The Art of First Impressions
FIRST IMPRESSIONS are lasting impressions. For people it might mean dressing in a designer suit and coiffing your hair just so. For your home it could be as simple as beautiful gated entry with custom stone columns. Richard Lester, owner of Gates Elegante’ is an expert at creating great first impressions through his talent with metalwork. Whether it’s a custom hand-forged wrought iron gate, a beautiful ornamental aluminum fence, or even a hand crafted stair railing, Richard Lester and his team of craftsmen at Gates Elegante’ have a knack for creating metal designs that do just that-create great first impressions.
The process usually starts with a visit. It’s helpful to see the surroundings, the style of the architecture, the beauty of the grounds. The entire environment is taken into account when designing a gate. Gates Elegante’ has a portfolio of designs for customers to choose from. Or, if you’d like a design replicated that you’ve seen somewhere else, bring it on. The craftsman at Gates Elegante’ enjoy working on designs that are different and take on challenges with vigor.
It’s more than just metal work to Lester, it’s art. Before having children, Lester traveled the art show circuit displaying his hammered copper artwork and wine racks. He brings this artistic talent to the metal work on his gates and takes a craftsman approach. Their gates are made of old fashioned way, with quality in mind, not just processed and pushed out the door. The metal is worked by hand, smoothed and loved. If you’d like a special look, their craftsmen are skilled at finishing metal in patinas like antique copper or applying 23 karat German gold leaf.
Lester received his training in metal work from nationally-awarded metalsmith, Alex Klahm, who has produced pieces for the Millennium Gateway in St. Petersburg as well as the cupola for the lighthouse at Gasparilla Island State Park. “He worked on a few projects for me, but he was too busy to do any more. He trained me to do my own metal work,” says Lester. Gates Elegante’ is always looking out for talented craftsman who are willing to apply themselves and learn a new skill.
Gates Elegante’ has a full-staff of designers and metalsmiths, as well as installers, on hand to ensure every job is handled professionally from the time the idea is conceived until the installation of the final product is complete. They’re a turnkey operation.
Initially, Lester’s work focused primarily on gate access systems; like remote openers and keypad systems. But he soon realized that customers wanted more. They wanted the whole package taken care of; the design, installation, everything. That’s when he looked to Klahm for direction. Gates Elegante’ works hand-in-hand with their partner company Alera Ornamental Aluminum Fencing to provide the complete entrance way to your home, farm or business. Lester also works with landscape architects like Dana McClain, who’s known for her residential subdivision, business and hospital designs.
Gates Elegante’s expertise goes beyond gates. They are specialists in hand-crafted balcony railings, h rails and stair balustrades too; any metal work inside or out. They even offer affordable gates that have the same hand made look as those individually custom made. Eventually, they will even have a service online to allow customers to design and order their own gates. This provides not only a more affordable alternative to custom made gates, but allows do-it-yourselfers the opportunity to gloat over a job well done. They will even take care of personalized signs, too. From making your gate, complete with your name or logo, to speed limit and parking signs, they work with all kinds of mediums and will produce a custom sign for your neighborhood, drive or gate.
Lester feels that continuing education can only improve the quality of work provided by Gates Elegante’. They regularly attend national conferences dealing both with advances in metal work and safety issues. “Everybody benefits because we learn so much exchanging information with other gate installers and metal workers,” says Lester. He also meets weekly with his workers to go over safety issues, which is why Gates Elegante’ has gone 12 years without an accident.
Since he was very young, Lester worked with his hands. He got his start at the age of 10 installing garage door for his father’s company, Lester’s Garage Doors. “I basically worked full-time after school, doing a man’s job. It taught me a lot about what you can do if you put your mind to it. It also taught me a lot about persistence and customer service,” says Lester. He thinks those are the primary reasons for his success. Lester is now one of the owners of Lester’s Garage Doors which is known in our community for giving outstanding service and appreciation to its more than 50,000 customers.
Lester worked with his father until 1981 when he decided to expand his job opportunities and started Gates Elegante’. He’s been happy with the decision ever since. “I really like being artistic and being able to design and make these gates by hand. It’s very rewarding, too. Not only do our customers thank us, we even get thumbs up from people driving by while we’re working.”
Richard Lester wants people who are interested in automatic gates to know that there is a difference between what Gates Elegante’ provides over the competition. “I know that our clients get a better value for their money from us and that we do all that we possibly can to ensure that every job is built and installed the right way. We give our customers a system that will work and last for years beyond what the competition delivers. We also provide excellent service,” Lester says, and emphasizes the value-added service that you get when you buy from one of his companies.
It’s not difficult for Lester to put his heart into something so solid. Not only are the gates impressive and enchanting, they are beautiful art work, which with proper care will last for generations to come. G
For more information, call Gates Elegante’ at 352-372-6479 or visit their website at www.gateselegante.com.