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Dean Regev: Leading With Integrity

By Julie Deacon, Diamond Certified Research Writer

For Dean Regev, a successful career in the garage door industry began with a simple newspaper advertisement and a willingness to try something new. “In 2009, I was looking for a job and I saw an ad for a garage door company that was hiring technicians and providing training,” he recalls. “I thought it looked interesting, so I just went for it.”

After spending several months training alongside a veteran technician, Dean developed an appreciation for both the mechanical and technological aspects of the garage door industry. As he gained experience, he also began to recognize the opportunities the field could provide. “Within a year, I knew I wanted to have my own company,” he says. “I started working toward getting my license because I wanted to build something for myself.”

That determination led Dean to launch Integrity Garage Doors and Gates in 2011. Shortly after starting the business, he relocated from Southern California to the Bay Area, where he rebuilt his customer base and established the company in a new market.

While Dean admits that financial opportunity played a role in his decision to become a business owner, he says the work itself has proven equally rewarding. “One of my favorite parts of the job is meeting people from all walks of life. When I started, I didn’t really like people standing around watching me work, but now it’s the opposite. It can get boring if there’s nobody to talk to. I enjoy hearing people’s stories and getting to know them.”

A resident of Castro Valley, Dean says his favorite parts of life in the East Bay are the climate, the access to nature and the strong sense of community. “I love that Castro Valley still feels like a small town. When I first moved to the Bay Area, something about it just felt right. I can’t really picture myself living anywhere else.”

Outside of work, Dean spends most of his free time with his wife, Alex, and their two daughters, Ella and Talia. Before becoming a father, he spent countless weekends fishing from his boat, often launching from Alameda in pursuit of halibut and other local catches. While he still enjoys being on the water, he says his priorities have naturally shifted. “Once I had kids, everything changed. Fishing used to take up an entire day, but I started feeling like spending that time with my family instead.”

These days, Dean can often be found taking his daughters to the park, riding bikes or simply enjoying time together outdoors. He hopes to eventually introduce his oldest daughter to fishing and share a hobby that has brought him years of enjoyment.

As both a business owner and a family man, Dean strives to lead by example. His guiding philosophy is simple but meaningful: Just be a good person. “There’s a lot of negativity in the world, so I think it’s important to practice what you want your children to become one day,” he offers.

Ask Me Anything!

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: An early bird, although lately I’ve been spending more late nights working on the business.

Q: If you could immediately master an instrument, what would it be?
A: The violin. I think it’s one of the most amazing instruments.

Q: If you could drive any car, what would it be?
A: A Dodge Viper. It was my childhood dream car.

Q: What were you most known for in high school?
A: Being the funny guy.

Q: Would you ever skydive?
A: No. I’m terrified of heights.