Dealer Spotlight: Dominator Manawatū

Craig and Susan didn’t start out in the garage door business, but after years in the corporate world, they were ready for something more hands-on and closer to home. Craig had spent two decades working in logistics within the oil industry in Christchurch and Auckland. When the time came to raise a family, the couple moved back to Palmerston North with a clear goal: to buy a business and make it their own.

“We came back to PN [Palmerston North] with the intention of purchasing a business,” Craig explains. In 2006, that goal became a reality when they took over Dominator Manawatū - Tremaine Garage Doors. It was a big shift, but it paid off with nearly 20 years of local service, strong customer relationships, and a team they’re proud to call family.

Meet the Team

Behind Dominator Manawatū is a tight-knit team that brings a whole lot of experience and personality to the job. Craig still handles much of the day-to-day work, from quoting to installs, and Susan manages the marketing, H&S, and finances. But they’re backed by a strong crew who help keep things running smoothly across the wide region they serve.

Jayden and Isaac are the main installers, but due to the nature of their territory, they’re often quoting and doing repairs on the road, too. Kent focuses on service and repairs around Palmerston North, while Luke takes the wheel of their ‘Dominator to You’ van, bringing the mobile showroom directly to customers. Office Manager Tarsh is the organisational force behind the scenes, keeping everything (and everyone) in order.

What to Expect from Dominator Manawatū

Dominator Manawatū delivers a full range of garage door services across residential and light commercial projects. Their offerings include:

• Supply and installation of sectional and roller garage doors.
• Repairs, servicing, and general maintenance.
• Gate automation systems.Light building work, such as fascia board replacements.

Retro Fitting has Become a Quiet Favourite

One service the team takes particular pride in is upgrading garage doors with insulation. They are receiving more requests for retrofitting insulation into sectional garage doors, providing benefits like a warmer garage in winter, a cooler space in summer, and an additional sound barrier. For homeowners looking to replace outdated tilt doors, they offer modern and efficient alternatives. “We get great feedback on the retrofits,” they say. “Going from a dated tilt door with bronze window inserts to an insulated sectional with an automatic opener, customers marvel at how quiet it is.” It’s a smart, efficient way to modernise a garage space, and it’s been gaining popularity throughout the region.

Seamless Project Coordination

The dealership also works closely with Group Home Builders and shed companies, providing a smooth, stress-free service from quote to install. “We try to take the pain away,” says Craig. “Once we get the purchase order, we liaise with the client and sort the rest.” They provide detailed framing specifications and handle scheduling directly with the client, reducing miscommunication and delays, which is especially important in large-scale or repeat projects.

Bringing the Showroom to You

To make the selection process even easier, Dominator Manawatū offers a mobile showroom service through their ‘Dominator to You’ van. Customers can view door profiles, colours, and features right from their driveway, making the decision simple, convenient, and hands-on.

Serving the Wider Manawatū-Whanganui Region

While based in Palmerston North, Dominator Manawatū’s reach extends well beyond city limits. The team regularly services customers from Bulls to Otaki, stretching north to Taihape when needed and covering the Wairarapa region from Woodville down to Cape Palliser. It’s a wide and often rural territory, but the team is more than up for the challenge.

Their approach to managing such a large area is practical and efficient. Installers like Jayden and Isaac often combine site visits with quoting and repairs, making the most of their time on the road. “Because we cover such a wide area, the team’s used to juggling multiple tasks. We’re set up to be flexible,” says Craig.

Punching Above Their Weight

While Dominator Manawatū has earned plenty of praise over the years, 2023/2024 brought a standout moment: being named Dominator Dealership of the Year (High Consent Regions). The award recognises excellence across a range of performance criteria, including year-on-year growth, sales volume relative to regional population, customer value, brand loyalty, and credit performance.

It was a proud moment for Craig, Susan, and the team, not just because of the recognition itself but because of what it represents. “It’s an awesome achievement from the provinces,” they say. “We’re not relying on the population base of the large metropolitan areas.”

In previous years, the dealership was also recognised with the B&D National Accounts Service Award (2022/23), further proof that their commitment to service and consistency is paying off, not just locally but on a national level.