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Master technicians

Overhead Door Co. has some workers in a class (nearly) by themselves

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Jerry Osborne, co-owner of Overhead Door Co. of Webster County, looks over an older garage door opener in the shop recently. Osborne and three of his technicians have recently earned their Master Tech certification from the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation.

Four of the technicians at Overhead Door Co. of Webster County are in some rare company — they are among the only 70 or so technicians nationally to have earned their Master Technician Certification from the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation.

One of those to earn the title, Matt Osborne, is also the youngest technician to have earned the certificate, according to the IDEA.

“I was the youngest in the country at the time,” he said. “I grew up around it.”

He said that having the certification helps inspire confidence and trust with their customers.

“They know you’re going to do it right the first time and not have to call you back three times,” he said. “It indicates reliability and that trustworthiness.”

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Overhead Door Co. of Webster County technicians Matthew Osborne, at left, David Osborne and Kelly Weideman proudly pose with their Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accredidation Master Technician certificates that they recently earned. The company has four Master Techs employed. Only about 70 technicians have earned the title nationally.

Co-owner Leanna Osborne said the process to earn the certification insures that the technicians know their job.

“They have to take classes and then pass the test,” she said. “So many people are surprised that there’s accreditation for door installers.”

Each technician has to earn a certification in four different areas of their craft before they can become a master level tech.

“They test in commercial sectional, commercial roll-up, rolling steel fire door and residential door systems,” she said.

Before they’re even allowed to test, there’s hands-on work.

“It requires a minimum two years experience in all four areas,” she said.

Door technician Dave Osborne, of Badger, also earned his master tech certification.

He’s got a lot of experience.

“Almost a decade,” he said.

He said the tests varied from very challenging to somewhat easy. His experience, he said. was a major asset when testing.

“I was the first one done,” he said.

He was well rewarded when he came back to work.

“They gave me a new truck,” he said.

Yes, his coworkers gave him a lot of good natured ribbing.

Technician Kelly Weideman, of Fort Dodge, also earned his master tech certificate.

He too, has plenty of experience.

“It’s my 17th year this year,” he said.

He said that it’s nice to have the certification, it’s official recognition of his skills and craftsmanship.

Co-owner Jerry Osborne also earned his certification.

He said they’ve owned the company for about 20 years and worked there previously. Combined, he said he has about 25 years of experience.

He too feels that having a master certified tech helps them offer something special to their customers.

“It’s important they know our people are qualified to do the job right,” he said. “I’m proud of them, they do a good job.”

Leanna Osborne is very proud of the crew too.

“I’m extremely proud,” she said. “Each one of them care so deeply about their work. They never leave until the customer is 100 percent satisfied. There’s only about 70 or so master techs and we have four of them.”

The company employs about 16 people. They are located at 6 N. 21st St. in Fort Dodge.

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