"With great intent, I took every common complaint about "contractors" and flipped them upside down in order to conduct business." - Jacob Gilliam
Specialized, Not "General"
We specialize solely in gate automation. Jacob is a Certified Electronics Technologist & master-level technician who has focused on vehicular gates for nearly two decades. He personally trains his support, and has put together one of the best & most loyal teams you'll ever witness in this trade.
4,865+ Installations, 85,036+ Consultations, and counting...
We specialize solely in gate automation. Jacob is a Certified Electronics Technologist & master-level technician who has focused on vehicular gates for nearly two decades. He personally trains his support, and has put together one of the best & most loyal teams you'll ever witness in this trade.
4,865+ Installations, 85,036+ Consultations, and counting...
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Communication
Keeping you informed is a priority: you receive very detailed proposals and project progress updates. We strive for no ambiguity & no misunderstandings. |
Insured for "Woopsies"
Most other gate techs are not insured—but we are. And we don't simply purchase temporary "by-the-day" insurance to satisfy the occasional customer. We carry a permanent insurance policy so that we're covered before, during, and long after any job. And we are proud to add: after 19+ years of doing business, we have ZERO incidents/claims! |
No "Fake It Until You Make It" Policy
This site and team is as real as it gets: these are all our genuine photos from our jobs.. There are no generic stock photos in our collection: our lives, our faces, and our names represent the pride which we have in our craftsmanship. Even though we provide home services, all proposals include Jacob's home address, so you can knock and visit later if you feel the need to do so for any reason (whether to say "hi" or address an issue that arises). We don't know other contractors that present our level of transparency and accessibility; we care about your happiness and peace of mind.
This site and team is as real as it gets: these are all our genuine photos from our jobs.. There are no generic stock photos in our collection: our lives, our faces, and our names represent the pride which we have in our craftsmanship. Even though we provide home services, all proposals include Jacob's home address, so you can knock and visit later if you feel the need to do so for any reason (whether to say "hi" or address an issue that arises). We don't know other contractors that present our level of transparency and accessibility; we care about your happiness and peace of mind.
Professional Grade Only
We provide gate openers with the longest life, and that require the least amount of maintenance. We do not use disposable or entry-level grade machines; only professional grade and field serviceable equipment come from this team. Some property owners pay to replace their gate equipment 2-8 times in the same number of years before the quality equipment we provide will need to be replaced. A significant problem with this industry is that no one educates the consumer regarding gate operators; they are often unable to make informed decisions the same way they do about vehicles or appliances. Most gate contractors try to bid the cheapest stuff because they worry too much about winning the bid rather than just providing reliability. Jacob has made it his professional responsibility to 1) provide the customer with facts about the machines and their accessories and 2) to never promote the substandard products that plague this industry.
We provide gate openers with the longest life, and that require the least amount of maintenance. We do not use disposable or entry-level grade machines; only professional grade and field serviceable equipment come from this team. Some property owners pay to replace their gate equipment 2-8 times in the same number of years before the quality equipment we provide will need to be replaced. A significant problem with this industry is that no one educates the consumer regarding gate operators; they are often unable to make informed decisions the same way they do about vehicles or appliances. Most gate contractors try to bid the cheapest stuff because they worry too much about winning the bid rather than just providing reliability. Jacob has made it his professional responsibility to 1) provide the customer with facts about the machines and their accessories and 2) to never promote the substandard products that plague this industry.
Field Welding Capablities Are Exceptional
Here is an example of where Jacob grafted a cap to an existing steel post in the field, and a miter joint for a gate frame made in the shop. They speak for themselves.
added cap to existing post
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gate frame fabricated with proper miter joints and floated welds
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Posts That Stay Put
That's the long and the short of it. We dig and set posts different than anyone we've ever encountered. It's physics; it's dependable. We can swing extraordinarily long and heavy gates on a single freestanding post in darn near any environment, and the post and gate remain reliable for decades. Jacob guarantees his posts for 10 years; if it moves, it is adjusted for free.
That's the long and the short of it. We dig and set posts different than anyone we've ever encountered. It's physics; it's dependable. We can swing extraordinarily long and heavy gates on a single freestanding post in darn near any environment, and the post and gate remain reliable for decades. Jacob guarantees his posts for 10 years; if it moves, it is adjusted for free.
Heavy Duty Custom Gates
We build better gates than most you'll find on the market. We begin with above-standard material sizes and thickness, incorporate proper mitering, beveling, filling, and attention to detail from beginning to end. This process culminates in one of the highest gate fabrication standards in the USA. From the simplest of farm styles to the more elegantly ornate, pretty much anyone will regret hitting your gate with their vehicle. You can have beauty & strength.
We build better gates than most you'll find on the market. We begin with above-standard material sizes and thickness, incorporate proper mitering, beveling, filling, and attention to detail from beginning to end. This process culminates in one of the highest gate fabrication standards in the USA. From the simplest of farm styles to the more elegantly ornate, pretty much anyone will regret hitting your gate with their vehicle. You can have beauty & strength.
Only Quality Materials & Equipment
We refuse to use low quality materials. Any time we find something better to use, we enthusiastically adopt it. We're selective and detail-oriented, all the way down to even our choice of screws. We will only offer you gate operators models that last 10-20 years. Moreover, we will never provide our customers with disposable plastic lightweight models from China.
We refuse to use low quality materials. Any time we find something better to use, we enthusiastically adopt it. We're selective and detail-oriented, all the way down to even our choice of screws. We will only offer you gate operators models that last 10-20 years. Moreover, we will never provide our customers with disposable plastic lightweight models from China.
Consistent Pricing
We offer fair pricing: it remains stable & consistent from customer to customer. Our prices do not vary from mood to mood or upon the customer's prosperity. We will not make a valued judgment based on how lovely your home looks or the flashy vehicle in your driveway: this is a despicable practice, and we refuse to engage in it. We utilize a fair mathematical formula for all products, and a fixed rate for labor and fabrication for everyone. We are consistent & fair to all.
We offer fair pricing: it remains stable & consistent from customer to customer. Our prices do not vary from mood to mood or upon the customer's prosperity. We will not make a valued judgment based on how lovely your home looks or the flashy vehicle in your driveway: this is a despicable practice, and we refuse to engage in it. We utilize a fair mathematical formula for all products, and a fixed rate for labor and fabrication for everyone. We are consistent & fair to all.
A Bold Guarantee
We have an industry smashing guarantee! Jacob pours his history & pride into his work—and into those he trains. We guarantee that our craftsmanship will be good for 10 years…or we will fix it for free. If we install it, wire it, attach it, program it, or weld it, our work is promised to be to the manufacturer's requirements (or better) & dependable for at least a decade, or we'll come back and make it right without argument or cost to you. We've never met anyone who stands behind their work to this degree; the industry standard is a one-year labor warranty, and Jacob thumbs his nose to that, too - "installers should be held more accountable".
To be clear: this guarantee applies to work we perform, wiring, programming, our welds, raw materials we provide, or things we fabricate - this is not an extension to manufacturer's product or parts warranties (products & parts hold their own specific warranties against manufacturer's defects), and this guarantee does not apply to paint.
We have an industry smashing guarantee! Jacob pours his history & pride into his work—and into those he trains. We guarantee that our craftsmanship will be good for 10 years…or we will fix it for free. If we install it, wire it, attach it, program it, or weld it, our work is promised to be to the manufacturer's requirements (or better) & dependable for at least a decade, or we'll come back and make it right without argument or cost to you. We've never met anyone who stands behind their work to this degree; the industry standard is a one-year labor warranty, and Jacob thumbs his nose to that, too - "installers should be held more accountable".
To be clear: this guarantee applies to work we perform, wiring, programming, our welds, raw materials we provide, or things we fabricate - this is not an extension to manufacturer's product or parts warranties (products & parts hold their own specific warranties against manufacturer's defects), and this guarantee does not apply to paint.
"USA! USA! USA!"
We believe in rooting for the home team. Any time we can provide U.S. made products in place of foreign equipment, we choose to do so. The same also goes for hiring help (without exception) – we hire U.S. citizens or those who fought to come here legally. If we cannot find products made in the U.S., we look for products from Germany or Italy before considering China.
We believe in rooting for the home team. Any time we can provide U.S. made products in place of foreign equipment, we choose to do so. The same also goes for hiring help (without exception) – we hire U.S. citizens or those who fought to come here legally. If we cannot find products made in the U.S., we look for products from Germany or Italy before considering China.
Never the "Minimum"
We never do just the bare minimum requirements or cut corners. If you say industry-standard to Jacob, he immediately considers going beyond the basic accepted quality. It is an unceasing process: to look for and adopting practices, methods, and materials. If the longevity and dependability can be increased 300% for a 20% increase in cost, we think it's worth it every time.
Less hassle. less repair/replacing, and cheaper to own in the long run.
We never do just the bare minimum requirements or cut corners. If you say industry-standard to Jacob, he immediately considers going beyond the basic accepted quality. It is an unceasing process: to look for and adopting practices, methods, and materials. If the longevity and dependability can be increased 300% for a 20% increase in cost, we think it's worth it every time.
Less hassle. less repair/replacing, and cheaper to own in the long run.
Proper Supporting Equipment
Contrary to public assumption, quality gate operators do not come from the factories with everything required to install them. Manufacturer's send them out, expecting professionals to install them, and provide the many numerous crucial supporting materials and equipment they require. We provide all the appropriate and quality supporting equipment and materials to do the job right the first time, for dependability, longevity, and to ensure factory warranties will not be voided.
An improper installation can void product warranties! Do not volunteer to be a victim of a professional post-hole digger "winging it" through the installation of your expensive automation equipment.
Contrary to public assumption, quality gate operators do not come from the factories with everything required to install them. Manufacturer's send them out, expecting professionals to install them, and provide the many numerous crucial supporting materials and equipment they require. We provide all the appropriate and quality supporting equipment and materials to do the job right the first time, for dependability, longevity, and to ensure factory warranties will not be voided.
An improper installation can void product warranties! Do not volunteer to be a victim of a professional post-hole digger "winging it" through the installation of your expensive automation equipment.
On Time, or Better!
We have an obsession with punctuality and strive to complete projects on or ahead of schedule. To maintain this reputation, we intentionally sacrifice profit to avoid over-booking, keeping a constant grip on reality and foresight. So we give realistic expectations up front and throughout. We will not lie to you about when we can start a project just so we can earn your business, and then stall with excuses in order to begin later, as so many other contractors will do. Our wait is often lengthy, but you get the truth about it up front. Any good installer that takes pride in what they do in this industry will have a long wait -- that's just the fact of the matter. Anyone with a bad reputation will begin right away. If they can jump up off their couch and start tomorrow? It's for a good reason.
We have an obsession with punctuality and strive to complete projects on or ahead of schedule. To maintain this reputation, we intentionally sacrifice profit to avoid over-booking, keeping a constant grip on reality and foresight. So we give realistic expectations up front and throughout. We will not lie to you about when we can start a project just so we can earn your business, and then stall with excuses in order to begin later, as so many other contractors will do. Our wait is often lengthy, but you get the truth about it up front. Any good installer that takes pride in what they do in this industry will have a long wait -- that's just the fact of the matter. Anyone with a bad reputation will begin right away. If they can jump up off their couch and start tomorrow? It's for a good reason.
Redundant Quality Testing
We strive to provide the best equipment. Thus, it stands to reason that we would double-check those that build and fabricate the said equipment. We refuse to blindly believe manufacturers' production facility has done their best before shipping equipment to us. Therefore, we bench test units before we install them for you, and conduct some proprietary processes. We believe this to be going the extra mile so that you can rest easy, with a sense of security on it's dependability.
We strive to provide the best equipment. Thus, it stands to reason that we would double-check those that build and fabricate the said equipment. We refuse to blindly believe manufacturers' production facility has done their best before shipping equipment to us. Therefore, we bench test units before we install them for you, and conduct some proprietary processes. We believe this to be going the extra mile so that you can rest easy, with a sense of security on it's dependability.
Prepared with Stocked Parts
One of the rarest things you'll hear in this industry is: "we stock it".
Well, we stock all the common replacement parts that tend to wear out, the most common control boards, and the most common products required for installations. Which means your gate problems can be resolved rapidly, and new installations can start sooner. Rarely will you ever hear us say "we have to order the part, and wait several days/weeks for it to come in" - we let the competition make a habit out of playing sad songs like that to their customers.
We want to be known for BEING PREPARED & SOLVING YOUR PROBLEMS.
One of the rarest things you'll hear in this industry is: "we stock it".
Well, we stock all the common replacement parts that tend to wear out, the most common control boards, and the most common products required for installations. Which means your gate problems can be resolved rapidly, and new installations can start sooner. Rarely will you ever hear us say "we have to order the part, and wait several days/weeks for it to come in" - we let the competition make a habit out of playing sad songs like that to their customers.
We want to be known for BEING PREPARED & SOLVING YOUR PROBLEMS.
Educated Customers
We believe it is our job to educate our customers - before the job, during the work, and after installation. Unlike most contractors who say "trust me, I know", but those contractors offer no viable explanations. Why? Because, quite frankly, they don't know. We explain how and why something works, how and why something is better, and how and why your system is misbehaving. We will even empower you to resolve some issues on your own in the future. Jacob enjoys taking the time to explain how things work to his customers, and he encourages his help to do the same. "Adopt the heart of a teacher. don't simply ask the customer to believe you. Tell them why, what, how, and in detail. If at all possible? Show them. Lay your knowledge out for them to understand, so they know they can depend on you."
We believe it is our job to educate our customers - before the job, during the work, and after installation. Unlike most contractors who say "trust me, I know", but those contractors offer no viable explanations. Why? Because, quite frankly, they don't know. We explain how and why something works, how and why something is better, and how and why your system is misbehaving. We will even empower you to resolve some issues on your own in the future. Jacob enjoys taking the time to explain how things work to his customers, and he encourages his help to do the same. "Adopt the heart of a teacher. don't simply ask the customer to believe you. Tell them why, what, how, and in detail. If at all possible? Show them. Lay your knowledge out for them to understand, so they know they can depend on you."
Educated Diagnostics
We are not post-hole-diggers who call ourselves "gate guys" that show up with a fresh magnetic sign on a truck and start guessing at your issues, or worse: start swapping out parts to "see what happens". You get a highly trained professional who shows up with all the proper diagnostic equipment, experience, and education to show you real issues in real-time, precisely explain what is going on, decisively replace parts, and confidently solve your problems. Our customers are never our beta testers, experiments, or guinea pigs.
We are not post-hole-diggers who call ourselves "gate guys" that show up with a fresh magnetic sign on a truck and start guessing at your issues, or worse: start swapping out parts to "see what happens". You get a highly trained professional who shows up with all the proper diagnostic equipment, experience, and education to show you real issues in real-time, precisely explain what is going on, decisively replace parts, and confidently solve your problems. Our customers are never our beta testers, experiments, or guinea pigs.
Proprietary Upgrades
We provide certain proprietary upgrades for free (based on the type of system installation). These upgrades are intentionally not mentioned or advertised: we provide paying customers with awareness of these upgrades upon completion of the project during the walk-through. All proprietary upgrades are designed to enhance security, dependability, or longevity; this is just another way we go above and beyond.
Note: because we do not charge for these upgrades, we are not obligated to publicly disclose them to competition.
We provide certain proprietary upgrades for free (based on the type of system installation). These upgrades are intentionally not mentioned or advertised: we provide paying customers with awareness of these upgrades upon completion of the project during the walk-through. All proprietary upgrades are designed to enhance security, dependability, or longevity; this is just another way we go above and beyond.
Note: because we do not charge for these upgrades, we are not obligated to publicly disclose them to competition.
Happy Customers
"Only happy customers are allowed."
There are no exceptions or compromises to this rule in this house.
The cousin to that doctrine is "No Excuses"... we don't offer them up, or expect you to swallow them.
We take pride in getting jobs done, doing them well, and being problem solvers.
You are either going to be happy, or we'll die trying.
"Only happy customers are allowed."
There are no exceptions or compromises to this rule in this house.
The cousin to that doctrine is "No Excuses"... we don't offer them up, or expect you to swallow them.
We take pride in getting jobs done, doing them well, and being problem solvers.
You are either going to be happy, or we'll die trying.
Respect of Privacy
"I never share, sell, or abuse any of my customer's information." - Jacob Gilliam
Nor do we speak about any of our famous & high profile clients; their names, homes, locations & actions remain private with us. With clients such as Ex-Presidents, Secret Service, FBI facilities, top city officials, fortune 100 CEO's, even world famous big-game hunters, we understand their needs for discretion, and keep a tight lip.
We also do not send out solicitations - your phone numbers and emails are used strictly for your project & service needs.
"I never share, sell, or abuse any of my customer's information." - Jacob Gilliam
Nor do we speak about any of our famous & high profile clients; their names, homes, locations & actions remain private with us. With clients such as Ex-Presidents, Secret Service, FBI facilities, top city officials, fortune 100 CEO's, even world famous big-game hunters, we understand their needs for discretion, and keep a tight lip.
We also do not send out solicitations - your phone numbers and emails are used strictly for your project & service needs.
No Trashy Sites
We never trash a job site. It remains clean from the beginning to the end of the project. Jacob is a stickler that no one tosses any trash or scraps on the ground, nor dumped in a hole and buried. We're the cleanest and least invasive contractors, who respect your property.
We never trash a job site. It remains clean from the beginning to the end of the project. Jacob is a stickler that no one tosses any trash or scraps on the ground, nor dumped in a hole and buried. We're the cleanest and least invasive contractors, who respect your property.
Zero Debt Policy
We conduct business with zero debt. Everything in our possession is paid for. Vendors are paid immediately. There are no tools, materials, equipment, or services on credit, ever. We differ from other contractors who operate under a "rob Peter to pay Paul" policy. Such contractors depend on deposits from new customers to pay for past (or current) projects, and float materials and equipment with various vendors. We absolutely refuse to engage in this all-too-common and scary balancing act of conducting business. It's a walking-disaster waiting to happen, that takes other people down with it. It's a reflection of business practices in dire need of reevaluation, a reflection of the widely accepted adage of "fake it until you make it," and what's worse? It fosters a constant atmosphere of desperation, and "desperation breeds stupidity."
From beginning to end, you are always in stable hands with Jacob and his team.
We conduct business with zero debt. Everything in our possession is paid for. Vendors are paid immediately. There are no tools, materials, equipment, or services on credit, ever. We differ from other contractors who operate under a "rob Peter to pay Paul" policy. Such contractors depend on deposits from new customers to pay for past (or current) projects, and float materials and equipment with various vendors. We absolutely refuse to engage in this all-too-common and scary balancing act of conducting business. It's a walking-disaster waiting to happen, that takes other people down with it. It's a reflection of business practices in dire need of reevaluation, a reflection of the widely accepted adage of "fake it until you make it," and what's worse? It fosters a constant atmosphere of desperation, and "desperation breeds stupidity."
From beginning to end, you are always in stable hands with Jacob and his team.
Zero Pressure Sales
Once we've sent an estimate, you never hear from us again: no "follow-up" calls, no "touching base" emails, no text messages, no typical annoying sales practices. Yes, every professional salesman and corporation would chastise us for this policy, but we are here to be gate technicians, not salesmen. Jacob intentionally hasn't hired salesmen; every person you deal with here is a technician. After you receive our estimate, we feel the proverbial ball is respectfully in your court.
Once we've sent an estimate, you never hear from us again: no "follow-up" calls, no "touching base" emails, no text messages, no typical annoying sales practices. Yes, every professional salesman and corporation would chastise us for this policy, but we are here to be gate technicians, not salesmen. Jacob intentionally hasn't hired salesmen; every person you deal with here is a technician. After you receive our estimate, we feel the proverbial ball is respectfully in your court.
Honesty
Knowing full well that many of the opinions that Jacob has expressed will potentially hurt some contractors' feelings...
"Integrity is everything. Respect people enough to tell them the truth. What they do with the truth after it has been told is their own affair. We can't get trapped in the cycle of telling folks what we believe they want to hear - it serves no one other than those who enjoy or benefit from lurking in the gray or shadowy areas of life. Granted, the truth is a double-edged sword; it cuts coming, and it cuts going; it cuts things you never expected or intended... but it will always get you what you need. It may not always get you what you "want" -- so let's be very clear about that -- but it will ultimately be what you need... and it serves everyone around you to their own needs. You can care about people and still be honest with them - this is not some moral free-pass to be ugly to people, so choose your words, but make sure those words are truths. And might I add, the number one person we all lie to is ourselves, so we'd all do good to reflect on that, as well. When we begin to be honest with ourselves, we start getting what we need out of life and our relationships... including happiness and respect. Why do so few people apply an honesty policy with their customers? Why so often is there this giant fear to tell customers the whole truth, same as people fear telling themselves the truth? I think we should ponder this strange coincidence and possible correlation. I should also probably add: if you always say and do what you believe is right, you may not always be correct, but you'll always be upstanding and people will respect you for it, and most of all, you'll never be a villain or an enemy to humanity... and this will have positive ripples you'll never foresee." - Jacob Gilliam
Knowing full well that many of the opinions that Jacob has expressed will potentially hurt some contractors' feelings...
"Integrity is everything. Respect people enough to tell them the truth. What they do with the truth after it has been told is their own affair. We can't get trapped in the cycle of telling folks what we believe they want to hear - it serves no one other than those who enjoy or benefit from lurking in the gray or shadowy areas of life. Granted, the truth is a double-edged sword; it cuts coming, and it cuts going; it cuts things you never expected or intended... but it will always get you what you need. It may not always get you what you "want" -- so let's be very clear about that -- but it will ultimately be what you need... and it serves everyone around you to their own needs. You can care about people and still be honest with them - this is not some moral free-pass to be ugly to people, so choose your words, but make sure those words are truths. And might I add, the number one person we all lie to is ourselves, so we'd all do good to reflect on that, as well. When we begin to be honest with ourselves, we start getting what we need out of life and our relationships... including happiness and respect. Why do so few people apply an honesty policy with their customers? Why so often is there this giant fear to tell customers the whole truth, same as people fear telling themselves the truth? I think we should ponder this strange coincidence and possible correlation. I should also probably add: if you always say and do what you believe is right, you may not always be correct, but you'll always be upstanding and people will respect you for it, and most of all, you'll never be a villain or an enemy to humanity... and this will have positive ripples you'll never foresee." - Jacob Gilliam