It’s no secret: I love the color orange.
I wear orange sneakers. My wallet has orange accents. Heck, even Shades In Place rocks orange in its branding.
But wearing orange on my face? That might’ve been a stretch.
Still, while shopping for new glasses (thanks to Father Time), I bit the bullet and went for it. They’re loud. Bold. Unapologetic.
And somehow… exactly right.
I’ve always believed that what we wear, how we speak, and how we run our business are all extensions of who we are.
The real challenge? Evolving without losing your essence.
That message hit hard when I went to see Metallica live in Tampa in early June.
After 43 years on the road, they could’ve stepped on stage with a “we’re legends, take it or leave it” attitude. But they didn’t.
They came out swinging — with fire, grit, and edge.
But also with professionalism, humility, and intention.
They played on a round stage. The drum set relocated four times throughout the two-hour concert, so every fan had a better view, no matter where they were sitting.
And after the show?
They didn’t run off to the tour bus.
They stayed over 30 minutes, just bowing and thanking the crowd.
No diva moves. No rush. Just appreciation. For their people. For their customers.
That wasn’t just a show. It was a masterclass in staying human.
Then Came the Couch.
Two weeks later, Ana and I went furniture shopping. After waiting eight months for the insurance settlement and an empty living room, I was prepared: sketches, room dimensions, wall measurements… the whole nine yards.
After visiting three stores, we found what we liked at the last stop. A few compromises, a bunch of laps around the showroom, and boom — we bought everything. Paid. Scheduled delivery.
Mission accomplished.
…or so I thought.
Back home, I realized I had misread the dimensions for the living room. How ironic was that?
Turns out, the sofa I picked was a bit too big.
No big deal — just a tiny miscalculation, like trying to squeeze Manhattan into Tampa.
I braced for impact: returns, exchange hassles, restocking fees, customer service hell…
But guess what? None of that happened.
The team at the store was calm, kind, and easygoing.
“You’re not the first.”
“These things happen.”
“Let’s take care of it.”
I was blown away. Completely relieved.
And then it hit me:
I Saw Myself in Both Experiences
In Metallica – the fire, the edge, the humility. I saw the version of myself who stays curious. Who tests new tools, tries new products, and brings modern flair like motorization and outdoor shades… but still keeps things classic and intentional.
In the furniture store, I saw the customer. Confused, slightly embarrassed, hoping for grace.
I’ve been on both sides of the table. And now I know exactly how I want my clients to feel:
Not just satisfied — relieved. Seen. Taken care of.
Yes, I sell custom window treatments — built to order, made to fit your home, your style, your dimensions.
But sometimes clients change their minds. Or don’t understand the details. Or life just happens.
I get it. Because I’m a consumer too.
So why give people a hard time?
I don’t. I ease the process however I can.
Because let’s be honest — nobody calls a window treatment guy when everything’s perfect.
They call when the sun is cooking their hardwood floors.
When the neighbors have front-row seats into the bedroom.
When three DIY fails later, they’re ready for someone with a little heart and a lot of experience.
They call when they need someone to say:
“I got you.”
And my orange frames? They’re just a way to make it easier for you to see me.
Until next time!
