Tim Hatch was born in Eldorado, Oklahoma, in May of 1929.
In 1940, his family moved to Wellington, Texas, a small town in the Texas Panhandle, where his father, Frank, purchased Hatch Dry Goods.
It was in Wellington where Tim met Tommie, the woman he would be married to for 74 years. They started dating at Wellington Junior High, and after graduation in 1947, they attended Texas Tech University.
Their engagement took place during their junior year, when Tim asked Tommie to marry him before their 9:00 a.m. class. She returned to her dorm and prayed about it, giving him the answer during their 11:00 a.m. class, that she would marry him. They were married on June 25, 1950, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership.
Tim attended Texas Tech on a football scholarship. His connection to Texas Tech University was both profound and enduring.
During his time at Texas Tech from 1948 to 1951, Tim was an active member of the football team, playing as a back and kicker.
After graduating from Texas Tech University, their family planted roots in Lubbock. There, Tim established the Overhead Door Company of Lubbock in 1951 and continued his passion for football as an official in the Southwest Conference for fifteen years. He had the opportunity to officiate in the Cotton Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and other bowl games.
Tommie Ann and Tim Hatch
Tim and Tommie were active in the Lubbock community and at First United Methodist Church, where they were members for many years.
Tim served as President of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, the Red Raider Club, and on the board of Directors of Rotary, First National Bank, Methodist Hospital, West Texas Home Builders Association, Administrative Board at First United Methodist Church, and Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau.
Tommie served as president of the Women’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce, on the Texas Tech Alumni Association for many years, and as superintendent of Sunday school at First United Methodist Church. She also held board positions at the Salvation Army, Lubbock Women’s Club, Women’s Council of the Museum, YWCA, and president of Kappa Alpha Theta Alumni Club and the PEO sisterhood.
Tim’s contributions to the Texas Tech Red Raider Football team were recognized with his induction into the Texas Tech Hall of Fame in 1987, and his commitment to Texas Tech and its alumni was recognized through honors such as the Distinguished Service Award, which was presented to Tim and his wife Tommie in 1987.
Their love for people and strong dedication to service are at the heart of Overhead Door Company of Lubbock. Tim started Overhead Door Company of Lubbock in 1951; at that time, they had three employees. He said, “We started pretty small, but we grew pretty quick.”
And just like Overhead Door Company grew during that time, so did their family. They had three sons, Mike, Alan and Les.
Tim’s son Alan eventually worked with his father and became the owner of the Overhead Door Company of Lubbock. Throughout Alan’s childhood, he hung around the shop, helping unload trucks and fasten hardware to doors. During this time, Alan started learning what it looked like to run a successful garage door business from his dad.
After graduating from Texas Tech, Alan worked for his father at Overhead Door Company of Lubbock – as he said it best, “I always knew I wanted to be in the door business.”
In 1985, Alan bought the business from his father, and today it’s transitioning into its third generation of ownership with Alan’s sons, Clif and Travis. A family business and legacy started by their grandfather almost 75 years ago.
A Legacy Beyond The Garage Door Business
Tim Hatch has undoubtedly left a legacy, one that stretches far beyond the garage door business. Because really, what he built is way more valuable than any company, he built a life with a legacy that embodies a standard of excellence, integrity, and service – one that has touched countless lives.
As a man of faith, family, and community, his life with his wife, Tommie, was one of partnership and shared values, creating a family that continues to carry forward his spirit of generosity, kindness, and hard work.
His impact is woven into the fabric of Lubbock, Texas Tech, and beyond—not just through our business, but through the people he mentored, the relationships he forged, and the example he set.
Tim leaves behind a legacy of leadership, service, and unwavering integrity that will continue to inspire those who knew him.
Rest in peace, Tim – while your legacy continues to live on.
As the temperatures rise and the spring winds roll through West Texas, it’s the perfect time to give your garage door the attention it deserves. Winter weather can take a toll on your door’s components, and preparing it for the warmer months ahead ensures smooth operation and longevity. Here are some essential garage door maintenance tips for springtime in West Texas.
1. Inspect for Winter Damage
West Texas winters, though not as harsh as in other regions, can still cause wear and tear on your garage door. Check for:
Cracks or warping in the panels
Loose or rusted hardware
Weather stripping that may have dried out or cracked
If you notice any of these issues, address them early before they worsen.
If you notice any of these issues, address them early before they worsen.
2. Clean and Lubricate Moving Parts
Spring dust storms can introduce dirt and debris into your garage door’s moving parts, leading to friction and wear. To keep your door operating smoothly:
Wipe down the tracks with a damp cloth to remove dust buildup.
Apply a high-quality silicone-based lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and springs.
Avoid using WD-40—it’s a degreaser and won’t provide the needed lubrication.
3. Test the Balance and Alignment
A properly balanced garage door prevents unnecessary strain on the opener. Here’s how to test it:
Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway.
If it stays in place, it’s balanced.
If it falls or rises, the springs may need adjustment.
Spring tension adjustments can be dangerous, so contact a professional if needed.
4. Check the Weather Stripping
West Texas winds can blow dust and debris into your garage if the weather stripping isn’t intact. Inspect the rubber seal at the bottom of the door:
If it’s brittle or cracked, replace it.
Ensure side seals are snug to keep out unwanted drafts and critters.
5. Test the Safety Features
Your garage door’s safety mechanisms prevent accidents. Test these features:
Auto-Reverse: Place a small object in the door’s path—if it doesn’t reverse when closing, the sensors may need realignment or cleaning.
Manual Release: Ensure you can disengage the opener in case of power loss.
6. Protect Against West Texas Dust and Heat
Springtime in West Texas often brings dry, windy conditions. To keep your garage door operating efficiently:
Consider installing a ventilation system if your garage gets too hot.
Use a protective sealant on wooden doors to prevent drying and cracking.
Sweep out accumulated dust regularly to prevent buildup in the tracks.
7. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
If you notice strange noises, sluggish operation, or excessive vibration, it’s best to schedule a professional garage door inspection. Experts can fine-tune the system and identify any potential problems before summer heat sets in.
Refresh and maintain your garage door before summer!
Spring is the ideal time to refresh and maintain your garage door before the scorching summer temperatures arrive. With these simple maintenance steps, you’ll extend the life of your garage door and ensure it operates safely and efficiently for the months ahead.
Need professional garage door service in West Texas? Contact your local garage door experts to keep everything running smoothly!
When it comes to garage doors, Overhead Door stands out as a name synonymous with quality, reliability, and innovation. For many, the brand is immediately recognizable thanks to its iconic red ribbon logo. But why is this symbol so specific to Overhead Door, and what does it represent?
A Century of Innovation
Overhead Door was established in 1921 and is credited with inventing the first upward-lifting garage door. This groundbreaking innovation transformed residential and commercial spaces, introducing a product that combined convenience with durability. Over time, the company also introduced electric garage door openers, cementing its reputation as an industry leader.
The red ribbon logo emerged as a reflection of this pioneering spirit. Its bold, clean design symbolizes a company committed to innovation, excellence, and craftsmanship. Much like a seal of quality, the red ribbon became shorthand for trustworthiness and superior products in the garage door industry.
The Red Ribbon as a Trademark
The red ribbon is not just a logo—it’s a registered trademark of Overhead Door. This exclusivity sets it apart from competitors, making it an unmistakable marker of the brand’s authenticity. The trademark ensures that customers get the expertise and innovation that Overhead Door has championed for over a century when they see the red ribbon.
The specificity of the logo goes beyond just branding; it is deeply tied to the company’s mission. Overhead Door aims to deliver products and services that reflect the highest standards, and the red ribbon embodies these core values.
Sets Overhead Door Company Locations Apart
Most Overhead Door Companies across the country are locally owned—many of them are family-owned and operated, like Overhead Door Company of Lubbock. The red ribbon logo sets these local garage door companies apart. It’s important to understand that many garage door companies may use “Overhead Door” or a variation of the phrase in their name, but only authorized Overhead Door dealers and distributors can display the red ribbon logo.
Always look at the website, company signage, or the company’s social media. If the red ribbon logo isn’t present, you aren’t getting your local Overhead Door Company.
What the Red Ribbon Stands For
The red ribbon logo represents more than just a brand—it stands for:
Heritage: Over 100 years of leadership in garage door design and technology.
Quality: The assurance of well-crafted, reliable products.
Innovation: A continuous push to improve and redefine the industry.
Trust: A symbol that customers can depend on, backed by decades of expertise.
Protecting the Legacy
In an industry filled with competitors, the red ribbon has become an enduring symbol of Overhead Door’s commitment to excellence. Protecting this logo as a trademark underscores its importance to the company and its customers. It serves as a reminder of the brand’s history and a promise of superior quality that customers can expect.
Not just a Logo, A Legacy
The Overhead Door red ribbon logo isn’t just a design; it’s a legacy. It’s a sign of trust, quality, and innovation that has stood the test of time. When customers choose Overhead Door, they’re not just choosing a product—they’re choosing a piece of history backed by a brand that continues to lead the way in the garage door industry.
So, the next time you see that red ribbon, know that it represents more than a century of excellence and a commitment to pushing boundaries. It’s not just specific to Overhead Door—it’s integral to who they are.
When most people think of insulated garage doors, their minds immediately jump to thermal efficiency. While it’s true that insulation helps keep your garage—and by extension, your home—at a more consistent temperature, the advantages of insulated garage doors extend far beyond just saving on heating and cooling costs. Here’s a closer look at some of the often-overlooked benefits that make insulated garage doors a smart choice for any homeowner.
1. Enhanced Durability
Insulated garage doors are built with materials that offer superior durability compared to their non-insulated counterparts. These doors often feature a core of polyurethane or polystyrene sandwiched between layers of steel or aluminum. This construction not only makes them more resistant to impacts and everyday wear and tear but also helps them maintain their shape and performance over time. As a result, insulated doors tend to have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
Think if you were to hold up a piece of aluminum foil and throw a marble at it. The marble would probably rip right through the foil. Now, if you were to wrap a piece of aluminum foil around a block of foam and throw a marble at it, the marble would hit the foil and make a mark, but it wouldn’t go through the foil. The damage is substantially decreased. This is a good picture of the durability of an insulated steel garage door – but replace the marble with a basketball or even a vehicle!
2. Noise Reduction
If you live in a bustling neighborhood or have a garage that doubles as a workspace or gym, noise reduction can be a significant benefit. Insulated garage doors provide an extra layer of soundproofing, which helps dampen noise inside and outside the garage. The insulation absorbs sound, preventing it from traveling through the door and disrupting your peace. This is especially valuable if you’re trying to keep the noise from lawnmowers, car engines, or other activities at bay.
3. Increased Home Value
An insulated garage door is an upgrade that can boost your home’s curb appeal and overall value. Potential buyers will appreciate the benefits of insulation, including improved energy efficiency and noise reduction. By investing in a new insulated garage door, you can make your property more attractive to prospective buyers, potentially enhancing its marketability and resale value.
Also, garage door replacement was ranked #1 in the amount of cost recouped when selling your house. In 2024, homeowners can recoup 193.9% of the cost of a new door at resale, according to 2024 National Averages in Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report.
4. Improved Safety and Security
Insulated garage doors are generally sturdier and more robust than their non-insulated counterparts. This added strength not only makes them more resistant to accidental damage but also enhances security. Thicker, more durable doors are harder to break into, providing an extra layer of protection for your home and belongings.
5. Reduced Garage Door Operation Noise
Beyond dampening external noise, insulated garage doors also help minimize the noise generated by the door’s operation. The insulation absorbs vibrations and reduces the noise when the door opens and closes. This can be particularly beneficial if you have a bedroom or living space adjacent to the garage.
Most homeowners will tell you they barely hear their garage door when it’s being operated. Some homeowners always know when their neighbors come home or leave the house because they can hear the metal clanking and screeching sound of their neighbors’ non-insulated garage doors. You don’t have this issue with insulated garage doors.
6. Improved Aesthetic Options
Insulated garage doors typically come in upgraded styles, colors, and finishes, allowing you to choose a design that complements your home’s architecture. Non-insulated garage doors are generally cheaper, but that also means you have limited design options. The added thickness of insulated doors can also provide a more substantial and polished appearance, contributing to your home’s overall aesthetic appeal.
7. Cleaner Look on the Inside
Since non-insulated garage doors don’t have an insulation filling, there is a space with no backing, so a lot of dirt, including spider webs, can start collecting.
It isn’t easy to put into words this benefit, but when it comes to cleaning the interior of your garage door, insulated garage doors are far easier to wipe down. Especially in Lubbock, dust quickly collects in the interior of a non-insulated door, which means you’ll need to clean it at least once a year.
8. Energy Efficiency Beyond the Garage
While the primary focus of insulated garage doors is often on their thermal efficiency, this benefit can have a ripple effect throughout your home. By maintaining a more stable temperature in your garage, insulated doors can indirectly help regulate the temperature in adjacent rooms, particularly if your garage is attached to your home. This can lead to a more consistent indoor climate and potentially lower overall energy costs.
9. Comfort in the Garage
An insulated door can significantly enhance comfort if your garage is used as a workshop, gym, or recreational space. The insulation helps keep the garage temperature more stable, making it a more pleasant work environment. This added comfort can make your garage a more versatile and enjoyable space.
A Range of Benefits
Insulated garage doors offer a range of benefits that extend well beyond their primary role in thermal efficiency. From increased durability and noise reduction to enhanced security and improved home value, these doors are a wise investment for any homeowner looking to enhance their property’s functionality and appeal. Whether you’re looking to make your garage more comfortable or boost your home’s marketability, an insulated garage door can deliver significant advantages that are well worth considering.
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, even the most mundane aspects of our lives are being touched by innovation. One such example is the unassuming garage door opener. Once a simple device used solely for convenience, garage door openers have undergone a technological transformation that not only enhances our daily routines but also ensures security and peace of mind. In this blog, we delve into the world of technology and garage door openers, exploring how these unassuming gadgets have become sophisticated pieces of modern smart homes.
From Mechanical to Digital: The Evolution of Garage Door Openers
Gone are the days of manually wrestling with heavy garage doors or fumbling with keys to unlock them. The inception of garage door openers marked a turning point in convenience and accessibility. Initially, these openers operated using basic radio frequencies and a remote control, enabling users to open and close their garage doors without leaving their vehicles. However, these early models had limitations in terms of range and security.
Smart Technology Meets Garage Doors
Fast forward to today, and the world of garage door openers has been revolutionized by smart technology. The integration of Wi-Fi, smartphone apps, and even artificial intelligence has transformed these humble devices into integral components of the broader smart home ecosystem. Here’s a look at some of the technological advancements shaping modern garage door openers:
Smartphone Connectivity
With the advent of mobile apps, garage door openers can now be controlled remotely using smartphones and tablets. This means you can open, close, and even monitor the status of your garage door from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection.
Voice Activation
Thanks to voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant, you can now control your garage door using voice commands. This seamless integration allows for hands-free operation and further enhances the convenience factor.
Security Features
Modern garage door openers come equipped with advanced security features, such as rolling codes and encryption. Rolling codes generate a new code every time the door is operated, preventing potential hackers from intercepting and replicating the signal.
Integration with Home Security Systems
Many garage door openers can now be integrated with broader home security systems. This means that if your garage door opens unexpectedly or is tampered with, you’ll receive an instant alert on your smartphone.
Geofencing
Some smart garage door openers utilize geofencing technology to automatically open or close the door when you approach or leave your home. This eliminates the need to manually operate the door, saving you time and ensuring your garage is secure even if you forget to close it.
Battery Backup
Power outages can render traditional garage door openers useless. Modern openers often include battery backup systems, ensuring that you can still operate the door during such situations.
Remote Access Sharing
Need to grant someone access to your garage while you’re away? Many smart openers allow you to share remote access with family members, friends, or service providers temporarily.
The Future of Garage Door Openers
As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more exciting developments in the realm of garage door openers. Machine learning algorithms might further enhance security by recognizing patterns in operation and alerting homeowners to any anomalies. Integration with smart city infrastructure could lead to garage doors that open automatically when emergency vehicles approach, aiding rapid response times.
In conclusion, the unassuming garage door opener has come a long way from its humble beginnings. It has evolved into a sophisticated piece of technology that seamlessly integrates with our modern lives. As smart homes become the norm, garage door openers stand as a prime example of how technology enhances convenience, security, and connectivity in our daily routines. So the next time you press that button or give that voice command, remember the intricate web of technology that’s working behind the scenes to make your life just a little bit easier.
A garage door, seemingly harmless, plays a crucial role in our everyday lives. It provides security for our vehicles, storage space, is often the main entrance to our homes, and even adds to the aesthetic appeal of our homes.
However, beneath its simple exterior lies a complex installation process that can be quite a challenge for even the most experienced DIY enthusiast. In this blog, we’ll delve into the various aspects that make installing a garage door an intimidating task and explore why it might be best left to the professionals.
Do you need any kind of permit to install a garage door?
The short answer is no. Some home projects require you to obtain a permit. These are typically projects that alter the footprint of your home. These may be additions, decks, sheds or shops, or some electrical or plumbing work. But at the time of this article (October 2023), if you want to replace your garage door, you are not required to obtain a permit.
Why do some people choose DIY Garage Door Installation?
There are benefits to DIY and what it usually comes down to is saving money. Hiring a professional costs money therefore, installing a garage door yourself could help you save money. Other than the convenience of doing it yourself by not having to schedule installation with a garage door installer, money is really the main driver for DIY garage door installation.
You can, but should you?
We’ve already established that you can install a new garage door yourself, but just because we can doesn’t mean we should. There really are more risks with DIY garage door installation than benefits. Again, you will save money but we’ve heard plenty of stories of gruesome injuries and costly repairs to confidently, and strongly recommend anyone who is thinking about installing their garage door themselves, to avoid it and call a professional instead.
The list below provides a few reasons why we recommend having an experienced professional install your garage door.
1. Complexity of Components
A garage door system consists of numerous components, such as tracks, rollers, springs, cables, hinges, and panels. Each of these parts needs to be precisely aligned and installed to ensure the door’s smooth and safe operation. A small mistake in the installation of any one component can lead to a cascade of issues that affect the entire system’s functionality.
2. Weight and Size
Garage doors are heavy. They can weigh several hundred pounds, depending on the material and size. Handling these massive doors can be dangerous without proper equipment and knowledge. A misstep during installation could result in serious injuries or damage to your garage door and opener.
3. Tension and Springs
Garage door springs are under immense tension, which allows them to counterbalance the door’s weight and make it easier to open and close. Dealing with these high-tension springs demands specific techniques and tools. An incorrect adjustment or mishandling of the springs could lead to accidents, including the spring snapping or the door falling unexpectedly.
4. Precision and Alignment
Achieving proper alignment of the tracks and rollers is crucial for a garage door to operate smoothly. Even a slight misalignment can cause the door to jam or come off its tracks. Ensuring that the door is level, plumb, and balanced requires a keen eye and a good understanding of mechanics.
5. Electrical Components
Many modern garage doors come with electrical components like motors, sensors, and remote control systems. Installing these components involves understanding wiring, programming, and troubleshooting. Incorrect wiring or programming could lead to malfunctions or safety hazards.
6. Safety Concerns
The installation of a garage door involves several safety hazards, from the heavy components to the electrical connections. It’s essential to have a good understanding of safety protocols, the right protective gear, and proper lifting techniques to prevent accidents during the installation process.
7. Professional Expertise
Given the complexities and potential risks involved, enlisting the services of a professional garage door installer is a wise choice. These experts have the experience, knowledge, and tools to ensure a smooth and safe installation process. They can handle all the technical aspects, from precise measurements to proper component alignment, while you focus on other aspects of your life.
8. Consider Warranties
Many garage door manufacturers have a warranty for your garage door system and there are many things that could void your warranty. Some manufacturer warranties also require a professional to install your garage door because suppliers know that many post-installation issues with a garage door system are directly related to how it was installed.
Also, many local garage door companies have their own warranty for the workmanship (installation) of your garage door system. If you decide to install a garage door yourself and something goes wrong due to improper installation, the cost to fix may be on you.
Better Left to a Professional Garage Door Installer
While DIY projects can be satisfying, installing a garage door proves to be a challenging endeavor that requires a deep understanding of mechanics, safety protocols, and precision. The intricate components, weight, tension, and electrical aspects of a garage door demand the skills of a seasoned professional. By entrusting the installation to experts, you ensure a safe, reliable, and functional garage door for many years.
