IDA Board Election Candidates
west | |
 | Byron Burland (Incumbent)Company: Besser Bros Bio: Byron Burland is the owner of Besser Bros Garage Doors and has been in the industry since 1994. Byron started Safe ‘n Secure in 1994 in San Diego, and in 2005, acquired Besser Bros. Garage Doors in Orange County. In April 2024, both businesses will celebrate 30 and 47 years respectively, being one of the longest established garage door businesses in Southern California. Originally from South Africa, Byron earned a degree in Business and Financial Management (majoring in Financial Accounting and Marketing), following which he served in the South African Defense Force for two years. Byron is an IDEA accredited dealer and an IDEA sanctioned trainer. Currently serves as the IDA Vice President – Dealers and served two, two-year terms as CODA president and one three-year term as an IDEA director. When not working, he enjoys fishing, spending time on the water, and most importantly being with his beautiful wife Robyn and their 5 children. Byron understands the commitment and time it takes to run a door business, has been through multiple recessions and yet has found a way to continue to grow. His goal is to share his knowledge and experiences with fellow Dealers to help and improve the industry, so everyone prospers. Candidate Statement: “I am currently running for re-election to the IDA Board and am asking you for your vote so we can continue the projects we have started and continue moving forward making the industry better as a whole. |
Midwest | |
 | Randy Schmitt (Incumbent)Company: All Purpose Door Co Bio: I’m looking forward to serving you as Territory Manager for the Midwest Area. I’ve been in the door industry since 1970. I’ve worked for manufacturers, dealers, and currently own and operate All Purpose Door Company in St. Louis, Missouri. I joined the International Door Association in 2002 and am currently on the IDA Board of Directors as the Midwest Territory Manager. I am also the current President of the Midwest Dealer Affiliate, Central States Door Dealer Association (CSDDA). We have chapters in St. Louis, Central Illinois, Chicago, and Milwaukee. My term on this affiliate will expire the first of next year. Candidate Statement: By supporting me, I would work to be a voice within IDA to help you the dealer as you communicate with our trade organization, IDA. This communication is a two-way street between you, the dealer and the IDA Board of Directors. I know that sometimes it is a slippery road. I’m here to make the communication like an interstate highway. |
 | Jonathan StewartCompany: Midwest Garage Door Company Bio: Jonathan Stewart is Owner/President of Midwest Garage Door Company in Pawnee, Illinois, and Midwest Garage Door Colorado Springs in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is a second generation door guy and has been in and around the industry since 1994 when his father started Midwest. This was back in 1994 and at that he really never knew that he would be stuck in this great industry for the rest of his life. After being in and around the industry for 30 years, he has learned the ins and outs of all aspects of the industry. He started helping his father by doing general warehousing tasks, moved into a commercial installation and service position, and through the office and administration ranks. Jonathan also serves as a Director on the board for the Central States Door Dealer Association since 2012, and as President of their St. Louis chapter since 2012. Jonathan strives to help advance the garage door industry as many factors change and evolve the industry. Since 2022 Jonathan also has served as a director for The Springfield Area Home Builders Association. Outside of work Jonathan enjoys spending time with his wife Allison and four daughters Kaylie, Paislie, Skyelie, and Brexlie. He also is a volunteer firefighter and a Licensed EMR. Jonathan also coaches High School Bass fishing, Jr High Softball, and Springfield Extreme competitive Softball. His hobbies include recreational and tournament fishing, golfing, camping, boating, and family vacations to Disney or some tropical Island. He also enjoys going to sporting events of any kind and live music. Jonathan can be contacted at: jon@midwestgaragedoor.com. Candidate Statement: Over the years I have work with the IDA YPN and CSDDA to help combat issues, increase understanding, and involvement in in IDA. With this, working with many great people and members in this great industry I love, I realize that I want to have more involvement. Not only to help improve my role and knowledge in this industry, but to help all people, business, and affiliations here. I want to help tackle the major issues, help the creative force come up with better ways, and help increase the involvement of members, vendors and all. This is a great industry and we can make it even better. |
Southeast | |
 | Brian Dee (Incumbent)Company: Aaction OVerhead Door, Inc. Bio: Brian Dee is a dedicated and detail-oriented business owner in the Garage Door Industry. His journey began in 1995 after years in construction, choosing a hands-on approach over college. Brian founded Aaction Overhead Door in 1997, emphasizing values and customer service. He gained expertise through mentorship, earning recognition such as the Wayne Dalton Circle of Excellence three times and IDEA certification in commercial and residential doors. Beyond his professional life, he is a devoted husband and father, actively participating in his children’s various activities. Brian is deeply involved in his community, supporting local schools and churches, showcasing his commitment not only to his work but also to the well-being of his family and customers. Candidate Statement: I intend to work on the issues brought forth to the board with a high level of ethics and integrity to insure the positive growth of our industry. |
 | Walt Sprenger Jr.Company: DuraServ Bio: My name is Walt Sprenger and I am currently Vice President of Strategic Cost Management (Purchasing) for DuraServ Corporation in Dallas, Tx. I have been in the Door Industry for nearly two decades. Prior to that I was in the corporate world in Finance/Accounting as a CFO and Controller for several companies. I am the proud father of three (Ruth, Walter and Joseph) and married to the love of my life Rebecca who inspires us all. I am seeking a position on the IDA Board in 2024. I seek this position to be able to give something back to an industry that has given me and my family so much and represent our company in that same industry where we operate businesses across a large portion of the US. My story goes like this: I started my door career at a family owned door business in Ft Myers, Florida and worked and learned from the very best door guy there is George Ebel. George taught me the business the right way and eventually started bringing me along to the IDA events and the manufacturer functions. In 2018 George decided to retire and DuraServ bought the business. I was given a great opportunity by DuraServ CEO David Iliff to stay within the business and continue to run that location. A little over a year after being bought, I was asked to relocate to DuraServ’s Charlotte, NC office to manage that facility, which I did for several years. In early 2021, I was given another great opportunity to come to the Dallas corporate office of DuraServ and handle global purchasing of doors and other products that our branches around the country offer. My current position allows me to work with most major industry door suppliers and apply the knowledge and values I learned over the years while working for George and the many people he has introduced me to. I can attest that this has been one of the most enjoyable and satisfying times in my entire career. Candidate Statement: So, why am I here and seeking this position? It basically comes down to paying it forward. I look to sharing with others what others have shared with me. Trying to improve upon things in our industry which is certainly in transition as families are turning their businesses over to their children or the company’s transition over to corporate firms like DuraServ which is how I got here today! I believe we have things to offer our industry that might make it better today and better for generations to come. On a personal note and taking this opportunity to say thank you publicly to some that have been instrumental in my journey here (just a few) that always made time for me: George and Jill Ebel, Jamie Gibbs, David Iliff, John Brooker, Vince Sullivan, all the DuraServ team, Bill and Adam Weber, Kevin and Chris Cunningham, Nick Banko and Scott Chambliss, Kriste and Ernie Lemay, John Zoller, Dan Apple, Jim Mcginley, Sean Smith, Chad Riffel and the Clopay team, Ray and Todd from Raynor, as well as Wes and Byron for letting me help on the membership committee this year and like 500 other people that George introduced me to over the years! Way too many to list for sure. My humble appreciation and thanks to all! If given the opportunity to serve the IDA in some capacity I would apply what these folks and others have taught me over the many years I have been part of such a great industry. |
Supplier Representatives (two will be elected) | |
 | Jeremy Evener (Incumbent)Company: Service Spring Corp Bio: I was bitten by the door bug when I joined the industry as part of the Service Spring team just over 10 years ago. I have worked in several roles over my time at SSC ranging from customer service, Midwest Sales Manager, Service (Distribution) Center Manager for the SSC Chicago Service Center, and currently over the last 3 years as National Sales Manager. Over my door career I have been happy to volunteer my time back to our industry by serving on the Central States Door Dealer Association (CSDDA) for the past 8 years, having the honor to be a speaker at multiple IDA regionals and IDA Expo 2022. I currently volunteer as an Industry member of the IDA board and have served as Co-Chair of the Events Committee for the past 3 years. I am happily married to my wife Emily and we have two rambunctious sons. I enjoy coaching little league baseball, playing golf and doing yard work. I also volunteer at a no-kill animal shelter in my spare time. Candidate Statement: I am passionate about our industry and the people that count on it to make a living. The door industry has the ability to provide an outstanding lifestyle for not only each of the industry members, but also their families. I am excited to have an opportunity to continue giving back to the door industry by advocating for the betterment of technicians, dealers and industry members alike. I would be honored to serve you on the IDA Board of Directors. |
 | Chris CurtisCompany: Genie Co Bio: As a candidate for the IDA Board of Directors, Chris Curtis has a passion for the industry. He is currently the Residential Product Manager for The Genie Company, with responsibility over the entire line of residential operators, but has held many positions and worked on all sides of our industry. Starting with Wayne Dalton nearly 20 years ago as a Customer Service Rep, then moving into roles as a Corporate Trainer, where he traveled the country performing install trainings for doors and operators, and a Territory Sales Manager over OH, KY and parts of WV and PA, before finally becoming the Commercial Estimating Manager where he managed the team that assisted dealers with bidding and reading specifications for large commercial projects, among other responsibilities. After leaving WD to pursue an opportunity as the Director of Commercial Products for a large dealer that focused on commercial sales, install and service, Chris went to Service Spring Corp in the role of Territory Sales Rep for the Midwest. These roles allowed him to expand his knowledge of the garage door industry, both commercial and residential, and helped to understand the strong relationships between the dealers, wholesalers and manufacturers. In 2014, he returned to Overhead Door Corp, via Genie and has held the positions of Channel Marketing Manager, National Commercial Business Development Manager and now Residential Product Manager. Personally, garage doors and operators run in the family as he met his wife Sarah while they were both working at Wayne Dalton. Together, they have two wonderful children: Hannah received her Master’s Degree from the University of York in York, England and is currently working as an Associate Geological Archeologist near Manchester, England. Their son Ethan is a Sophomore at the University of Akron, where he is studying International Business and Marketing. They live in Ohio, have two Miniature Schnauzers and love to travel. Candidate Statement: It was an honor to serve on the IDA Board of Directors from 2020-2023 and is looking forward to the opportunity to help serve the industry for another term. |
 | 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. |