By James West on November 7, 2024

Are you looking to enhance the look and feel of your home? At Grand Entrance Bay Area, we specialize in installing custom glass inserts for front doors, pantry doors, and bathroom doors—bringing light and life to your home’s interior.

Our owner, Vonte Whitney, proudly serves the Greater Bay Area, transforming homes from Pacifica to Monterey. Whitney has been in the glass insert business since March 2024, and though his business is new, he brings years of experience from Southern California, where he honed his craft under the mentorship of Jeff Schmidt. Inspired by his past and driven by his passion, Vonte took the leap to start his own venture back in the Bay Area. And it’s been a rewarding journey ever since.
Many homeowners initially think glass inserts are purely for curb appeal. And while it’s true they add a stunning visual element to your home’s exterior, the real magic happens inside. Many homes, particularly those with closed-off layouts, can feel dark and cavernous. Once you shut your door, you might find yourself lacking the natural light that can make a home feel alive and welcoming. Glass inserts solve that problem. By allowing natural light to filter in, they illuminate your living spaces, making your home brighter, more open, and full of life.
One of the things that sets Grand Entrance apart is our commitment to personalized service. Unlike larger companies, where you might deal with multiple people throughout the process, Vonte personally handles every aspect of your project—from the initial consultation to the final installation. You won’t be handed off from salesperson to installer. When you choose Grand Entrance, you deal directly with the owner.
Vonte’s hands-on approach ensures every project gets the attention to detail it deserves. As the owner and operator, his reputation is on the line with every job. He approaches each project with care, treating your home like it’s his own. This level of involvement and care is what truly sets him apart from other service providers.

Whitney’s work stretches across the Greater Bay Area, from Pacifica on the coast to Discovery Bay inland, covering areas like Marin, San Ramon, and even down to Monterey. No matter where you’re located, Grand Entrance is ready to bring light into your home.
Living in the Bay Area for 15+ years, Vonte knows the region well and loves the diversity and energy it offers. Whether it’s exploring the vibrant streets of Oakland or hiking through the Berkeley Hills, he values the lifestyle the area provides. His work aims to complement that lifestyle—enhancing homes with beautiful, functional glass inserts that bring in the natural beauty of the Bay.
Though Grand Entrance is still a growing business, Vonte has big dreams. He envisions building a team of like-minded individuals from Oakland—people who are ready to work hard and take pride in a job well done. For Vonte, it’s about more than just building a business; it’s about providing opportunities and showing that hard work can be deeply rewarding.
Vonte’s passion for his work is rooted in personal experiences. Losing his father in 2020 was a turning point in his life. It reminded him of the importance of family and inspired him to create a business that would not only provide for his loved ones but also give him the opportunity to share meaningful experiences with them. Becoming a father shortly after that loss only deepened his drive to succeed and to build something lasting.
This personal journey fuels his dedication to making Grand Entrance a business that provides exceptional service and craftsmanship. For Whitney, each project is an opportunity to bring light, joy, and a sense of renewal into a family’s home.
Bring the natural beauty of the Bay Area into your home with custom glass inserts from Grand Entrance. Let us help you create a brighter, more inviting space that you’ll love coming home to every day.
Website: grandentrancebayarea.com
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