Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rebecca Marciano. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rebecca, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I am proud to be a woman in a heavily male-dominated industry. Although it took a while for me to be taken seriously, I’ve learned to leverage my unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences as a woman. I come from the fashion world and that experience has contributed valuable insights and innovation that no other door company offers. I design the doors with each client and reference the design process I used when designing clothes. The way I look at it, doors are the first thing you see when you look at a house; it can completely change the look of an exterior. A door is a physical barrier that allows you to enter into someone’s most sacred space. That’s what I wanted to be a part of.
With the design aspect of this company under control, I wanted to proved myself to all who did not believe in me that a woman can own and operate an iron door company. I took several welding courses, got my licenses to operate heavy machinery and oversee each department to produce every single one of my doors. I have been blessed to be able to build inspire and manage a wonderful team of women because I want to be able to extend them the chance I was never given.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Custom Iron Door Pros specializes in the customization of doors from start to finish. Demonstrating knowledge and proficiency in door manufacturing, installation techniques, and industry trends differentiates our company as a trusted authority in the field. We pride ourselves in using lead-free paints and metals and do not use any materials that are Prop 65.
We are a smaller company that personally works with each of our customers to ensure the highest quality of materials and customer care. We are beside our customers every step of the way from design all the way to delivery and installation. We are honored to be a part of something so personal and truly view our customers as our family.
We will be launching a smaller line that will be coming in 2025. Referencing my fashion background, we wanted to create door versions of mini capsules. We have begun a collaboration program with local artists to create limited-edition doors for commercial and residential use. We have two upcoming projects in the Arts District in Downtown LA.
My goal behind these “mini-capsules” is to take doors to a new level. and who better to lead the way than a woman welder who references her past in the fashion industry?
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As with starting any business, it has not always been a smooth road; we have dealt with disruptions in the supply chain, quality control, shipping, you name it. The three things that have helped me get through these challenges the most are: patience, endurance and always being on my customer’s side.
Being a woman in this industry has not been an easy task, but with a thick skin and staying in my lane, I have been able to push on and excel more than my competitors. I have been very patient with the process of starting this business from ground up, and am proud to say, five years in, and we are stronger than ever.
The main thing that has keep my business afloat has been my customers. I always believe in a customer-centric approach to my business operations. It is vital for me to keep my customers happy. If we are running late on a shipment, or are running into a supply shortage, I always reach out to my customers to keep them up-to-date as well as try to pivot to get them the best quality in the best timeline possible. Keeping an open line of communication with my customers has proven the most effective approach I could take. Building these relationships of trust with them and keeping them happy is my main focus because that’s what will being me more business.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
My biggest area of growth has been foreseeing future issues as I gain more experience. In the beginning, I struggled with issues that were out of my control. There have been disruptions in the supply chain, quality control, shipping, you name it. Our biggest obstacle to date was dealing with a typhoon that hit a ship that was carrying 17 of our doors. The destroyed ship had to then transfer the doors to another ship, which massively delayed delivery times.
Now, I have learned to ensure back-up plans are ready as well as multiple distribution companies on call so if one company is low on supply, I can work with another vendor to stay on the promised timeline and keep the orders moving. It is imperative for me to provide my customers with the best experience that not only keeps them happy, but also recommend me to their friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: customdoorpros.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/customdoorpros/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-m-a371185/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/custom-iron-door-pros-sun-valley?override_cta=Get+pricing+%26+availability
Image Credits
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