In this episode of Garage Door Heroes, Robb Leishman sits down with the legendary Roy Bardowell, a true scholar of the garage door industry with over 50 years of hands-on experience. From his start as an 11-year-old assembling opener parts to becoming one of the industry’s most trusted voices, Roy’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
He shares incredible stories of building companies from the ground up, navigating international markets, and mastering every part of the trade—from springs and tracks to full commercial systems. But beyond the technical, Roy opens up about the importance of tech support, safety standards, and continuous learning as cornerstones of long-term success.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
How Roy helped expand U.S. garage door operations into Canada
Why tech support can make or break a product, no matter how good it is
The evolution of UL 325 safety standards and what they mean for installers
Lessons on resilience—from surviving lightning strikes to overcoming a life-changing stroke
How writing and mentoring have allowed Roy to continue giving back to the industry
Roy’s story is a mix of grit, technical brilliance, and personal resilience. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, this conversation will leave you with knowledge, perspective, and motivation to keep learning and leading.
