Meet Chris Tyrrell | Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Tyrrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I started my own business, it wasn’t something I had planned or set out to do from the beginning. Instead, a great opportunity presented itself, and I decided to take the leap. It was only after I got the company off the ground that I realized I had the chance to do something much bigger than just changing my own life.

I saw the potential to use the company as a platform to make a positive impact on my community. This realization led me to create the vision of “making Colorado a better place to live.” I genuinely believe that through our work, we can improve the lives of those around us, and I want to use this business to uplift and support the people in our community.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I founded Chris’ Garage Doors seven years ago, starting from a spontaneous opportunity to bid on a large project. Today, we specialize in residential garage doors and openers, offering everything from preventative maintenance to full replacements. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to our company’s vision: ‘To make Colorado a better place to live by valuing people as our highest commodity, doing the best possible work, and giving generously back to our community.’

We live this vision daily by giving 3% of our revenue, regardless of profit, to local non-profits, coordinating team volunteer events, bonusing employees when they volunteer on their own time, offering competitive company benefits, and actively participating in local charities and events.

I’m incredibly proud of the recent recognition we’ve received. In 2023, Chris’ Garage Doors was honored with the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics, and we were named a finalist for the International BBB’s Torch Award for Ethics in 2024. On a personal note, I was recognized by the Denver Business Journal as one of 2024’s 40 Under 40.

Being a business owner has not been easy. We’ve faced significant challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic with extreme price increases and supply chain disruptions. Additionally, finding the right team members was a challenge, but I’m pleased to say we now have an exceptional team and are optimistic about the future.

The most important thing I want people to know about our brand is that Chris’ Garage Doors is more than just a garage door company. We are dedicated to benefiting our community and making a positive impact in the areas we serve.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
No visit to Denver is complete without a trip to the mountains! Here’s how I’d plan a week-long itinerary for a friend:

Catch a Game: Start with the excitement of a live Denver sports event. Whether it’s the Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, Avalanche, Rapids, or Mammoth, there’s always something happening in Denver’s sports scene.

Mountain Escape: Take a scenic drive to Breckenridge or another nearby mountain town for a day of exploration and breathtaking views.

Summit Drive: Head up to the top of Mount Evans or Pike’s Peak for some of Colorado’s most stunning vistas.

Explore Museums: Spend time exploring downtown’s museums, diving into the city’s rich history and art scene.

Evening at the Theater: Enjoy a show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) – it’s a must for any trip to Denver.

Brunch Stops: Start the day with brunch at local favorites like Snooze, Lucille’s, Syrup, or Sam’s No. 3.

Dining Out: Savor meals at some of Denver’s standout restaurants, such as the Cherry Cricket, Del Frisco’s, Ocean Prime, Osteria Marco, or Beau Jo’s for a true taste of Colorado.

Local Brews and Spirits: Explore Denver’s thriving microbreweries and distilleries, including Stranahan’s, Breckenridge Distillery, Breckenridge Brewery, and Dry Dock Brewing Co.

Tea at the Brown Palace: Enjoy a classic afternoon tea at the historic Brown Palace Hotel.

Day at Wash Park: Spend a day at Washington Park playing volleyball or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Hit the Trails: Finally, no trip to Colorado is complete without hiking one of the many trails for some outdoor adventure.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my wonderful wife, Rachel. Her unwavering support has been instrumental in both my personal growth and success as a business owner. We’ve been married for 10 years, and I truly believe that my journey wouldn’t be the same without her by my side.

Website: https://chrisgaragedoors.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisgaragedoors/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cityrrell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coloradogarage

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chrisgaragedoors

Image Credits
Headshot: Sko Photography
Team/Vehicle Picture: Sandy Puc Photography