Homeowners understand that first impressions begin long before a guest steps inside. Landscaping, siding, lighting, and rooflines all play a role. Yet one feature often gets overlooked, even though it can account for a sizeable portion of what people see from the street: the garage door.
In many Twin Cities neighborhoods, especially those filled with modern, transitional, or thoughtfully updated traditional homes, the garage door has become a defining architectural feature. And that’s why Twin City Garage Door has built a reputation not just as an installer, but as a design-minded partner for homeowners and builders alike.
A Company Built on Craftsmanship
Founded in 1965, Twin City Garage Door has spent decades serving Minnesota homes and businesses. That matters in an industry where quick-entry operations still exist, and homeowners are uncertain about who to trust.
“We’ve demonstrated our quality of work time and time again,” says Mike Glende, branch manager of the Burnsville location. “Our repeat business continues to grow, and word-of-mouth has helped people see that we’re ethical and focused on doing the right thing.”
Mike joined the company in December 2019, initially working to expand the commercial service footprint with an emphasis on safety inspections and compliance. In 2022, he stepped into the branch manager role, overseeing both commercial and residential work. Since then, the Burnsville team has more than doubled, growing from six technicians to thirteen.
“People come back because we take the time to educate, not pressure.”
From Installation to Design Collaboration
One of the biggest shifts in recent years has been the way homeowners approach garage doors in new builds and renovations. Rather than choosing a door at the end of a project, many now see it as part of the overall design conversation.
“We work closely with builders and general contractors we’ve partnered with for years,” Mike says. “They know what they need, and we meet those expectations. With homeowners, the relationship is more collaborative. It’s about helping them choose something that complements the architecture of the home.”
That collaboration extends to access to designer-grade materials and suppliers. Twin City Garage Door offers steel, wood, wood composite, glass, and contemporary full-vision doors. These options allow homeowners to match nearly any style, from clean-lined modern homes to classic properties with updated finishes.
What Homeowners Are Choosing Right Now
“Wood tones have been popular for a while, and that hasn’t slowed down,” Mike notes. “Wood grains work across a lot of architectural styles.”
Another popular option is the plank-style door. These doors offer the visual warmth of wood planking while using steel construction, giving homeowners the look they love with added reliability. For those who want an authentic finish, true wood and wood composite doors remain available as well.
“These choices let homeowners create a custom look without forcing the door to compete with the rest of the home,” Mike says. “It should feel intentional, not like an add-on.”
Seeing Color and Texture the Right Way
For homeowners planning a custom build or exterior refresh, Mike offers practical guidance that can save disappointment later.
“One of my biggest recommendations is to bring a piece of siding or trim with you,” he explains. “But even more important, get the door outside.”
Lighting changes everything. Viewing samples indoors or online can distort color, grain, and finish. By bringing door samples into natural light, homeowners gain a far more accurate sense of how the door will look once installed.
“And try not to fall in love with something online,” Mike adds. “Let’s see it outside first. That step makes a huge difference.”
Residential Growth Meets Modern Living
The residential side of the business continues to expand as new developments rise and older homes adopt updated technology. Smart openers, quieter systems, and modern safety features are becoming standard expectations rather than upgrades.
“Our role is to guide people through those choices,” Mike says. “Many homeowners don’t realize what’s possible until they start asking questions.”
That guidance is part of the company’s broader effort to challenge outdated perceptions of the garage door industry.
“There hasn’t always been much barrier to entry on the residential side,” Mike explains. “That’s why education matters. We want homeowners to understand how their door works and what makes sense for their home.”
The Best Part of the Job
Ask Mike what keeps him motivated, and the answer comes quickly.
“Hands down, it’s the people,” he says. “Whether someone walks in, calls with a question, or needs help down the road, those relationships matter. Over time, they turn into real connections.”
It’s that people-first mindset combined with decades of craftsmanship that has positioned Twin City Garage Door as more than a service provider. For homeowners who care about design that lasts, combined with thoughtful choices, the garage door has become a statement piece, and they want a partner who treats it that way.