Today we’d like to introduce you to Lou Heintz.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After receiving a degree in Education from GSU I was a Special Ed teacher for a couple of years. I then moved into the staffing industry and had a very successful 20+ year career there. In 1998, my wife died in a car accident and I was suddenly a single dad with a 7 and 10 year old. I tried to continue my career but found juggling it and my kids’ needs were more than I could handle so I took some time off to figure things out. One day I picked up a magazine which featured an article about great businesses to start and one of them was child proofing. I think it really struck a chord with me after losing my wife in an accident. So in 2002, with fairly limited handyman skills, I underwent a few months of training and opened Super Safe Tots! which was a full service child proofing company.
It was tough in the beginning with my limited skills but I persevered and figured it out and before long was nearly unable to handle the demand for my services due to the volume of referrals. I was even selected as a Child Proofing Consultant following a national search to appear on Movie & a Makeover on TBS. After 9 years, some family issues arose with my Dad and Son, so I decided it was time to move in another direction. After a few years away I realized I missed working with families and helping them keep their children safe so I opened Baby Gates Of Atlanta in 2015 and am in the process of building my business back to the level it was previously.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was not easy in the beginning. When something needed fixing around the house, it was usually my wife wielding a screwdriver and pair of pliers who would get it done. I nearly gave up several times the first couple of months but was saved when I met a gentleman who was starting his own handyman business and he became my assistant and taught me the tricks of the trade.
Fortunately, due to my previous work experience, I had the interpersonal skills needed to develop the business and work with a vast array of customers. You never know what to expect when you walk into a home with a toddler or two and wind up spending the day there. I’ve had a few rough days along the way but usually feel good about the job I’ve done when the day is over and sometimes an unofficial member of the family.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Baby Gates Of Atlanta – what should we know?
I custom install child safety gates primarily in homes but also in businesses as well. I do not make the gates, they come from trusted manufacturers I have worked with for years and have been stringently tested to ensure the ultimate in safety. Every house and stairway is different in some respect so I fall back on my years of experience to recommend the gate that will be the best fit for the family then install it in such a way that it appears to have come with the house. Baby gates are a nuisance enough for parents and grandparents without being unsightly as well.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to secure a customer’s stairs in a timely fashion and ensure the gates are mounted as well as possible. Normally when someone contacts me they have a child on the move and are concerned about an imminent fall. Sometimes that fall has already occurred. I ask them to snap a few pictures and text them to me and respond with a recommendation and a price quote almost immediately. Typically I can visit their home in a day or two and when I leave, the gates are up and doing the job.
Also, because I no longer do full service child proofing, I can spend as much time as necessary to make sure the gates are functioning perfectly. Very rarely a gate will get out of adjustment and I will return immediately to resolve the issue.
Recently I began installing a few other child safety products – cabinet/drawer latches, furniture straps, window cord wraps – but my focus is to be the best child safety gate installer in the metro area.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There’s been a few. My daughter, Alison, came up with the name Super Safe Tots so I have to give her credit for that.
Jeff Baril is a master child proofer in Boston and was instrumental in training and mentoring me in the early days. He owns a child safety product website called Safe Beginnings.
Logan Carlisle is the gentleman who assisted me in the beginning. He was transitioning into owning a handyman business and worked with me off and on the first year or so. I learned a lot from him and probably wouldn’t have made it without him.
Nancy Carlson is a nurse who was helping young families at Northside Hospital. (Sneaky) Nancy had one of her co-workers hire me to see if I knew what I was doing (I was) and ultimately helped open many doors for me due to her professional connections.
Rob Carter is my friendly competitor at PrepareFirst (not sure if I’m supposed to say that) and helped many of my customers years ago when I was experiencing some health issues. When I decided to get back into the business I worked with his company for a year and along with Gene Rice, learned many techniques I employ today for installing gates.
Finally, there’s Craig Heiser, owner of Cardinal Gates my primary source of gates. He and the folks there are nice as can be and have helped me out in countless ways during the time I’ve been doing this.
Pricing:
- There are many options and variables that arise when installing a child safety gate on a stairway which can affect the price. Generally speaking, a fully installed gate will cost between $170 and $210.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.babygatesatl.com
- Phone: 404-321-5400
- Email: lou@babygatesatl.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/babygatesatlanta/
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/baby-gates-of-atlanta-brookhaven
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
