoken. The purpose would be to give these women more of an influence and to help them find their own voice in the process. Many of them already have successful businesses or positions but not all of them utilize it.” |
| Melanee JechCompany: Dynamic Facility Services Ltd Bio: Accomplished Business Executive with over 30 years of senior and executive level leadership experience in Commercial Facility Maintenance for Sign Programs, Construction and Overhead Door & Dock . Recognized for driving organizational turnarounds, aligning strategy, structure, and financial results to achieve growth and sustainability. Adept at P&L management, mergers, and operational excellence, with a proven track record known for fostering innovation and empowering teams. She has a positive performance history creating a healthy work environment focused on results. Her high energy and personal commitment are the drivers for organizational success. Her industry contributions include serving as VP of the Board of Directors for the Texas Sign Association, board member and education chair for two terms on the International Sign Association, and several committees for the Illinois association. Candidate Statement: “I am honored to be considered for the IDA board of directors. My interest in serving the industry in this capacity stems from a strong commitment to advancing our industry, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation. This offers a unique opportunity to both contribute my experience as well as expand my own industry knowledge. Goals: Motivations: |
At Large | |
| Cody JohnsonCompany: Garage Door Doctor Bio: Cody Johnson is the General Manager of Garage Door Doctor, where he has played a pivotal role in its extraordinary growth from a small operation with just two field service technicians to a thriving company with over 50 employees. Under his leadership, Garage Door Doctor has consistently expanded its service offerings, built a strong reputation for excellence, and become a trusted name in the garage door industry. With a passion for growth and a commitment to quality, Cody continues to guide Garage Door Doctor toward new milestones, ensuring its position as an industry leader while maintaining its core values of integrity, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Candidate Statement: “My goal as a board member is to help raise the standards within our industry. With years of experience across every department, from field operations to team management, I am passionate about driving meaningful change and elevating the overall professionalism and quality of service in the garage door industry. My experience has equipped me with a well-rounded perspective, and I am eager to contribute to the strategic direction of our organization and the broader industry. By setting higher standards, fostering innovation, and promoting best practices, I believe we can collectively raise the bar and create lasting value for our teams, customers, and communities. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the board’s mission and help drive our industry forward. Thank you for considering my candidacy.” |
| Jeremy ReynoldsCompany: Genie of Fairview Door Co Bio: I’ve spent my entire professional career in the garage door industry, starting at a local dealer learning how to sell, service and install garage doors. After seven years learning the trade, I went to work for Glass City Spring, a local supplier of garage doors springs and parts. There I learned marketing, B2B sales, and really started building my business acumen. When Glass City Spring was bought out by Wayne-Dalton, I had my first foray into a corporate environment. It was a fantastic experience for me as I got to grow and learn from a great team of colleagues and friends. We built a great parts program and continued that through Overhead Door’s purchase of Wayne-Dalton. From there we combined the Wayne-Dalton and Overhead Door’s parts program into OHD Parts. From there, I had the opportunity to take a job with Clopay and was offered the chance to create a parts program from scratch. Having quite a few years in the industry at that point, we were able to build a great program that I was very proud of. Unfortunately, covid put that business on hold so I eventually found myself looking for other opportunities. After a short stint as VP of Procurement with Action Industries, I was asked to join Modern Day Garage as President & COO where I focus on operations and acquisitions. Candidate Statement: “I’ve been in this industry my entire professional career and what feels like my entire life. All of my friends are part of this industry. It’s given me the opportunity to grow and learn and have a career that I’m excited to wake up for each day. I believe that my knowledge and experience from working for dealers, manufacturers and private equity gives me a unique perspective on all the change taking place in the industry today. We’re just getting started on a journey that will reshape the industry, and I’d like to be part of the IDA board to help guide and provide any insights that I might have that will help the industry moving forward.” |
| Adam Weber (Incumbent)Company: A E Door & Window Sales Bio: Adam has been in the garage |
Supplier Representatives (two will be elected) | |
| Mason BockertCompany: Firelands Hardware Bio: I grew up in the door and hardware industry. My Parents founded Firelands Hardware, Inc., where I have worked much of my adult life. Currently, I am the VP of Operations and second generation co -owner of Firelands Hardware. Firelands Hardware, Inc. is a manufacturer of aluminum flat goods and an importer of commercial door hardware. I have spent the last thirteen years working within the pedestrian door market, specifically commercial hollow metal doors, frames, and hardware. In addition to my academic degrees, I am proud to be an Eagle Scout. I learned many valuable skills in Boy Scouts that I apply to my life and work even today. When possible, I help with my daughter’s Cub Scout troop in giving back to the scouting community. When not working in the family business, I am home with my wife and two daughters, enjoying being a husband and dad. Candidate Statement: “I am running for the Supplier Board because I feel that I will bring a unique perspective to the IDA as someone immersed in the Commercial Hollow Metal Door Market. I will bring knowledge of the market and products to the Members that I know will be beneficial and educational.” |
| John Hart (Incumbent)Company: Service Door Ind Ltd Bio: John Hart has a psychology degree from York University where he also played Canadian university football. He started in the industry in 1998, working for Controlled Parking, a regional gate automation installation and service company. During those first years in the industry, John held various volunteer positions (including President) for the Ontario Chapter of the Canadian Fence Industry, a Canadian affiliate of the American Fence Association. In 2002, he accepted the position of Product Manager for Service Door Industries (SDI), a Canadian Producer of Rolling Steel Doors and distributor of related products. His role was to develop a national distribution strategy for gate automation and specialized drive systems from Europe, USA, and Asia designed to meet the specific needs of the Canadian Market. During that time, he also served on the CSA technical committee, where he contributed on the CSA22.2 no. 247 standard for door and gate operators. This was until the standard was replaced by UL325. In 2012 he was promoted to General Manager and with the acquisition of SDI by Merik Group he was promoted to CEO in 2017. In 2024, the Organization of Merik was streamlined for the Canadian and USA operations as such John was assigned the new roles of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). As CCO & CRO, John is focused on market and product development and has been the driving force behind new products being offered in Canada and USA. John is still active in the Merik Group working on cross-border strategies with team members in Mexico and Latin America. During his first term on the IDA board, John was the Co-chair of the education committee and has been a strong advocate for growing the IDA’s presence outside of the USA, as well as encouraging all communication for members is available in English, French & Spanish. Candidate Statement: “Being on the IDA board has been a privilege. I have enjoyed working with the IDA board and all board members of the IDEA. I believe my passion for the industry has brought some positive changes to the IDA. I am excited about the opportunity to serve a second term and continue driving the association forward, enhancing the value we provide to both our members and the industry.” |
| David ShafferCompany: Amarr Bio: I have been in the Garage Door industry for 31 years. During my career at Amarr, I have had held numerous positions including management & leadership roles in both Sales and Operations. Today, as Senior Director of Commercial Sales & Key Accounts for Amarr, I lead a team of 30 spanning Amarr’s Commercial Sales, ACE Team, Architectural Sales, Amarr’s National Accounts, and Retail Sales channels at the National level. Additionally, I have leadership responsibilities spanning nearly all aspects of Amarr’s business including serving on our executive committee. Candidate Statement: “I would like an opportunity to contribute my time and experience to the IDA and our Garage Door Industry. As part of the IDA, my primary goals are to contribute to decision making as it applies to the changing landscape in our industry. I am also very much looking forward to making new connections and friendships.” |
