Hello Friend!
February was a wild ride, filled with travels, training, tacos, and finally, the moment we’ve been waiting for… our home remodel is officially DONE!
After months of dust, decisions, and debates over the perfect shade of paint (which, ironically, wasn’t a shade at all!), we can finally sit back, relax, and enjoy our new space. Finally, time for a margarita in the backyard!
Expanding Our Reach: The Pensacola Expansion
In other exciting news, we’ve expanded our Florida coverage to include the Pensacola area! That means even more homes and businesses will get the Shades In Place treatment, and I’ll be logging even more miles on my truck. If you see me cruising through the Panhandle, just know I’m on my way to dress some naked windows!
The learning never stops, and this month, I took training on outdoor shades and retractable awnings in Sarasota. In Florida, people spend most of their time outdoors. So I realize there’s always more to learn and master in this industry. The best part of the training? Running into my buddy Ish from Chicago! One minute I’m walking into class, and the next, I’m laughing and catching up with a friend I hadn’t seen in a while.
Mastering Outdoor Solutions: Insights from Santa Fe Shades
This industry may seem big, but we’re really just one big, shade-loving family. And let’s just say, that when two guys from colder states find themselves in Florida at the same time, there’s a lot of gloating about the sunshine involved.
Speaking of connections, I also spent a week in Santa Fe, New Mexico, helping a colleague install 63 motorized roller shades in a single home. That’s right—sixty-three! When you’re installing that many shades, you start dreaming in motorized remotes. But the best part wasn’t just the project itself—it was the hospitality.
My colleague went above and beyond, showing me around Santa Fe and Albuquerque, taking me to some incredible Mexican restaurants (let’s just say I didn’t leave hungry), and even asking a baker friend of hers to make a batch of Brazilian Brigadeiros. Now, that’s what I call a sweet surprise!
And here’s a funny twist: after living in Boston for over 20 years, where hockey is practically a religion, I never actually went to a game. But somehow, I managed to watch my first-ever hockey game in the middle of the desert! Thanks, Jessica for the priceless experience!
This industry has given me so much more than just a business: it has given me incredible friendships, opportunities, and the kind of trust that keeps Shades In Place growing year after year. I want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to everyone who refers to us to their friends, family, and colleagues. Your support means the world to us, and we don’t take it for granted.
Whether it’s a past client recommending us or an industry friend connecting us with a new opportunity, we truly appreciate every referral, every kind word, and every chance to prove why we love what we do.
So, whether you’re in Pensacola and need new shades, curious about outdoor awnings, or just want to chat about the best green chile sauce in Santa Fe, you know where to find me.
Until next time, keep your windows stylish, your friends close, and your tacos well-seasoned!