Weston Article

It's hurricane season here in South Florida, and while weather forecasters are placing their bets, homeowners will prepare for the worst and hope for the best. The destructive force of a hurricane comes around every few years without fail, and according to damage surveyors, the number one mistake that people make is to be caught without the protection of hurricane shutters.

Numerous companies sprouted up after Hurricane Wilma, but there is one company right here in Davie that not only sells and installs hurricane shutters but also manufactures them. Gold Coast Hurricane Shutters and Fence is a family owned and operated hurricane protection and aluminum manufacturing company. Owner Michael Cooper has over twenty years of experience in the industry, and has established Gold Coast Hurricane Shutters and Fence as the premier hurricane protection company of South Florida Gold Coast specializes in servicing the builder, commercial and residential markets.

Michael moved to Florida in 1970 from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and although he was Very young, his loyalty to the Steelers is obvious by the color of his Dodge Truck, Dodge Viper and the color of his company's logo and uniforms. As the youngest of six kids, all of which have settled here in South Florida, Michael caught the tennis bug while attending South Broward High School. While attending Broward Community College, Michael was the Assistant Tennis Pro of Boca Bath and Tennis Club. In 1985 he became the Head Tennis Pro for the city of Miramar.

After Hurricane Andrew hit Michael decided to help out his brother in the aluminum business where he did some sales part-time while still working as a tennis instructor. He eventually made hurricane shutters his full-time job and began to develop strong relationships with many builders and gained much respect from contacts within the industry due to his strong work ethic and commitment to integrity. In 1999 Michael decided to start Gold Coast Hurricane Shutters. "I was a one man band, I would do sales calls in the morning and installations in the afternoon," reflects Michael. His hard work paid off. Michael now employs over 40 people and his staff continues to grow.

Gold Coast had a huge increase in business after Hurricane Wilma. He says his workshop was busy with the sound of the saw going all night. There was an average of 30,000 calls a month from desperate homeowners. Michael was determined to help every customer he possibly could and was committed to his quality service. That is what he feels separates Gold Coast Hurricane Protection from his competition.

Investigative Reporter for Channel 4, Peter D'Oench, had this to say about Gold Coast Hurricane Protection: "I looked into many companies as part of my job and the research led me to using Gold Coast for my own home. I am very pleased with the outcome and highly recommend them to my fellow colleagues at Channel 4 and to anyone who is in the market."

Gold Coast's ability to produce their product in-house is another factor in Michael's success and is a big factor in his ability to draw many builders such as Lennar Homes and DR Horton. Whether it is storm panels, accordion shutters or roll down shutters, all of the products at Gold Coast are engineered and designed to meet or surpass the requirements needed by Miami/Dade and Florida building code.

In addition to shutters Gold Coast also offers several different lines of hurricane impact windows. According to Michael, many of the higher end homes are being built with hurricane impact windows. Gold Coast Hurricane Protection also has a full service fencing division offering a variety of fence and custom railing products which are designed and engineered to meet the highest building code requirements. Gold Coast Hurricane Protection are proud members of the Better Business Bureau and is a "My Safe Florida Home" approved contractor.

Michael Cooper's pride in his company is inspiring but his pride for his family is heartwarming. Mike has been married to his wife Ashley, a Southern Belle from Alabama, for 18 years. Ashley and Mike are the proud parents of 17 year old son Tyler who plays on the tennis team at St. Thomas and 10 year old daughter Kendall who enjoys soccer and cheerleading and attends Central Park Elementary. The Coopers also include their three English Bulldogs, Bama, Lola and Gucci along with their French Bulldog Pepe La Pew as part of the family. Their Shitzu Coco rounds out the pack and according to Michael, she thinks she is just another Bulldog.

Quality manufacturing, professional installation and a strong support network make Gold Coast Hurricane Protection a leader in the industry and an asset to the local business community, right here in Davie. Gold Coast Hurricane Protection accepts most major credit cards and are located at 5900 SW 44th Street, Davie. For a free quote call 954.472.7766 or for more information and tips on how to prepare for a storm check out their website at www.gcshuttersandfence.com