How Door Services of Indiana Found Home in Franklin

Sponsored by Door Services of Indiana

Tucked into the heart of Franklin, just off the city’s well-traveled paths, sits a business that may not immediately grab your attention. But once you step inside the office of Door Services of Indiana, you’ll feel the heartbeat of a company that’s not just about doors, frames, and commercial hardware – it’s about people, relationships, and a hometown commitment to doing things the right way.

Owned by Franklin natives Matt and Angela Petersen, Door Services made the intentional move from Indianapolis to Franklin in January 2021. It was more than just a relocation – it was a return home.

“We wanted to bring our business back to where it all started for me,” said Matt. “Franklin is my hometown. When the building became available, it just felt right. But more than anything, we wanted to create a space where our team – and our customers – felt valued and seen.  I have always shared my strong connection with Franklin and my desire to someday move back here with Angela.”

From Bartender to Businessman

Matt’s path to owning a successful commercial door company was anything but conventional. Years ago, he was bartending when a regular offered him a job in the door business.

“I realized I could make a career out of it, and more money than where I was headed,” Matt said with a laugh. “But more importantly, I found something I really enjoyed – working with people, solving problems, being hands-on.”

Today, that bartender-turned-business-owner leads a tight-knit, highly responsive team. Their specialty lies in commercial doors, frames, and hardware – but their secret ingredient? Personalized customer service.

“There’s no voicemail at our office,” Matt emphasized. “You call us, you’re talking to a real person – someone who knows your project. That responsiveness, that accessibility, that’s what we pride ourselves on. We always respond to our customers in less than 24 hours.”

That commitment to service is only possible because of the strong team Matt and Angela have built – especially the three women they credit as the backbone of the business: Amy Whetstine, Staycee Christie and Amanda Hogue. 

Beyond Job Titles: The Power of Connection

Amy Whetstine has known Matt since high school. When Matt and Angela purchased the business more than 20 years ago, she was one of their first calls.

“When I started working for Matt and Angela, it was about getting to know each other professionally,” Amy recalled. “Over the years, that relationship has grown into a friendship that goes far beyond work. At one point, Matt told me to stop introducing him as my boss and start introducing him as my friend. That really stuck with me.”

That trust goes both ways. When Amy’s father passed away, Matt gave her the time – and the space – she needed to grieve, without question.

“He paid me for the time off,” she said. “That kind of support? You don’t forget that. We have each other’s backs. Always.”

Amy also played a key role in the company’s move to Franklin. Born and raised in Franklin herself, she was the one who spotted the new office building while driving by.

“I immediately told Matt about it. We had talked for years about wanting to get out of Indy – the area wasn’t safe. This was the perfect opportunity. When he decided to buy it, I was thrilled. My commute went from 40 minutes to five!”

But it wasn’t just about proximity – it was about creating a workplace everyone could feel proud of. “We all had a hand in designing the new office,” Amy said. “From where to put things to color schemes, even the pictures on the wall. We have a wellness room with a massage chair now! It’s incredible how the space gives back to us. We work for it, and it works for us.”

More Than a Job – It’s Family

That sense of ownership and belonging isn’t unique to Amy. Staycee Christie, who joined the team after years of friendship with Matt and Angela through their children’s activities, describes the culture at Door Services of Indiana in one word: family.

“Matt and Angela welcomed me with open arms,” Staycee said. “They don’t micromanage. They trust us to make good decisions, and in turn, we work hard for them because we want to – not because we have to.”

Angela echoed that sentiment, crediting the team as the heart of the operation.

“What makes Door Services of Indiana set apart from other businesses of its kind are the people that make up the dream team within,” Angela said. “We genuinely care about each other, and I consider each and every one of them a friend and an extension of my family. Everyone has their role that contributes to complete the picture of success.”

Staycee emphasized the importance of communication in their industry. “People think a door is just a door, but there’s so much more to it – fire ratings, sizes, hardware, certifications. You can’t make assumptions. We prefer phone calls or face-to-face meetings to get it right the first time.”

That level of care extends beyond customer interactions, it’s built into their daily routine. “We eat lunch together every day,” she said. “We celebrate birthdays with decorations, messages on the TV, and personalized lunches. No one’s day goes unnoticed. We even shut down early sometimes to bowl or catch an Indians game. We have fun together because we genuinely enjoy each other.”

Amy echoed that sentiment. “We laugh and cry together. We’ve been to each other’s family events – games, weddings, even funerals. That’s what makes us so dynamic. We’re not just coworkers, we’re friends.”

A Franklin Fixture in the Making

Since the move, Door Services has already made an impact on the Franklin community, contributing to projects like Iozzo’s on Jefferson, the Franklin Fire Department, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, and local churches.

Amanda Hogue, a Project Manager at Door Services, believes it’s their ability to connect with people — not just install doors — that keeps clients coming back.

“We have a fairly loyal customer base, and I work closely with many of the same individuals as we complete projects and move on to the next, which in turn allows me to build genuine relationships,” Amanda said. “This truly makes the work more enjoyable for me. We make a conscious effort to ensure our clients feel valued, understood, and heard, cultivating a sense of loyalty and trust between them and us. That’s why most of our projects are with repeat customers.”

“These strong partnerships and community ties have been incredibly rewarding,” Matt said. “We’ll even do service calls on doors we didn’t install. It’s about doing the right thing.”

As Door Services of Indiana looks to the future, Matt and Angela remain focused on sustainable growth without sacrificing their personal touch.

“Our goal is to never get so big that we lose what makes us special,” he said. “We want our employees to look forward to coming in every day. We want our customers to feel supported and heard. And we want to be a real part of Franklin. Not just a business, but a neighbor.”

From its responsive service to its deeply rooted workplace culture, Door Services of Indiana is proving that when a business is built on trust, community, and friendship, doors don’t just open – they welcome you in.