When Michelle Giles and Gawain Giles founded Knight Garage Doors in Auckland, they were venturing into an industry as challenging as it is foundational to homeowners. The company’s roots are as practical as its ethos: quality service delivered with a fresh, family-focused approach.
But behind the success of Knight Garage Doors is a story of resilience, risk, and a commitment to setting new standards in an industry where standards can be sparse.
A Leap of Faith Into A New World
Knight Garage Doors wasn’t always on the cards for Michelle and Gawain. When Gawain was unexpectedly laid off from his role with a garage door company in late 2016, the couple found themselves in shock and navigating a critical turning point.
“We’d thought about starting our own business for a few years,” Michelle reflects. “But that push—just before Christmas and with no savings to rely on—was the kick-start we needed.” The couple took a leap, investing what little they had into Google Ads and launching Knight Garage Doors in early 2017.
Naming the business was a thoughtful process, inspired by Gawain’s namesake: Sir Gawain, one of King Arthur’s legendary knights. In a field dominated by strong, bold names like Defender and Conqueror, “Knight” stood out as a symbol of integrity and strength.
“We wanted a name that reflected our values and brought a sense of honour to what we do,” Michelle explains.
Building a Business from the Ground Up
Starting from scratch with limited funds, no truck, and only the tools they could afford, Michelle and Gawain faced steep challenges in the early years. Michelle juggled raising her little kids with studies, finishing a Health Sciences degree while managing Google Ads, marketing and office work part-time.
Meanwhile, Gawain handled the long hours and the physical demands of contracting and installations. “That was quite a struggle in itself,” Michelle said. The period was one of intense personal and professional growth, building both a business and a legacy for their family.
“It’s scary going from an employee’s pay cheque to uncertainty. We were living off credit cards for three months in early 2017 before Gawain started contracting,” Michelle recalls. But there were more trials on the horizon. When Knight Garage Doors was just beginning in early 2017, the business relied heavily on contracting work from a single company.
“For most of that year—probably a good six months—we didn’t have to look too hard for work,” Michelle recalls. “That contracting work gave us a little security, which was great.” But as the year came to a close, so did that steady stream of contract jobs.
A Difficult Decision, A Turning Point
With the work suddenly gone, Michelle and Gawain faced a tough decision: go back to traditional jobs or invest in finding their own clients. “It was difficult as a new, unknown company,” Michelle explains. But they decided to press on, putting their own money into Google Ads to establish Knight Garage Doors in the Auckland market.
“It took at least six months before we felt like we had a steady income to cover the bills,” she says, a testament to their resilience and commitment to building a trusted name from the ground up.
Despite the fear they felt at the time, their determination eventually paid off. After months of living with risk, the Gileses were able to bring in a steady stream of clients, and Knight Garage Doors quickly became a recognisable name in Auckland, specialising in garage door installations and repairs.
Today, the company is the most Google 5-star rated garage door specialist in the region, with over 400 five-star reviews that reflect a reputation built on reliability, punctuality, and exceptional service.
A New Standard for Service in the Industry
From the outset, Michelle and Gawain had a clear vision: to create the best garage door company in Auckland, one where customers could expect punctual, professional service with a personal touch. “We’d experienced sloppy tradie behaviour ourselves, from disappearing for lunch breaks to not showing up at all,” says Michelle. “We wanted Knight Garage Doors to set a different standard.”
At Knight Garage Doors, teamwork is more than just a buzzword. “We’re a family,” says Michelle, underscoring the team’s shared commitment to excellence.
“We wanted to bring a younger, fresher vibe to an industry that’s often stuck in its ways,” Michelle explains. Today, punctuality and transparency define the Knight Garage Doors experience. Customers are kept informed every step of the way, thanks to an advanced job management system.
Their Uber-style “track my arrival” feature allows clients to monitor their technician’s approach in real-time, adding an extra layer of convenience. “We do what we say we’ll do,” Michelle says firmly. “If we tell a customer we’ll call them back today, we will. If we say we’re going to charge this much, we do. If we say that the job will be done today, we keep our word.”
The Knight Garage Doors team take pride in maintaining a high level of communication, sending reminders, providing arrival estimates, and even informing customers when they’re running late. It’s these small but crucial touches that have established the Gileses as local leaders in the industry, redefining what customers should expect from garage door service.
Expertise and Peace of Mind: The Knight Guarantee
With over 20 years of combined experience, Knight Garage Doors stands out with its 730-day workmanship guarantee, a rarity in the industry that speaks to the confidence they have in the quality and durability of their work. This guarantee, along with an extensive product warranty, assures customers of long-term peace of mind.
For the Gileses, providing this level of assurance is about delivering reliability and building trust—a philosophy that has contributed to their steady growth.
Their products cater to diverse needs and preferences, from classic sectional doors for modern aesthetics to architectural and natural timber options for those seeking more unique, high-end looks.
Customers can choose from a variety of colours, materials, and window designs, customising each installation to enhance curb appeal while complementing the architectural style of their homes. Additionally, they offer energy-efficient insulation options that are both eco-friendly and crafted from recycled materials, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable and safe solutions.
Innovation and Automation at the Forefront
In an industry that’s often seen as traditional, Knight Garage Doors is embracing modern solutions. As authorised dealers of Merlin, they provide cutting-edge automation options equipped with smart features that enhance both convenience and safety.
Merlin’s myQ technology allows customers to monitor and control their garage doors from anywhere, and with built-in battery backup, access remains available even during power outages. The advanced system also includes automatic safety reversal, a critical feature that ensures doors will stop and reverse if they detect an obstruction, protecting people and property.
These modern features are bolstered by the company’s commitment to safety and innovation. Gawain’s extensive background across multiple companies has given him an edge, allowing him to troubleshoot and adapt installation techniques based on his varied experience.
The team’s approach to using the latest tools and materials, including quiet automation motors and noise-reduction technologies, sets a high bar for the Auckland market.
Growing with the Community in Mind
For Michelle and Gawain, the most rewarding part of their journey has been the personal growth that comes with running a business. “Starting out, neither of us knew what it really meant to be business owners,” Michelle admits. “It’s been a lot of learning and unlearning, but the experience has made us grow.”
The success of Knight Garage Doors has even allowed the family to get away to create special memories together, like a recent trip to Disneyland with their children—a reward Michelle attributes to the risks they took in 2017.
Knight Garage Doors has built a reputation for professionalism, attracting glowing reviews from customers.
Vel from Waiheke Island shared her experience, describing Knight’s service as “absolutely impressive”. She writes, “You would be mad to go elsewhere if you need installation of garage doors.” For Michelle and Gawain, such feedback is both humbling and motivating.
Big Plans for the Future
With a strong foundation and a growing clientele, Michelle and Gawain have ambitious plans for Knight Garage Doors. The next step is expansion, with hopes of adding technicians and eventually covering areas around Auckland and beyond. They’re also considering broadening their services to include other products, like gates under the Knight brand.
The goal, Michelle explains, is to build a suite of services that their clients can rely on beyond just garage doors—helping them with other critical areas of home and property maintenance.
Reflecting on her advice for new business owners, Michelle encourages resilience and community. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there,” she advises. “Network, meet people, and take the risks.”
As Knight Garage Doors continues to grow, Michelle and Gawain are setting a modern, community-focused standard in an old-school industry. Their dedication to quality, communication, and customer service has created more than a business—it’s a trusted local brand that embodies the very values of its name.
By putting customers first, integrating cutting-edge technology, and staying true to their core values, the Gileses have crafted a company that not only serves Auckland’s garage door needs but enriches the community they’re proud to call home.
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