Memoriam

Heimar "Ed" Nitt

Ed started out as an Installer and Salesman eventually owning his own company “Door Systems”.

Ed was honored in 1985 by the Door Industry with the Joe Caputo Award, given in recognition of outstanding service and integrity. For ten years he served as an elected member to the International Door Association Board of Directors and as President for a two year term, retiring in 2005.

Ed was truly one of the Greats in this industry.

He was an example of strong work ethics and perseverance.

Chris Mitchell

In 1986 Chris founded North Shore Overhead Door which he operated for almost four decades. He grew up enjoying many sports including football and water skiing, but mostly he loved playing hockey and later was an avid golfer.

Family was very important to Chris. Many of us can recall several conversations we would have with Chris about family. He enjoyed hearing about ours and telling us about his. Chris fully committed himself in all that he did.

Tom Flaherty

“A Mentor to Many”

Tom began his career in the garage door industry in 1979. Working for a small door company in Florida. Later, Tom would branch out to become a successful sales representative for such companies as Clopay, Wayne-Dalton, Cornell and A-Tech Suburban. Retiring with Standard Door Supply of North Oxford, Ma in 2014.

Tom always greeted his peers with a jolly smile. You just knew that he was always happy to see you. He was also very willing to share the tricks of the trade. His advice and tips to the up and coming sales reps were more valuable than Tom realized. His mentorship will be greatly missed in this industry.

Gary Babineau

Gary was the owner of Fimbel Seacoast Garage Doors in Epping, NH. He loved hunting, fishing, camping and spending quality time with his family and friends.

The outpouring of sweet thoughts and prayers to his family is a testament to the impact Gary has left behind both personally and professionally. A kind man that has left us too soon.

Joe Earwood

“A big Garage Door man, with an even bigger heart”

Joe started his career in the garage door industry in 1975. With his background in engineering he began his career as a manufacturing supervisor, plant manager and eventually inside sales.

Sales is where Joe found his niche. His love for people and adventure is what motivated Joe to excel in his career.

During his professional tenure, he held many positions and served in many facets throughout the garage door industry. Along with DASMA, Joe served on the IDA Board of Directors in 1998-2003 and again in 2008-2013. He was IDA Vice President in 2000, 2001, 2009, & 2011. Joe was also a member of DODA, served on the GarageWowNow committee in 2008, which was the industry’s first national PR campaign to enhance the marketing of garage doors, and was a representative for IDEA from 2014-2017.

In early 2004, Napoleon Lynx hired Joe as the National Sales & Marketing Manager; a title which he held until his untimely death.

To those of us in the garage door industry that knew him, Joe was a friend.

Jim Migani

Jim worked in the garage door industry for over 40 years culminating in his
ownership of Precision Garage Door of South Florida. While he enjoyed a successful career, Jim adored his family and was also an avid hunter and enjoyed a good IPA. He had an unbridled love for life.
Some of us may have had the privilege of working with Jim as he was a sales
representative for many garage door manufacturers such as; Premium Door, Wayne-Dalton, Garaga and Hormann to name a few.

John Kymalainen

John worked for Romano Overhead Door for a number of years before purchasing the business with his wife in 2003. Through hard work and

dedication, they built the foundation and reputation that we all strive to uphold to this day.

John headed the business from March of 2003 until his passing in May of 2023. Today, Penney and their son A.J. continue to head the Romano Overhead Door team with the same values, dedication, and hard work that John established.

To his friends in the door industry John was known as a man that valued his family and friends. His commitment to integrity was a natural part of who John was.

Dave Ferguson

After college David began his life-long career in the garage door industry, later becoming the owner and operator of Marathon Door & Glass, Inc. in Mendon, MA.

He had a passion for his craft and excelled in the overhead door industry achieving multiple awards, one of which was serving as the first President of the Professional Door Association in 2010. His last achievement was opening a shop where he manufactured wood carriage house doors. David will always be remembered as an avid golfer and great friend.

Bob Cunnington

Bob Cunnington, of Merrimack, New Hampshire.

After College Bob started his business “Merrill Sales Group” where he was an independent sales representative for specialty door and dock equipment in the garage door industry.

He served on the board of directors of the Professional Door Association from its inception in 2008 until 2015.

Bob was a true family man and the patriarch of the Cunnington family. He loved his Boston Bruins and loved debating politics.