Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
I must admit that I'm a fan of automatic garage door openers. I love being able to simply push a button as I pull into my driveway and watch as the garage door opens to let me in then closes behind me just as easily. What a great invention!
Brad Kofford also appreciates the importance of such gadgets. His company, Community Controls, provides radio-controlled devices for gates, garage doors and other access systems. The business also supplies computer access cards for secure facilities. In limited markets, the company offers installation and service, although its products are sold nationwide.
Community Controls sells many different models and brands of remotes, including some of the oldest and most difficult to find. Two popular models account for about 40 percent of the company's sales. The remotes come as either visor clips or key chains and have one- and two-button designs. Community Controls can program the devices and laser etch them at a customer's request.
Brad tells me Community Controls originally started in 1972 in Burbank, Calif. The business was set up to install and service automated security gates. He didn't get involved until 1985, when his father purchased the business. Brad worked part-time in the summer before he planned to attend law school but he discovered a greater interest in his father's business than in practicing law. So he entered the business full time following his graduation from Pepperdine University. After the real estate market crash of the late 80s, Brad changed the company's focus and moved it to Utah a few years later where it began to grow into its current size.
Today, the company's products are distributed all over the United States and in Canada and Puerto Rico. Brad says his employees are passionate and dedicated and strive to learn about the latest technology as it becomes available. Community Controls is also committed to ensuring customers are satisfied with the end result of any transaction.
