By: McKenzie Fischer
For more than three decades, Tom Zeug has built a reputation for quality and reliability, first as a farmer, and later as the owner of Z DoorMen. When a tornado struck his farm in 1992, the damage led him to a new line of work, one that would eventually grow into the family-owned business he runs today.
After graduating from Milroy High School, Tom studied agriculture production and ag business at Willmar Vo-Tech. Farming has been at the heart of his life since childhood, and he has operated his own farm ground since 1983. But when his farm needed new overhead doors after the tornado, he called on Kenny Dolan, the local door repairman. That day, Tom pitched in alongside Kenny and by the end of the job, Kenny asked if Tom would be interested in helping on bigger projects. That single experience sparked a new path that would eventually become his business.
For the next 23 years, Tom worked with Kenny, gaining hands-on experience in sales, service, and installation of garage doors. When Kenny retired, Tom purchased the business and renamed it Z DoorMen.
From the beginning, Z Door Men has been a family effort. All of Tom’s boys worked with him and Kenny over the years, and when Tom needed hip surgery shortly after taking over the business, his son Matt stepped in right away, handling the jobs on his own until Tom was back on his feet. Today, Matt continues to work alongside his dad, bringing more than 13 years of experience to the team. Tom admits, “I have always enjoyed working with my kids. Though, they might give you a different answer!” That pride carries through the entire business, where family members like Tom’s son Myles, his brother Joe, and even his nephew Ben have pitched in over the years, alongside trusted employees like Travet Krause and several other seasonal helpers. For Tom, it’s not just about getting the job done, but more about sharing the work with family and building something lasting together.
Z DoorMen provides sales and installation of both residential and commercial overhead doors and openers, as well as repair services. With Tom’s 33 years of experience and Matt’s 13, their expertise is a key reason customers continue to call. “We’ve grown by word of mouth as happy customers are the best advertisement,” Tom shared. Contractors, lumber yards, business owners, and homeowners alike rely on Z DoorMen to deliver reliable products and services.
Some projects stand out as milestones. In their very first year, they were asked to install all-glass doors for the Marshall Fire Department, which is something they had never done before. “They turned out great and look amazing. Next time you are in Marshall, go check them out,” Tom said proudly. Another highlight was installing a 40’x18’ Midland door, the widest door Midland makes. No matter the size of the job, Tom emphasizes that every project is done with care. “Having a satisfied customer when we are done is our goal.”
Running the business does come with challenges. One of the biggest is finding enough hours in the day to juggle installs with emergency repairs. But the rewards outweigh the challenges. For Tom, the best part of the job is simple: “Meeting new people.” He also values the opportunity to serve the local community. “Getting to meet and serve a lot of our local community has been one of the greatest parts of this business.”
From that first call after the tornado to decades of experience today, Tom and his family have built Z DoorMen on trust and word of mouth. Their work can be seen in everything from fire stations to farm shops to family garages, each project a reflection of the pride they take in their craft. For Tom, it’s not just about doors; it’s about the relationships he creates along the way and the pride of knowing Z DoorMen’s work makes a lasting impact close to home.