An open door represents many things. An open mind and open heart, the portal to a loving home, a willingness to consider new ideas, a fresh start.
Brad Benigni is passionate about doors. He grew up in the business, learning it from the inside out, later taking on a leadership role that led to the launch of a new business model to help customers choose the right door for their space. His dedication and passion make him beloved and admired by his staff, customers and community.
Recent events have led him to a deeper understanding of the wisdom behind another saying about doors: when one door closes in this life, another door opens.
Brad is owner and founder of DIY Door Store and runs Taylor Door Company, both based in St. Clair Shores. His parents, Tom and Rosemarie Benigni, established the Taylor Door Company in 1990 and ran it out of their home. Taylor Door Co. designs, installs and repairs custom doors for residences, including entry doors, garage doors, patio doors, plus windows and commercial doors. Brad began working in the family business during summers in high school and college.
“I loved installing doors. I like working with my hands. It is very therapeutic for me to this day,” Benigni says. That early experience showed him he likes working with people. He got to know and care about his customers. “I saw the struggles they faced. With so many options, it is hard to know if you are making the right choice.”
Finding a solution was a top priority when Brad joined Taylor Door Co. after obtaining his Bachelor of Science from Oakland University. He tapped into his love of photography to find a means of using digital technology to help customers visualize what a door would look like on their house.
“Customers loved it. It was not being done anywhere else at that time,” Brad says. He revamped the company’s outreach, emphasizing the internet to reach a broader audience, and brought all back-office systems online.
In 2008, one of Taylor Door’s suppliers went out of business. Brad took the opportunity to purchase all the inventory, and The DIY Door Store was born. It was a natural progression. “Taylor Door Co. was always the place where you could find things you couldn’t find anywhere else,” Brad says, adding he learned a lot watching his parents work together. “My mom ran the day-to-day. My dad was the sales guy, afraid of nothing.”
The business has grown to 15 employees, spread among both companies. Brad is especially proud of the showroom, where clients can explore all the options. “We also stock parts and pieces. That reliability is what sets us apart from big box stores,” he continues, which is great news for Grosse Pointers needing custom doors such as Gothics and extra-wide.
Just how much that loyalty means hit home recently, following the untimely death of Brad’s beloved wife, Rachel, who was also the devoted mother of their two young sons. Brad’s and Rachel’s families have supported Brad and the boys, both at home and in business. It hasn’t ended there. Supportive staff, clients, neighbors, and Brad’s parish church, St. Paul on the Lake, have been there at every turn to remind Brad and his sons they don’t have to do it alone. “To see the outpouring of love has been truly amazing,” Brad says. “I am convinced there is no other place I would ever want to live.”
Brad also finds strength in the examples set by his parents. “They went to work every day. My brothers and I learned a lot from that. They weren’t afraid to tackle a problem, which is a priceless lesson,” Brad says. “They showed me there is always a solution to any challenge.”
Brad sends heartfelt thanks on behalf of his entire family to everyone throughout the Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores communities for their love and support during this difficult time.
“To see the outpouring of love has been truly amazing,” Brad says. “I am convinced there is no other place I would ever want to live.”