Overhead Door Corporation was founded in 1921 by C.G. Johnson, who revolutionized the garage door industry by inventing the upward-lifting sectional garage door. In 1926, Johnson followed up with another breakthrough by creating the first electric garage door opener. These innovations laid the foundation for what would become a dominant force in the garage door industry. Johnson promoted his product by driving across the U.S. with a prototype mounted on his Model T, effectively marketing it at fairs and other public venues.
The company’s early success led to the opening of manufacturing plants, and Overhead Door continued to expand its product offerings. By the mid-20th century, the company had diversified into commercial applications with products like rolling doors and sectional doors for trucks and trailers. In the 1980s, the company rebranded briefly as Dallas Corporation but reverted back to Overhead Door by the 1990s to leverage its well-established name. During this time, Overhead Door acquired several companies, including Genie, another major player in the garage door opener market.
Today, Overhead Door remains a leader in both residential and commercial door systems, operating globally with numerous manufacturing plants and a vast network of distributors. It is recognized for its innovations in door safety and energy efficiency, and it continues to be a trusted brand for consumers and businesses alike