Building Trust & Growing Strong with Mike Batoff

In this inspiring episode, Robb Leishman sits down with industry veteran and longtime friend Mike Batoff—Chief Operations Officer at Howell Door in West Chester, PA—to talk shop, strategy, and what it really takes to thrive in the garage door industry.

Mike’s story is a masterclass in hustle, heart, and high standards. From getting dropped off at service calls by his mom at age 13 to closing high-profit commercial contracts as a seasoned leader, his journey is packed with insight for both new and experienced garage door dealers.

You’ll hear:

• How Mike launched his first business before he had a driver’s license

• The power of listening to customers—and building trust from minute one

• What happened when a major phone number disappeared after a business acquisition

• Why Howell Door teamed up with Legit5—and how they’re winning, even without the original phone line

• Tips on delivering consistent, relationship-first service that turns one-time callers into loyal brand advocates

Mike and Robb also explore the deeper side of the business:
What happens when things go wrong? How do you recover from mistakes? And how do you turn setbacks into defining moments for growth?

Plus, you’ll hear the story of how a single sales call became a high-ticket win—not through pressure tactics, but by building trust, listening carefully, and delivering exactly what the customer wanted (even helping bring her trash cans in!).

This episode is a real look at what it means to be a Garage Door Hero—the grit, the growth, the wins, and the heart that makes this industry more than just about doors.

Whether you're in year one or year twenty, this is one you don’t want to miss.