Kevin Layne started Screen Doctors in 2004 to serve Alachua County's screening needs. Now he's celebrating his fifth anniversary, and his business has expanded beyond his wildest expectations! But don't let his success fool you - Screen Doctors might offer more services than ever, but the company's approach to personal service hasn't changed a bit.

"Reflecting back, I've built this company just the way I wanted it," Kevin said. "It's been small but very personable. We build relationships. I don't consider people customers, I consider them friends." Not only does this approach make for better service, but it also pays off in new business for Screen Doctors. "I'd say 75 percent of our business is people who have referred their friends to us."

Initially the work Screen Doctors did involved re-screening pool enclosures and patios. Today it still comprises the majority of Kevin's business, and it's a craft he knows quite well. A re-screening with Screen Doctors is a thorough and cost-effective process; after the old screens are removed the structure and deck are pressure washed. When the re-screen is complete, they install new hardware on all doors and check for missing or broken anchors. At that point you have an enclosure that's almost as good as new, right down to the two-year warranty that comes with it.

But Screen Doctors isn't just about screen enclosures. During the years Kevin has added many services and products to his repertoire. He and his hard-working staff clean gutters and install gutter covers, clean-off roofs, perform pressure washing services on homes, decks, patios and driveways and install pet doors. Screen Doctors can also repair almost any window screen, including security screens that work with home alarm systems.

What Kevin is most excited about, however, is a new addition to his product line called the ClearView Retractable Screen System ™. Kevin saw a need for something different than the traditional screen door, and many of his customers asked for a more refined look for their patios, French doors or single doors. So he did some research and found the ClearView company, and he knew he had discovered something perfect for Gainesville.

"The systems are high-quality," Kevin said. "I researched about eight companies that do this, but I was very intrigued by (ClearView's) product. It's very high quality, and they're produced in Jacksonville. People who want to improve the look of their house are the people who are using these because they give a more streamlined look to any enclosure." Only distributors with the highest integrity are selected to represent ClearView and sell their products, said ClearView CEO Darryl Grubb.

ClearView screens are made of lightweight aluminum and can be retracted vertically or horizontally. The screen is anchored to an aluminum tube and tension device that lets it gently but fully retract when it closes. ClearView calls it their patented "Safe-Glide" feature, and it insures that the doors will fully retract with no danger for trapped fingers or slamming. Screen Doctors can install electronically-powered ClearView screens and smaller manual screens, as well as Motion Screen - a motorized screen for garage doors, lanais or any area where you'd like the option of having a screen. The products are available in ten standard colors to match most any décor. Visit Screen Doctors Web site for more information on this terrific new product.

Since home sales have slowed the past couple of years, the local and national trend has been to remodel existing homes. "We are doing a lot of sprucing up existing homes with pressure washing to remove pollen and mildew from houses, enclosures, walkways and driveways," Kevin said. "It's more affordable than people think."

Screen Doctors has always offered competitive prices, but Kevin says the key is to not just look for the lowest price - you want to look at service beyond the sale. "As homeowners, we need to support our Gainesville-based companies. If you're not using local companies, you have to ask yourself, 'What happens when something's not right? Are they going to come back?' We may not always have the lowest price, but we guarantee our work," Kevin said. He also emphasizes another benefit of using a local company. "Our tax dollars go right back into the community, so it pays to use Gainesville-based companies."

For Kevin, being a business owner is about more than making money, even more than making friends-it's also about giving back to those less fortunate. He volunteers with the Lacrosse Baptist Church to coordinate Dave Ramsey's 13-week Financial Peace University classes. "In general we are in tough times," he said. "Our neighbors, friends and relatives struggle from bad financial decisions or job loss. This course gives people hope, and they can see light at the end of the tunnel. I want people to have the financial peace that I enjoy" (You can call Kevin at the Screen Doctors number below for more information or to register for this class).

At the heart of everything Kevin does are his family and his faith. "God and my family come first in my life. The greatest gift from God is our children. I've been fortunate enough to have one son, Kevin, who is involved with the family business. Here at Screen Doctors we have a third generation, Brayden Layne, and in November Brayden is due to be a big brother."

Through five years, Kevin has proven time and again that he's a wise businessman, a good friend and a generous soul. This combination makes Screen Doctors one of the area's best success stories. "When we are hired for a job, it's Kevin Layne you're getting," he said proudly. "I've spent five years building and molding our reputation, and I take great pride in every job we do."

While he tries to do everything right the first time, occasionally he'll have to return to a job and fix something that was overlooked, Kevin said. Mac Williams, co-owner of McGriff/Williams Insurance in Gainesville, hired Screen Doctors to replace the screens on his pool enclosure after getting three different quotes. "His price was really fair, and he was highly concerned about the quality of the job and how much we liked it," Williams said. "He came back to fix a screen that had pulled loose (after the job was done) and has been back since to make sure it was done right." Williams adds that Kevin even followed up on items that weren't part of the initial work. "Right around the pool there were some plants that got stomped on during the process, and he knew they'd grow back. But he checked back two or three times anyway, just to make sure, and they did."

"That's how we get repeat business," Kevin said. "Once customers have used us and see that we do what we say and say what we do, and they see that our rates are very competitive; it's a no brainer. They'll call me and tell me 'Just do it' - now that's trust!"

Call Screen Doctors at 352-339-3789 or visit www.screendoctorsllc.com for more information or to schedule a free quote.

ABOVE: A pressure washing from Screen Doctors removes all mold, mildew and pollen in just a few short hours and is very affordable. BELOW: With a complete rescreen we remove the old screen and then pressure wash the structure and deck and install the new screen.

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