Learn about the history of TKO through the eyes of Michele Porte, a cornerstone of TKO’s early success and a long-time National Account manager for 4Front Engineered Solutions, Inc. Michele joined the company in its early days and has witnessed its growth from a small, ambitious team to a leader in dock door solutions. Her journey is filled with hard work, innovation, and memorable moments that reflect the heart of TKO’s success.
Where was TKO founded?
TKO was officially founded in 1996 by Kurt Kellogg and Mike Tich under the name HPD International, Inc. Although the details are a bit hazy, there’s a fun twist—TKO might have been “founded” twice, once by Kurt and once by Mike! The company set its roots in the state of Maryland, where big dreams and innovative ideas began to take shape.
What was the size of the team in the early years?
In the beginning, TKO was small but mighty. The core team included two visionary owners (Kurt Kellogg and Mike Tich), three talented engineers, two sales trailblazers, a dedicated business development professional, an office manager, myself (inside sales), and about 10 hard-working individuals in the factory.
Though small, we were a tight-knit group united by a shared belief in TKO’s mission. Each person’s contribution was critical, and together, we laid the foundation for what TKO would become.
What was your role(s) at TKO during your tenure?
I initially joined as an inside sales representative, a role that gave me insight into every aspect of the business. In 2000, I took on the position of National Account Manager for Walmart, which became a pivotal role in my career.
In those early days, we all wore many hats. Beyond inside sales, I pitched in wherever needed—assisting the office manager, scheduling trucks and production, handling parts orders, stuffing envelopes for business development, and yes, even cleaning bathrooms!
What made this so special was the team’s unwavering belief in TKO’s products and mission. We all rallied together to get things done, no matter the task.
How did TKO become a company in the first place?
TKO’s origin story is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. The company began in the basement of one of the founders’ homes, where Kurt and Mike spent countless hours brainstorming ways to solve the persistent issues with dock doors. They envisioned a solution—a “right” door that could eliminate common challenges—and from that dream, TKO was born.
What did the product portfolio look like?
The very first product TKO produced was the HeavyWeight dock door, a groundbreaking design that showcased the company’s commitment to durability and innovation.
Soon after, the product line grew to include:
- The Pest-A-Side screen door, which quickly became a popular addition.
- The Cruiserweight, Welterweight, and MiddleWeight doors, developed after customer focus groups revealed specific challenges and needs.
TKO listened closely to its customers, creating doors and features that directly addressed their pain points. This responsiveness to feedback became a hallmark of the company.
Any fun stories or anecdotes from your time with TKO?
Testing the Strength of the HeavyWeight Door
One of my favorite memories was seeing just how tough the HeavyWeight door really was. During our move from the Brookfield office to Sussex, Wisconsin, we had to replace a HeavyWeight door before leaving the building.
One of our team members, coincidentally getting rid of an old car, decided to test the door’s resilience. After reinforcing the car and adding safety features, he drove it into the door—not once, but three times at increasing speeds, with the final test reaching 23 MPH! Each time, the door reset and continued to function with no significant damage. It was an unforgettable display of TKO’s engineering excellence.
Celebrating Big Wins Together
Another cherished memory was celebrating our first major Walmart contract. When the deal came through, we gathered in the parking lot to pop champagne and toast to the team’s hard work.
Celebrations like these weren’t rare at TKO—they were a vital part of our culture. Every win was shared and savored as a company, reinforcing the sense of pride and camaraderie that made TKO such a special place to work.
Anything additional?
Reflecting on my time at TKO, one thing stands out: the company’s brilliance in marketing and its unwavering commitment to innovation. TKO wasn’t just about solving problems; it was about creating solutions that redefined an industry. It’s incredible to have been a part of that journey.
