Some people see a door. Others see an opportunity. It started with a hunch…and a hole in the market. When one British carpenter noticed what everyone else was avoiding, he leaned in, built a business around it, and quietly became one of the Northern Beaches’ most trusted specialists — one frame, one hinge, and one happy customer at a time.
A Business Built on Guts—and Gaps in the Market
Walk into the Doors First showroom in Dee Why and you’re likely to be greeted not just by timber and tools, but by a story built on guts, family, and an eye for opportunity.
“I was working as a site manager but felt I wasn’t on the right path,” says Tom Pritchard, who moved to Australia from the UK with his family six years ago. “I went back to contract carpentry and noticed that no one wanted to touch door installations. That’s when it clicked—there was a real gap.”
That gap became a thriving business. What began as a one-man operation now includes a team of six installers, a dedicated showroom, and plans to expand into Mosman. Tom’s wife pitches in on admin and scheduling, and a partnership with a long-time colleague now anchors the shopfront on Pittwater Road.
One-Stop Shop with a Three-Step Fix
The business name might sound simple, but the service is anything but. Doors First offers an end-to-end experience, from selection to installation. “We’ve streamlined everything with our 3-step process: pick your door or window, choose the hardware, and select your finish,” Tom explains. “After that, we handle the rest—no more running between suppliers.”
Their point of difference? Quality and community. Every door is either made in-house or crafted by trusted Sydney-based partners. Hardware is Australian-made. “We made a conscious decision not to rely on overseas suppliers,” he says. “It means faster turnaround times and supports local craftsmanship.”
Beyond timber and hinges, the team also specialises in digital lock installations—an increasingly popular choice among Northern Beaches homeowners. And when it comes to design, the Dee Why team keeps its finger on the pulse. “There are definitely trends here—people want statement doors with bold hardware. We customise where needed and are always up for a challenge.”
Some challenges, it turns out, come in at 350kg. That’s the weight of the largest pivot doors they’ve installed. “It took five of us to get it into place. But those projects are the most rewarding.”
Local Spirit, National Quality
While the work is serious, the vibe isn’t. The team bond over footy, cricket, and weekend family outings. Tom is a keen cyclist and still gets out into the national park when he can. Local roots run deep, and the business proudly sponsors the Collaroy/Cromer Strikers junior soccer team. Personal loss has also shaped their values—they support both cancer research and the Stroke Association in honour of family members.
Even with a showroom to run, Tom still gets his hands dirty. “I’m on-site most mornings by 6am to get the team started. Some days I stay and help, others I’m back at the shop doing quotes, taking deliveries, or talking to customers.”
What keeps him going? “The people. Both our customers and our team. If you invest in your staff—train them well, support them—they pass that confidence onto the client. That’s what builds trust.”
Asked what advice he’d give someone shopping for a new door, he doesn’t hesitate: “Know what you’re getting. A lot of ‘bargains’ aren’t real timber—they’re veneer, and they don’t last. Also, make sure your installer knows what they’re doing. We’ve seen some shockers.”
Looking ahead, Doors First is expanding—plans are underway for a new warehouse and a second location. But at its core, the business stays grounded in what made it work from day one: local roots, specialist knowledge, and doing one thing very, very well.
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