PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
CAR SHOW … Cars fill the lot at AJ Door during the company’s 30th anniversary open house and car show Saturday, July 25.
EXIT … Vehicles make their way out of the AJ Door parking lot following the company’s 30th anniversary open house and car show Saturday, July 25.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
AJ Door LLC celebrated 30 years in business Saturday, July 25, with over a thousand people gathering at the company’s West Unity location for its anniversary open house and car show.
The event brought an estimated 200 vehicles to the property, continuing a tradition owner Jay Trisel began in 2004 as a way to combine his interest in hot rods with a customer appreciation event.
Live music was provided by Proud Mary and Sierra Shame, while visitors were treated to free food, giveaways and drawings throughout the day. Trisel said more than 600 people were fed before the event ran out of food.
The celebration marked three decades since AJ Door began in 1996. Trisel said the business started with him and his brother and two trucks before gradually growing into a company with 17 employees.
That growth has included employees who have remained with AJ Door for more than 20 years, something Trisel said reflects the personal approach he has tried to maintain with both employees and customers.
“I love what I do,” Trisel said. “I’m very personal, and I just really enjoy what I do.” The car show has grown largely through word of mouth since beginning in 2004.
Trisel said the event has been held every year except one during the COVID-19 pandemic, with admission, food and entertainment continuing to be offered at no charge.
“This show is open to anybody,” Trisel said. “It’s not just to customers or anything. I mean it when I say that this thing was started to say thank you.”
Several area businesses helped support Saturday’s celebration, including Miller’s New Market, Jacoby’s and Cookies on Demand. C.H.I. Overhead Doors, which Trisel said has partnered with AJ Door since around 2000, also took part in the event.
For Trisel, the turnout represented more than another successful car show, offering a chance to celebrate AJ Door’s 30 years in business while thanking the customers and community that have helped both the company and its annual event continue to grow.