When your garage door suddenly won't open, starts making strange noises, or simply needs routine maintenance, chances are you want someone you can trust - not someone looking to sell you something you don't need.

That's exactly why Eric Russell founded 1st Call Garage Doors.

After spending more than eight years in the garage door industry, Eric has built his business around a simple philosophy: educate customers, offer honest solutions, and let homeowners decide what's best for their home and budget.

"I wanted Jacksonville to have the garage door company it deserves," Eric says. "One that focuses on professionalism, honesty, and customer service instead of high-pressure sales or scare tactics."

Eric's journey began in Ruidoso, New Mexico, where he was born and raised. He later trained with A Plus Garage Doors in Salt Lake City, Utah, spending more than two years mastering every aspect of garage door installation, repair, and maintenance before relocating to Jacksonville in 2024.

His move wasn't just about escaping snowy winters - it was about family.

"My son moved to Jacksonville with his mother in 2019, and I wanted to be closer to him," Eric shares. "Family is incredibly important to me."

When he's not helping homeowners, you'll likely find Eric enjoying a round of golf, spending time with his son at the arcade, or catching the latest movie together.

Since opening 1st Call Garage Doors in April 2024, the company has quickly earned a reputation for reliable service and honest advice throughout Northeast Florida.

Whether it's replacing broken springs, installing a new garage door opener, performing annual maintenance, or installing an entirely new garage door, 1st Call Garage Doors is equipped to handle the job. Their fully stocked service vehicles allow most repairs to be completed during the initial visit, minimizing inconvenience and getting homeowners back to their daily routines as quickly as possible.

What truly sets the company apart, however, isn't just technical expertise - t's the customer experience.

Rather than sending salespeople whose primary goal is upselling products, Eric's technicians focus on educating homeowners.

"We explain what's happening with your garage door, discuss the available options, and let you decide what makes the most sense," he says. "Every homeowner's situation is different, and we believe they deserve honest information, not pressure."

That customer-first approach has fueled the company's steady growth.

Like many new businesses, the early days required patience and perseverance. Building a reputation from scratch wasn't easy, but Eric remained committed to delivering exceptional service one customer at a time.

Today, what began as only a handful of service calls each month has grown into multiple appointments every day, and Eric is already looking toward the future.

His long-term vision is ambitious: expanding 1st Call Garage Doors into a fleet of 15 to 20 service vehicles capable of serving homeowners throughout the greater Jacksonville area while maintaining the same personalized service the company is known for today.

Eric also believes that successful businesses should give back to the communities they serve.

He volunteers at several local animal shelters and encourages every member of his team to dedicate time to charitable organizations throughout Northeast Florida.

"It's important to support the community that's supporting us," he says.

For Shearwater homeowners, Eric offers one simple piece of preventative advice that can help avoid costly repairs.

"At least once a year, lubricate all of your garage door's moving parts and check the door's balance," he recommends. "Regular maintenance helps your garage door and opener operate smoothly and can significantly extend the life of the entire system."

It's a small investment of time that can prevent major headaches down the road.

Whether you need an emergency repair, routine maintenance, a quieter garage door opener, or a beautiful new garage door to enhance your home's curb appeal, 1st Call Garage Doors is committed to delivering honest recommendations, expert workmanship, and outstanding customer service every step of the way.

Sometimes, the best businesses aren't the ones that promise the most - they're the ones that simply do what they say they'll do. That's the standard Eric Russell has built his company around, and it's why more Jacksonville homeowners are making 1st Call Garage Doors their first call.