Open door with education opportunity quote.

Back To School Energy

08/01/2025|Admin|,

Feeling That Back To School Energy

As August rolls in, there’s something in the air, a shift that’s hard to miss. For me, this season has always carried a sense of excitement and possibility. It awakens the student within me.

I find myself revisiting old favorites like Dead Poets Society and Good Will Hunting and even bingeing the first few episodes of Gilmore Girls as a guilty pleasure. The desire for learning has been a constant thread in my life.

I consider myself lucky to have fallen into an industry that thrives on learning. The complexity of the commercial door industry – with its ever-evolving codes, innovative products and life safety challenges – requires all of us to stay on our A Game.

I still remember those first days as a receptionist at Pleasants Contract Hardware in Tampa, trying to take messages about things I had never even heard of, like an astragal! I will always be grateful to Pat Wright for taking me under his wing and to Pleasants Hardware for their commitment to employee education. Those early lessons shaped not only my career but my approach to lifelong learning.

This month I am channeling that back-to-school energy with a few Short 101 Lessons designed as a refresher for seasoned pros or a helpful start for those new to the industry:

 Looking For More In Depth Training?

For decades, the Door and Hardware Institute (DHI) has been a cornerstone for education in our industry. Their robust lineup of technical schools and certification programs helps professionals at all levels gain the skills they need to design, specify, and maintain openings that meet strict safety and code requirements.

Some highlights from DHI:

  • 📚 Credentialing Programs: Recognized certifications like AHC (Architectural Hardware Consultant), CDC (Certified Door Consultant), and FDAI (Fire + Egress Door Assembly Inspector) have set the gold standard for expertise in the field.
  • 🏫 Technical Schools: Comprehensive courses covering everything from fundamentals to advanced hardware applications.
  • 🌎 A Community of Professionals: DHI has created a network where learning and mentorship thrive—something I experienced firsthand.

A New Era: DOIT and the Next Generation of Education

Today, a new organization is adding fresh energy to the educational landscape: Door Opening Industry Training, DOIT

DOIT offers a modern approach to hands-on, in-person learning, blending the practical with the technical. Their programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of contractors, installers, and distributors in a fast-changing industry.

What sets DOIT apart:

  • 👷 Hands-On Training: Participants work directly with door, frame, and hardware products in a classroom setting.
  • ⚡ Focused Workshops: Training sessions zero in on real-world challenges installers face daily.
  • 🌱 Rapid Growth: As a newer organization, DOIT is quickly gaining recognition for its dynamic, practical curriculum.

Stay Curious and Be A Life-Long Student

The commercial openings industry has been so very good to me. No matter your level of experience, there are endless opportunities to grow and thrive in this field.

I invite you to stay curious, embrace learning at every stage and continue exploring the possibilities this wonderful industry has to offer.