About Us
Dan Cornelius, President
Although born in Georgia, Dan moved to Florida at an early age. He planted his roots right here in the Sarasota area and put himself through college. Dan has been married for over 20 years. He and his wife are raising a family of 3 boys.
Dan began learning the ins and outs of the door industry in 1997. He started from the bottom up first learning about providing installers with proper tools and equipment for each job, and management of inventory. It wasn’t long before he became interested in the project management aspect of the business. He flourished in that position until the year 2004 when he decided to put all that he had learned to use and start a door company that was a little different from all of the rest. The most important things to Dan then and now, are customer service and a feeling of family in the work environment.
To help with the growing business Dan took on a business partner that shares the same beliefs. Dan and Taren have been friends since childhood and have now joined forces in adulthood to be leaders in the door industry bringing you superior products, knowledge, and service.
Taren Sufferling, Vice President
Taren grew up in the Sarasota area where he met his wife of twenty years and raised 2 beautiful college aged children. He put his outgoing personality to use throughout the years as head of sales for a few choice companies in the area. Those positions afforded him the opportunity to establish strong roots in customer service.
It has only been a few years since he came on board to Suncoast Commercial Door & Hardware, Inc. as a partner with lifelong friend Dan. Since that time he has become well versed in the aspects of the door industry, and the family atmosphere of the company.
History of Suncoast Commercial Door & Hardware
Started in June 2004, Suncoast Commercial Door & Hardware, Inc. (SCDH) has been dedicated to the needs of the Construction industry since inception. We began with humble beginnings tailoring to small office build-outs, industrial buildings and private commercial construction. In the years to follow, SCDH has grown with our customers to incorporate the medical industry, public and private government sector, higher education facilities, ground up hotel and office buildings, restaurant and retail build-outs. We have several national account clients that we follow across the country shipping frames, doors and hardware to all 50 states.
After initially not installing our products, I learned quickly that our customers wanted a one-stop shop. I began sub-contracting out installations as early as 2005, but quickly learned that I did not have any control over quality or scheduling. Now we install over 75% of what we sell without any sub-contracts. Quality control has risen and we are able to better serve our customers.
At the root of SCDH is our customer relations. I did not set out to be the largest door and hardware supplier; I set out to be the best. In over 10 years since we started that is still our goal. Anyone can sell a door; I sell service. If you can find a company that still believes in service and is competitively priced in the market; I believe you can find a company that you want to continually return to project after project and year after year.
I always say; “I do not have a Plan B”. I’m in it for the long haul and will do anything in my power to include you with me. We still make mistakes; we are only human; but how we handle them is drastically different than anyone in this market.
We all sincerely thank you. We know you have options and appreciate you giving us a try!
Best Regards,
Dan Cornelius
President