Large areas for storage and shipping attracted Airlift Doors to its new Maple Lake home.

set up for training purposes as well as research and development. It’ll be a great opportunity to bring people in, show them the product and do on-site training. That’s a big part of why we moved into this building.”

The advantage of polycarbonate doors, he explained, is that they let natural light in from outside. The company also makes high-speed, vinyl roll-up doors and pneumatic air openers.

“Hundreds of companies do roll-up doors, but we customize,” Hart said. “We can make doors that are corrosion-proof with parts made from plastic and stainless steel. Water and chemicals are constantly sprayed on doors and hardware. We’ve invented a product to withstand extremely harsh environments.”

Corrosion-resistant products, he said, are the company’s specialty.

“We were one of the originals,” he said. “That’s how we built a name for ourselves. We’re the

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‘Kleenex’ of our industry. When people talk about polycarbonate doors, they refer to them as Airlift.”

Hart also operates a second business, Carefree Lawn, which is also currently based out of both locations. Specializing in underground sprinkler systems, Carefree Lawn has also recently branched out into full-service lawn care.

“We do installation and service unique systems,” Hart said. “Right now, we install, we mow, and we’re looking at complete lawn service. If people want to call and ask, we’ll figure out a way to do it. That’s the kind of company we are.”

The sprinkler side of the business, he explained, keeps him and his employees busy in summer, and the doors keep them busy through the winter months.

“People start their construction in the spring or summer, and then they do the doors last,” he said. “The majority of our door side business happens in the fourth quarter. In the wintertime, we provide service seven days a week, 24 hours a day.”

The company has about 40 employees in addition to several Carefree Lawn seasonal workers.

Hart doesn’t train people for one specific role, but prefers to have his employees “float” as necessary.

“It’s not only a nice tie-in between the businesses, it’s also a good way to retain good people year-round,” he explained. “We’ve had one recent hire here for the front office, and we’ll be hiring seasonal help for the sprinkler side this summer. Then, hopefully, as we launch new lines, we’ll be needing more people.”

In the meantime, he intends to put his efforts into helping his company maximize its potential in Maple Lake.

“This building is a great fit for us,” he said.

“Everything just flows now. We’re excited to be here.”