25/02/2025
As I look back on the past 18 years, I am still in awe of how far Dryden Doors has come. Before starting my own business, I worked at Coroma, where I held a senior management position, working tirelessly for 14 hours a day, 6 days a week. Despite the long hours, I was proud to be the first man of color in a leadership role in that industry.
However, when Coroma was on the verge of closing, my son Jacques and I made the difficult decision to resign. I was downhearted, feeling like my world had been turned upside down. But I knew I had to act fast. I sat my family down and discussed our way forward. With their support and encouragement, we decided to start our own business.
Having no capital except for a month's salary and a pension payout, I was forced to sell a second property to fund our new venture. It was a huge risk, but it ultimately paid off. For 18 months, my son Jacques and I worked tirelessly in the field, using a Hyundai station wagon and operating from a small office at home. We collected doors and equipment, delivered to sites, and worked with subcontractors to get the job done.
It wasn't easy. There were times when I doubted whether I had made the right decision. But my family's encouragement and my own determination kept me going.
The name "Dryden Doors" was chosen because of my own reputation in the industry. As Chris Dryden, I was well-known nationally by both customers and suppliers, and I believed that my name would lend credibility and trust to our new venture.
In 2010, I identified a gap in the market for aluminum garage doors, and we began to focus on filling that need. As demand grew, we had to hire additional space in Spin Street, Parow Industrial. But it wasn't long before we outgrew that space, and in November 2012, we moved to 27 Textile Street, Parow Industrial.
The new facility allowed us to expand our operations and employ additional staff to meet the increasing demand for our doors. We began to receive orders from leading companies in Gauteng, as well as local garage door companies. It was a turning point for Dryden Doors, and we never looked back.
Today, I am proud to say that Dryden Doors has grown into the largest manufacturer of aluminum garage doors in the Western Cape, with a presence in multiple regions, including Gauteng and Namibia.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family, especially my wife Aletta, my children Jacques, Theodore, and Bonita, for believing in me and standing by me every step of the way. I would also like to thank my staff, subcontractors, landlord, suppliers, and customers for their unwavering support and trust in Dryden Doors. Your belief in us has been the driving force behind our success, and I am forever grateful.
I would also like to take a moment to remember Samuel, lovingly known as "Swaar", who was my very first subcontractor and Jill our dedicated receptionist, who both saddly past away. They both played important roles in Dryden Doors' journey and I will never forget their contributions to our company. May their souls rest in peace.
As I look back on our journey, I am filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. It's a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of loved ones. I hope that our story can inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.
You can now find us at our new location: 21A Stellenberg Road, Parow Industrial.
