04/23/2026
Meet the Founder of Elantra!
We wanted to share about Elantra’s roots! Please take the time to read this post and learn about how this business was started.
Vic and Rita Sands founded Elantra Gate Systems in November 1999. At the time, Vic had already spent over 20 years in the automation industry and decided to start his own company with nothing more than a legal pad full of potential customers and a service van.
The name “Elantra” was created in honor of their three children—Elizabeth, Angela, and Troy—by combining the first two letters of each of their names. (That’s why it’s pronounced El-ANN-tra, not like the Korean made car!)
What began as a one-man operation, with an office in their spare bedroom, quickly grew into a thriving business. Today, Elantra Gate Systems has more than 14 employees, operates out of a beautiful office, and includes a large warehouse for custom gate fabrication.
Family has always been at the heart of Elantra. Their son Troy worked with the company until 2007, handling installations, sales, and serving as president. Their middle daughter Angela has contributed over the years as an office assistant and bookkeeper, while their youngest, Elizabeth, spent several years as the sales assistant.
In 2014, Vic and Rita sold the business to Quinn and Angela Mangrum, their son-in-law, who had been part of Elantra since 2003. Even after retiring, Vic continued working part-time as a service technician until 2016—simply because he loved the people and enjoyed getting his hands dirty.
In January 2016, Vic was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He fought hard, but passed away on November 1, 2018, surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Vic’s legacy continues to live on at Elantra. Several long-time employees still remember him fondly, and today, all three of his grandsons are part of the team. Coltyn Sands serves as project manager, Maverick Mangrum works as a service technician, and Levi Mangrum is a member of the installation crew.
What started as a dream and a single service van has grown into a strong, family-driven business that continues to serve and support a multitude of people!