Window Treatments for Profit with LuAnn Nigara

Today with Roger Magalhaes Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit! There’s a difference between someone who just puts up blinds and a true professional window treatment installer. Today, I am chatting with Roger Magalhaes, owner of Shades in Place, Inc., about what it takes to be a true pro in the business. The Breakdown: [1:30] Roger shares the story of his journey in the window treatment business [12:34] LuAnn tells a story of an install gone bad [17:14] Roger talks about the importance of professionalism in the industry [21:50] Roger breaks down his upcoming training opportunities and resources The Ah-Ha Moments “It isn’t just a hammer, a drill, and a nail or a screw. There’s a nuance to the art of installation.” -LuAnn Nigara “It is one of the reasons I don’t really subcontract work anymore. I’d rather refer and let them do it their way and say you can hire this guy, but you are totally responsible for it. Some people don’t understand that it’s not your job—you are working for someone else.” -Roger Magalhaes “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with subcontracting professionals, as long as they subscribe to a high degree of accountability and professionalism. And that’s what you’re doing, and that’s what’s exciting.” -LuAnn Nigara More About Roger Magalhaes Roger started in the window coverings industry in 2006 as a part-time installer for a national chain. After only two months, he was asked to leave for “standing out.” Clients continuously requested him over the other installers, and this didn’t sit well with his colleagues. Following this experience, Roger traveled all over the country acquiring training from companies like Somfy, Hunter Douglas, Norman Shutters, and Lutron. He also attended the Custom Home Furnishings Academy for formal installation training focusing on drapery and other soft treatments. Roger is the owner of Shades In Place, Inc, located in the Boston area with over 600+ 5 star reviews. He is the founder of the Facebook group Free Speech Window Covering Pros with over 1000 members, a regular columnist for Window Fashion Vision magazine, a presenter at the International Window Coverings Expo, the Installation Instructor for the Window Fashion Certified Professional FastTrack program and he sits on the board of directors with WCAA National. Em 2020, Roger found a second business: Trading Up Consulting with focus on Installation Training for Window Treatment Professionals. He offers online and on-site training for anyone that wants to become a top-notch installer. Connect with Roger Magalhaes Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Other Shows Mentioned: Window Treatments for Profit Episode 1 Tracie Bresnahan A Well-Designed Business Episode 742 Renee Gurganus

Today with Vita Vygovska: Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit. It's Thursday, which means Vita is back with a brand new Tip in 10 with Vita! More About Vita Vygovska: Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short!), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, and the LuAnn University instructor for Systems Driven Operations. Connect with Vita Vygovska Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn

Today with Madeleine MacRae: Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit. It's Wednesday, which means there's a brand new episode of C-Suite Talks with Madeleine MacRae for you to dive into. Tune in to hear Madeleine explain why sales is important, why it's is a noble profession, and most importantly, Madeleine's personal story of how she fell in love with sales. More About Madeleine MacRae: Madeleine MacRae is a former corporate executive and now a business growth strategist, who helps businesses grow with more intentionality and far less stress. Connect with Madeleine MacRae Website Facebook Twitter

Today with Tracie Bresnahan Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit! Today I am chatting with Tracie Bresnahan, owner of Custom Creations. We talk about establishing core values in your business and Tracie shares her keys to success. You‘ll also gain some insight on what to do when you are clueless about the “business” aspect of starting a business. Side note; she's also the president of the WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America), so this is a value-packed episode. Being on the WCAA board and seeing how amazing Tracie is in all she does, I had to have her on for you guys. Enjoy! The Breakdown: [7:55] Tracie tells us about her business, Custom Creations. [14:00] With everything she has seen being president of the WCAA and owning Custom Creations, Tracie shares what she has experienced as differentiators of success for a business. [27:00] Tracie shares some things that designers sometimes do that they may not realize, that we chatted about from a panel I moderated last year. [38:00] Tracie and LuAnn point out the importance of knowing and being aware of your financial gauges. The Ah-Ha Moments “When I think about the pillars of success I think about the importance of relationships and loyalty.” - Tracie Bresnahan “Having core values is so key to guiding your company everyday.” - LuAnn Nigara “What helps your company be successful no matter who your consumers are, is that you can do 20 jobs successfully, but what matters is how you handle the one time something goes wrong.” - LuAnn Nigara “Communication is key. The more information I get from my designers, the better.” - Tracie Bresnahan “I’ve considered changing the name of Custom Creations, but the name displays our core values and describes what we do. We try to be very custom to everyone we work with.” - Tracie Bresnahan More About Tracie Bresnahan Tracie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Engineering and a Master’s degree in Quality Assurance Technology from Southern Polytechnic State University. She worked in the apparel and the consumer products industries for 17 years. Tracie opened Custom Creations in 1996, fabricating custom window treatments and accessories . With her engineering background she has built a business specializing in one of a kind and challenging design solutions for clients; as well custom designed upholstered furniture. Collaborating with her on some of her projects is her husband Brian, who has a degree in Architectural Engineering. He is a huge asset in designing and building custom projects with her for clients. 2019 Award Winner for Vision Magazine IWCE 2020 Workroom of the Year Member – Window Coverings Assoc. of America (WCAA) 10+ years WCAA National President, 2018 - present Atlanta Chapter Publicity Chairperson, 2013-2018 Atlanta Chapter Past President, 2012-2014 Atlanta Chapter President 2010-2012 Atlanta Chapter Secretary, Treasurer and Industry Partner Liaison (8 years) Featured presenter at annual International Window Coverings Expo, 2010 and 2011 Connect with Tracie Bresnahan Website Instagram Facebook Other Shows Mentioned: #170- Corey Klassen & Judith Neary- CEU:Beyond Design- Establishing Monetary Value for Creative Skills. #180 Power Talk Fridays: Michele Williams Talks About Profit First and Why it Matters to You.