The Journey of a Business Leader: Rob Lavorato’s Path to Success with Gemini and Duo Temp

February 13, 2025•5 min read

In the latest episode of Make It Count, host Michelle Latocha welcomes Rob Lavorato, the owner of Gemini Windows Doors & Siding and Duo Temp Home Improvements. Rob shares his inspiring journey from a corporate management career to becoming a business owner at the age of 50. Taking a leap of faith, he launched Gemini just as the COVID-19 pandemic began, navigating challenges and uncertainties to establish a thriving company.

The name Gemini holds a special meaning for Rob. Not only is he a Gemini himself, but he also has twin daughters, making the name a reflection of both his personal and professional life. With three daughters—twins who are 18 and an older daughter turning 22—Rob finds a balance between family and business alongside his wife, Cindy.

Rob’s success with Gemini led to the opportunity to acquire Duo Temp Home Improvements, a long-established company in the Niagara region. Initially, Rob worked with Duo Temp for insurance claims, seeking their expertise in awnings. When the former owners expressed their desire to retire, a series of discussions led to Rob purchasing the company within eight months.

The decision to acquire Duo Temp was strategic—its products complemented Gemini’s existing services, allowing for a broader range of home improvement solutions. Now, with both businesses under his leadership, Rob has expanded his offerings significantly.

Gemini and Duo Temp cover an extensive range of home improvement products:

Gemini Windows Doors & Siding

Siding (Vinyl, Maybeck, Hardy Board, and niche materials)
Soffit, fascia, eavestroughs, and gutter guards
Roofing (Shingle and steel, excluding flat roofing)

Duo Temp Home Improvements

Windows and doors
Shade products (Retractable screens, privacy screens, porch enclosures)
Insulated roof systems (For carports and back porches)

With a well-rounded selection of services, Rob ensures that customers receive high-quality, tailored solutions for their home improvement needs.

Located at 52 Vine Street South in St. Catharines, Gemini and Duo Temp have become household names in the Niagara region. Rob appreciates the close-knit nature of the community and actively supports it through sponsorships and local initiatives. While he hinted at an exciting community project in the works for May or June, he kept the details under wraps for now.

Duo Temp, established in 1948, has built a strong reputation, making the acquisition even more meaningful. The long-standing history of the company reinforces the importance of maintaining a trusted presence in the community.

As a seasoned expert in home improvement, Rob emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making when upgrading a home. Whether homeowners are considering new siding, porch enclosures, windows, or doors, his team follows a structured approach to ensure every project is tailored to the homeowner’s specific needs.

One of the key takeaways from Rob’s approach is that Gemini and Duo Temp do not provide quotes over the phone. Instead, they always schedule an on-site visit. The reasoning behind this is simple:

Every home is different, and many variables impact the cost of a project.
A standardized per-square-foot price doesn’t account for structural conditions, installation complexities, or unique homeowner preferences.
Providing an estimate without seeing the space can lead to unexpected costs and misaligned expectations.

During an on-site visit, the team not only inspects the home but also engages in an in-depth conversation with the homeowner. Rather than pushing a single solution, they ask detailed questions to understand the homeowner’s vision, helping them weigh the pros and cons of different options. This ensures that customers make an educated choice and feel confident in their investment.

Rob’s team ensures that every homeowner interested in windows, doors, or siding upgrades is made aware of available rebates and incentives. Their process includes:

Providing detailed information on the current government programs.
Introducing customers to a trusted local energy auditor, who conducts the required audit.
Ensuring that the audit is completed before any work begins, as per program guidelines.

By offering a seamless process from consultation to project completion, Gemini and Duo Temp help homeowners maximize their savings while improving their homes with high-quality, energy-efficient upgrades.

Running two thriving businesses is no small feat, and Rob Lavorato is no stranger to the challenges of balancing work and personal life. When asked how he manages it all, he admits that it’s getting easier, thanks to the strong team he has built.

With a team in place to help handle daily operations, Rob has been able to delegate responsibilities, allowing him to focus on growth and strategic planning. However, his dedication to the business remains unwavering.

Even when he’s home, his phone is always on, and he makes himself available whenever possible. His commitment to customer service and business growth means he’s constantly working to ensure that things run smoothly.

But despite the long hours, Rob doesn’t see this as a burden. Instead, his passion for what he does keeps him going.

Rob Lavorato’s journey—from corporate management to launching Gemini Windows Doors & Siding, and later acquiring Duo Temp Home Improvements—is a testament to his resilience, strategic vision, and commitment to quality service. Through teamwork, community involvement, and an unwavering work ethic, he has established two reputable businesses that continue to serve homeowners in the Niagara region.

For homeowners in Niagara looking for trusted, high-quality home improvement solutions, Gemini Windows Doors & Siding and Duo Temp Home Improvements stand as leaders in the industry, built on integrity, expertise, and a commitment to excellence.

📢 Stay in the Loop with Us!

Subscribe to our channel and follow us on social media to catch the latest podcast episodes, industry insights, and exclusive content. Stay informed—don’t miss out!

Subscribe to Visibility Boosters
Website: Digital Marketing | Web Design | Social Media | https://visibilityboosters.com/
Instagram: The Visibility Boosters | @thevisibilityboosters
Facebook: The Visibility Boosters | https://www.facebook.com/thevisibilityboosters
Twitter on X: The Visibility Boosters | @visibility_the
Spotify: Make It Count Show | https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/visibility-boosters