Marketing Panes

Guest Profile: Ryan Murray

Ryan Murray is the owner & CEO of AAA Blind & Shutter Factory in Little River, SC. AAA is a fabricator and dealer of Shutters, Roller Shades and Blinds. Ryan comes from outside the window treatment industry with a diverse background in finance & accounting, sales & marketing and was most recently a General Manager for a large MedTech company. Ryan acquired AAA in 2024 by following the path of ETA (entrepreneurship thru acquisition), and has successfully grown the business 20% in his first year of ownership. Ryan plans to continue to grow AAA organically and inorganically with more...

Guest Profile: Mike Stolte

Introduction:

In a recent episode of Marketing Panes, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Mike Stolte, the driving force behind 406 Blinds, Montana’s top-rated window treatment business. Mike’s journey from managing satellite TV installers to leading a thriving local business is a testament to grit, strategic local marketing, and a deep commitment to community. His story is an inspiring example of turning challenges into opportunities.

Summary:

Mike Stolte’s path to success with 406 Blinds began with a pivot out of necessity. As the satellite TV ind...

Guests Profile:

Joe Kendall

President – Made in the Shade Eastern Shore

Owns Kendall furniture , Made in the shade dealer went from 58th place, to 5th place, to second place and in 2024 #1 Volume dealer in North America

Ryan Gilberts

Owner of Shaded Window Coverings

With over a decade in the window covering industry, Ryan launched Shaded Window Coverings in 2022 to bring his vision to life. Starting as an installer and moving into sales, he quickly mastered the business and took the leap to entrepreneurship. No...

Guest Profile: Amy Wollf

She is an award winning designer and decorator providing custom window treatments in Scottsdale.
WINNER 2022 VISION Design Award – Outdoor
WINNER 2021 – Top Treatments
WINNER 2017 – Specialty Windows | Certified Interior Decorator
Amy recently celebrated being in the industry for 20 years!
She has developed a reputation for successfully delivering functional solutions for intricate or technically challenging window configurations including custom window shades, custom and motorized window treatments, draperies, and even custom upholstered furniture.

Other Notes/Links:

To learn more about Amy Wollf visit:

Amy Wollf Interiors

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Summary

In this episode of Marketing Panes, window treatment experts Josh Tycksen (Best Blinds and Sexy Shutters, Arizona) and Vince Sturkie (Best Blinds and Shutters, Carolinas) shared their experiences from 2024 and insights for 2025. The discussion covered market trends, technological adaptations, and strategic business approaches in the window treatment industry.

Guests Profile:

Vince Sturkie

Started Best Blinds in 2001 after spending years in the mortgage banking industry. In 2001 I started and built Columbia SC’s largest window treatment store. After selling the Blind business I went back to mortgage banking by st...

Guest Profile: David Soria

David has been in the industry since the mid 90s before joining America’s Window Covering Buying Network in 2021. His previous experiences include in-home sales for a local retailer and sales management as well as field sales for national brand suppliers to the industry.

Other Notes/Links:

To learn more about David Soria visit:

America’s Window Covering Buying Network

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Video

https://youtu.be/VO5DQ6HmtmU ...

Guest Profile: Jessica Harling

Jessica Harling is a 4th Generation Window Treatment Specialist, founder of Behind the Design, and leading expert in employee and process development for design trade organizations. Behind the Design nurtures top talent through recruiting, onsite and online training, and consults with leadership in streamlining processes that increase productivity and impact the company’s bottom line.

Other Notes/Links:

To learn more about Jessica Harling visit:

Go Behind The Design

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Guest Profile: Michelle Williams

Michele Williams is the dynamic owner of Scarlet Thread Consulting and Metrique Solutions, specializing in empowering creative professionals in the design industry. She offers strategic business coaching and financial analytics, helping interior designers, workrooms, and window covering professionals navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Through Scarlet Thread Consulting, Michele provides tailored coaching to achieve financial clarity and operational efficiency. Metrique Solutions offers technology-driven software to optimize pricing strategies and enhance profitability. Michele’s work transforms businesses and inspires growth in the design community.

Key Takeaways

In this insightful podcast episode, Mi...

Guest Profile: Georgiana Schwandt

Georgiana (Georgi) Giese Schwandt, founder of Incredible Windows, hails from central Illinois where she imbibed the values of hard work, compassion, and dedication. A former educator with 28 years of experience across four school districts, Georgi now leads her team in covering thousands of windows in the greater Madison, WI area. Her commitment to serving clients with kindness and respect remains unwavering.

Other Notes/Links:

To learn more about Georgiana Schwandt visit: https://www.incrediblewindows.com/

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Key Takeaways

Current Market Trends

Shift in Customer Base

Mike Lewis notes a significant change in their customer base:

“We’ve seen a lot of people go extra luxury and cost really wasn’t a factor… Or the opposite has hit and it’s like, hey...

Guest Profile: Casey RichardsonCasey Richardson is a Partner & Co-Founder at Craft Agency Group, a white label agency specializing in lead generation Facebook Ads. Focusing on niche agencies working with local service providers, Craft fills a gap in the white label marketplace - offering Facebook Ads at the highest level possible. Casey is known for his data-driven approach and expertise in testing and optimization, making him one of the most sought after strategists in the industry.Casey’s dedication to the agency community runs deep, and in addition to being a trusted service provider for some of the fastest-growing agencies in th...

Guest Profile: LuAnn NigaraLuAnn Nigara is a dynamic media personality, keynote speaker and seasoned entrepreneur, best known as an original founder of Window Works in Livingston, New Jersey, and current co-owner of Exciting Windows. She is the host of the top rated podcast, A Well Designed Business, and the founder of LuAnn Nigara Inc., which supports creative entrepreneurs through live events. Luann University and coaching. Luann's newest podcast, Window Treatments for Profit, focuses on the custom window treatment industry. She serves on the National Board of the Window Coverings Association of America and regularly contributes to industry publications.Other Notes...

Guest Profile: Sandra VanSickle​Sandra VanSickle is a respected figure in the window coverings industry, known for her extensive expertise spanning over three decades in custom window treatments. She owns and operates Sew What's New, LLC, a prominent wholesale studio and training center based in Apex, NC. Sandra excels in creating high-quality window treatments and shares her wealth of knowledge through online courses, hands-on workshops, articles, and speaking engagements.In addition to her studio work, Sandra co-owns the Craft Your Creative Life Retreat, a unique event that blends sewing skills, business strategy, and wellness for industry professionals. She also serves as...

Explore the latest insights on the Google Core Update and actionable SEO strategies for window treatment businesses. Learn how to enhance visibility through quality content and authentic visuals.

Guest Profile: Kathy Pace​Kathy Cragg Pace is a megawatt beacon of growth, expertly guiding window treatment sales professionals into the world of thriving they deserve. In a sea of sales sameness, Kathy helps design sales pros fearlessly find their success with her Modern Sales Way, encouraging them to throw out everything we’ve all been taught about “closing a sale,” replacing it with the brightness of human connection and learning how to deliver an irresistible selling experience.Her specialty is helping businesses look at their existing sales process and implement her Modern Sales methods quickly and painlessly, so they can fina...

SummaryIn this conversation, Will Hanke provides updates on the industry trends and offers tips to offset the decrease in leads. He discusses the current trend of leads being down and attributes it to factors like the economy and the election. He mentions that paid ad costs, particularly on Google ads, are increasing. Will suggests exploring other platforms like Nextdoor and Yelp for advertising. He also talks about the importance of utilizing social media platforms, building a YouTube channel, optimizing Google Business Profile, and sending out monthly newsletters. Additionally, he mentions the benefits of content marketing, purchasing additional content credits, and...

Guest Profile: Jonathan MastJonathan Mast - Pioneering AI Prompting Mastery for Business and Marketing ExcellenceSince his digital debut in 1995, Jonathan Mast has been a visionary in integrating marketing and business operations with AI. Founder of the seven-figure digital marketing agency Valorous Circle, he has collaborated with over 400 clients, demonstrating his ability to scale businesses online through proven marketing strategies. Now at White Beard Strategies, Jonathan focuses on AI prompting mastery, helping professionals save time, increase profits, and deliver exceptional value. A dynamic speaker, he demystifies AI concepts and offers practical strategies that drive immediate results. Committed to community growth, Jonathan's...

Key TakeawaysMindset is crucial to business success as it allows for personalized approaches and decision-making that align with individual strengths and goals.​Self-sabotage is a common barrier to business growth and can manifest as fear, imposter syndrome, or a lack of trust in oneself.​Steps to reverse self-sabotage and grow a business include self-awareness, challenging limiting beliefs, setting clear goals, and taking focused time for reflection and planning.​Daily practices, such as writing down three major tasks for the day and being honest with oneself about progress and challenges, can help cultivate a positive mindset and drive business success. Building new ha...

Guest Profile: Georgiana SchwandtGeorgiana (Georgi) Giese Schwandt, founder of Incredible Windows, hails from central Illinois where she imbibed the values of hard work, compassion, and dedication. A former educator with 28 years of experience across four school districts, Georgi now leads her team in covering thousands of windows in the greater Madison, WI area. Her commitment to serving clients with kindness and respect remains unwavering.Other Notes/Links:To learn more about Georgiana Schwandt visit: https://www.incrediblewindows.com/pssst.... want to be a guest on the show?Listen to other episodes Video https://youtu.be/YW2v9y3cOOY Click h...

Guest Profile: Kelsey StuartKelsey is a second-generation window covering professional with personal experience for nearly 20 years, both in the field as well as in franchise leadership. As the CEO of Bloomin' Blinds, Kelsey is passionate about the strategic growth and scaling of each franchise business and creating a culture of raving fans. Kelsey leads the corporate franchise team as the example, rather than the exception, and takes pride in a team that interacts like family.Other Notes/Links:To learn more about Kelsey Stuart visit: Bloomin' Blindspssst.... want to be a guest on the show?Listen to other episodes Video ht...

Guest Profile: Rory McNeilRory McNeil, born in London to Scottish parents, embarked on his journey in the window coverings industry by hand-staining 2" wood blind slats, when wood slats didn't come pre-finished in the 70s. As part of the family business based in Scotland, he swiftly progressed to more intricate tasks like stapling roller shade fabrics onto wood rollers. He played a pivotal role in the expansion of Eclipse Blinds in Scotland, eventually establishing its US subsidiary in Miami in 1990, which distributed roller and vertical fabrics. Later, in California, he co-founded TechStyles, introducing innovative products like IllumaSheer, RomaSheer, and pioneering manufacturing...

Guest Profile: Anders HallAnders Hall started with Solar shading back in 1993 as a Sales rep for Hunter Douglas. Managed Project Sales for the last 4 years until 2001 when he joined Somfy Nordic AB as Project Sales Manager. 2014 he moved position to Somfy SA (International) as Int Business Developer.In parallel, Anders Hall became active in ES-SO (the European Solar Shading Organization) in 2006 and since 2012 he has been a Board member and Chairman of the Marketing Committee. www.es-so.com.As of Jan 2020, Anders Hall is the president of ES-SO.ShadeAcademy is a private initiative to develop a platform online for the...

Guest Profile: Renee DeMichiei FarrowRenee DeMichiei Farrow is the founder the award-winning business Decorating Details, LLC. Decorating Details is an award-winning, woman-owned, and operated firm specializing in window treatments. The firm grew from a small Pittsburgh-area business to a national company, designing spaces for Fortune 500 companies and more than forty high-end skilled nursing facilities across the country. Renee's decades of experience in the industry, and her extensive experience as a speaker and facilitator makes her an industry expert that you'll definitely learn from.Other Notes/Links:To learn more about  Renee DeMichiei Farrow visit: Decorating Detailspssst.... want to be a g...

Guest Profile: Tabitha BeasleyTabitha Beasley started with Greenhouse Fabrics 21 years ago as a customer service representative. She has had the privilege of watching the company grow customers, fabric skus, employees and sales over these past years. In 2019 Greenhouse was able to launch Anna Elisabeth Fabrics to offer more decorative fabrics curated to the designer.Other Notes/Links:To learn more about Tabitha Beasley visit: Greenhouse Fabricspssst.... want to be a guest on the show?Listen to other episodes Video https://youtu.be/lAYhfKSL3b8

Guest Profile: Ryan GilbertsWith 10+ years of experience in the custom window covering industry and 20+ years of customer service, Shaded Window Coverings was established. We provide a wide variety of window coverings from multiple manufacturers to suit your specific needs and budget. Not only do we provide a wide variety of window treatments, but we also provide superior customer service from the first time you call, to the time we leave your house after the installation!Other Notes/Links:To learn more about  Ryan Gilberts visit: Shaded Window Coveringspssst.... want to be a guest on the show?Listen to other episodes Vi...

Guest Profile: Robin DuBroyRobin brings 12+ years of experience as an educator, guiding individual instruction and creating and designing personalized learning plans, to her role as Director of Operations at Shazeebo. She oversees every aspect of the business from selling and marketing to training and installation. Her primary focus is developing the Shazeebo brand and ensuring that all of our customers and contractors get a great product. In 2021 she launched the Shazeebo Dealer Program. Drawing from the knowledge gained every day from running Shazeebo, this program is designed to support anyone looking to add shade sails to their current business model...

Guest Profile: Vita VygovskaVitalia (Vita) Vygovska is the award-winning author, speaker, business coach, and window treatment specialist. Her company, Vitalia, Inc. Window Treatments, is a comprehensive fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management service.  It is a one-stop-shop, expert go-to resource for design firms looking for support with window treatments, upholstery, and related products. In business since 2006, Vita and her team are proud to be experts in their narrow field, providing their clients with superb quality product and excellent communication, all wrapped in tech-driven detailed and meticulous style. Located in greater Philadelphia Area, Vitalia Inc can handle any project nation-wide or a...

Guest Profile: Madeleine MacraeMadeleine is Founder & CEO of HomePro Toolbox.Madeleine MacRae is a business and leadership coach who focuses on bringing her clients thought-provoking, practical, usable content that accelerates their implementation and secures their long- and short-term results. She loves the grit and determination of small- to mid-sized business owners and has dedicated her career to helping them and their teams.Other Notes/Links:To learn more about  Madeleine Macrae visit: Homepro ToolboxUse coupon code WTMP2023 for 15% OFF Lifetime Membership.pssst.... want to be a guest on the show?Listen to other episodes Video https://youtu.be/p8KZyHxegTM

Guest Profile: Vincent NigaraYears in the Window Treatment Business: 40Areas of Expertise: Operations, systems, finance, keeping your bottom line inlineHow He’ll Transform Your Company: Vin will find efficiencies you didn’t know existed, streamline your working models, and help you forge a path to profit.Vin is a relentless entrepreneur and business developer—and has been since 1978. With his prior experience as VP of Franchise Sales for two prominent industry companies, he brings unparalleled expertise in operations, systems, and finance to everything he does. A former college baseball coach, his passion for teaching has translated into creating an accessible platform...

Guest Profile: Frank HendersonCEO of Henderson Sewing Machine Co. Inc a provider of Industrial Sewing machines, parts and Automated Systems integration of robotics in sewing.Other Notes/Links:To learn more about Frank Henderson visit: Hendersonsewing.compssst.... want to be a guest on the show?Listen to other episodes Video https://youtu.be/x2OaTgp0G24

Guest Profile: Jessica HarlingJessica Harling, the owner of Behind the Design specializes in People Operations. From recruiting a perfect fit to training your next rockstar, Jessica’s team crafts the process that will develop employee's productivity to reach next-level growth. Jessica is a 4th generation window covering specialist and was acknowledged in 2020 by Vision Magazine as the Industry’s "Top 20 Under 40". With her background in people operations, Jessica and Behind the Design is on a mission to educate, engage, and evolve the design industry while developing a new generation of top talent.Other Notes/Links:To learn more about Jessica Harl...

Guest Profile: Ray SoltisAn industry veteran in the window fashions industry, with over 20 years in software technology. He is the CEO and Founder of the company Solatech at High Point, North Carolina. Solatech is a software technology company that focuses on window fashion industry to provide accurate product configuration data for retailers and dealers.Other Notes/Links:To learn more about Ray Soltis visit:Solatech: https://solatech.com/LEDA: https://www.addleda.com/Sun Shading Expo: https://sunshadingexpo.com/pssst.... want to be a guest on the show?Listen to other episodes Video https://youtu.be/HeeEpcUCqTQ

Guest Profile: Kimberly VossThrough her years of experience in the fashion industry, running her home-based workroom, and designing hundreds of window treatments, Kimberly has a gift for styling any window to fit the window's function and the homeowner's style. She is a window treatment coach who expertly trains interior designers, decorators, and window covering professionals her process of choosing the most suitable and loveliest window treatments. She thoughtfully shares everything she's learned from her design mistakes and successes so you can create a profitable business of your own.Other Notes/Links:To learn more about Kimberly Voss visit here...pssst...

Video https://youtu.be/gvAM7pauvRs But first, I want to let you know about my book, Triple Your Window Treatment And Awning Leads. If you haven't gotten a copy of this yet, just click the link and you'll be forwarded to my Amazon shop (for those outside of Missouri). Or better, read this article through the end to know how to get a copy for free! And listen, if you're not subscribed to our YouTube channel, I highly recommend you do so. We're always putting out new content related to: growing your window treatment and awning business  getting more cus...

Guest Profile: Glenda Woolley As a Certified John Maxwell DISC Consultant through the utilization of online assessments, I help leaders as well as their team members learn their individual behavior styles, their preferred communication style and their strengths in leadership. I provide one on one and/or group coaching to ensure that you put your assessment results into action. Information is interesting but what is most important to me is helping you develop an action plan to further develop your communication skills and ultimately make a positive impact on your company's bottom line. WHO I WORK WITH: I partner with...

Guest Profile: Roger Magalhaes Roger Magalhaes is the CEO of Trading Up Consulting LLC was founded in September of 2020. The goal is to offer installation training and business coaching to people already in the window treatment industry, as well as newcomers looking to gain an edge to be successful. Other Notes/Links: To learn more about Trading Up Consulting visit Tradingupconsulting.com pssst.... want to be a guest on the show? Listen to other episodes Video https://youtu.be/3k3YMNfTF5c

Other Notes/Links: PPP Loan Info EIDL Loan Info ProActive Tax Pros pssst.... want to be a guest on the show? Listen to other episodes Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfJcqCaAAn8

Other Notes/Links: Our free training videos Get Will's book Solomon Turner PR pssst.... want to be a guest on the show? Listen to other episodes Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvQhRV9a7-A

Other Notes/Links: Our free training videos Get Will's book Google My Business pssst.... want to be a guest on the show? Listen to other episodes

Guest Profile: Mich Hancock Mich Hancock is the dynamic CEO of 100th Monkey, a company focused on creating quality human connections and interactions, leads and conversions for B2B and B2C clients through social media. Mich is also the Co-Founder of TEDxGatewayArch, an innovative and thought-provoking organization that brings TED Talk experiences to St. Louis. She interviews TEDx speakers and St. Louis movers and shakers on her popular MichMash Podcast. She is a sought-after speaker, delivering workshops and seminars for organizations, including the Olin School of Business at Washington University. Mich also works with organizations and individuals to help them...