New Yorker Interviews Over 100 Doormen to Give an Inside Look into the Lives of the 'Often Overlooked' (Exclusive)
- - New Yorker Interviews Over 100 Doormen to Give an Inside Look into the Lives of the 'Often Overlooked' (Exclusive)
Tereza ShkurtajJanuary 4, 2026 at 9:00 AM
0
Sara Leeds
Sara Leeds and Noel Maguire. -
In 2023, Sara Leeds was working at a creative agency when she fell in love with interviewing and being on camera
It was there that she recognized an opportunity to create a platform of her own – one that gave voice to a group of men and women too often "overlooked"
Since then, the 31-year-old has featured over 100 doormen in her viral series, "Doorman Stories," capturing the quiet influence they have on the lives of countless New Yorkers
Sara Leeds was determined to carve out a space on social media that felt like an “authentic slice of New York” – one that would keep viewers coming back for heartwarming, real-people stories.
In 2023, after running through countless ideas, she finally realized the perfect group of subjects had been right in front of her all along.
“Doormen have always been this recurring, yet often overlooked, fixture in my life,” Leeds tells PEOPLE exclusively. “And I realized this unique relationship held a similar space in the hearts of so many other New Yorkers.”
By embracing her newfound niche, the 31-year-old’s digital series, "Doorman Stories," quickly became a viral sensation that has since featured over 100 doormen and captivated millions on TikTok and Instagram.
Sara Leeds
Sara Leeds interviewing a doorman.
Growing up, Leeds often visited her grandmother on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, where doormen and doorwomen are more like family than employees.
Her grandmother’s own doorman has known the family for over 50 years – forming a bond grounded in trust and respect.
Even so, Leeds never realized just how important doormen were to residents until she had one of her own and started interviewing them for her series.
“I think the series has changed the way I see doormen, in the same way it’s changed the way our followers see them,” Leeds shares. “I was confident that they would be treasure troves of great stories, but I never knew how connected I’d feel to other people in these quick 20-minute conversations.”
Over the past few years, Leeds has interviewed doormen of all ages, each with unique backgrounds and stories to share.
“I feel like I have this exclusive access into a world of New Yorkers that no one else really has,” Leeds says. “[A doorman’s] role is inherently to be discreet, so being able to earn their trust and tell their stories in a way that uplifts and honors is something I’m very grateful for.”
According to her, no one is "just" a doorman: many are comedians, writers, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, partners, and parents. And despite handling all sorts of personalities and requests, they come to work every day dressed with a smile.
Noel Maguire is one of the seasoned doormen who have become a fan-favorite on the series, thanks to his positive energy and philanthropic spirit.
Sara Leeds
Sara Leeds and Noel Maguire.
While Maguire’s days are spent working in the funeral business and his nights are devoted to being an Upper East Side doorman, the 63-year-old's Wednesdays are reserved for helping New York City’s unhoused population.
Maguire’s iconic truck – which is covered in fun decals of John Lennon and Led Zeppelin – is always overflowing with sleeping bags, blankets, coats, bags, and even toys for children during the holidays.
For the past 11 years, the doorman has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for those in need using his charitable organization, Ellen Maguire Foundation, named after his mother.
By sharing his story, residents and followers alike have been moved by Maguire’s generosity and spirit – proof that doormen are more than building guardians; they can be true champions of their community.
“I know that every doorman has a different story, and I think when [Sara] heard my story, [she was] very appreciative of what I do,” Maguire tells PEOPLE.
View this post on Instagram
— sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Although Leeds’ content doesn’t center around typical Gen Z topics like fashion, wellness or finance, the host still sees strong engagement and finds it “special” to watch residents light up when their doormen are interviewed, and fellow New Yorkers jump in to praise their own.
“I hope when people stumble upon ‘Doorman Stories’ they feel like they’ve found a little corner of the internet that’s heartwarming and joyful,” Leeds tells PEOPLE. “I hope people take away a new or added level of appreciation for such an essential part of N.Y.C.’s workforce.”
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
