I couldn’t help myself. I had to smile recently when Teri Boxell and Karen Reno, Draper’s window shade sales staffers assigned to work with Budget Blinds franchises, shared a story with us. It was a “Budget Blinds Commercial Services Franchise of the Week” story from “In the Spotlight,” a Budget Blinds e-newsletter, and it was all about a case of Draper to the rescue.
This story provides an excellent example to Draper and our dealers that, as Yogi Berra said, “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over!”
The BBCS Franchisee of the Week is Shawn McCoul, Budget Blinds of Casper in Wyoming! Shawn worked for a year and a half on a motorized printed roller shade project at the University of Wyoming for their athletics building. The university had a committee that debated over all aspects, but Shawn was contacted directly by the contractor, bypassing competitors. He had worked with the contractor in the past and they felt he was both competent and dependable.
Another vendor was spec’d, but Shawn worked closely with Draper to provide better mock-ups and better service throughout the process. The motorized solar shades were 10’ x 40’ and weighed a hefty 320 pounds each!! … Fabulous work, Shawn!
In the end, Shawn stated, “Architects will specify manufacturers, but our clients trust us to be a resource for them. As a window covering expert, we have other vendors in our tool belt that may be a better fit for the application.” Well said, Shawn!
Teri and Karen expanded on the story a little bit. Shawn contacted Draper after another manufacturer had their graphics rejected. Due to the height on these three shades—40 feet—we went with Soltis 92, a very stable fabric from Ferrari which lays very flat. The Colossal FlexShades were installed in July, and judging from the photos the job was a soaring success!
In particular I was pleased by the “better mock-ups and better service” comment. Even on a job with challenges like this one—large, heavy units, graphics on both sides, and not being the first manufacturer specified—our commitment to quality and outstanding customer service shone through.
By the way, for more information on our graphic shade abilities, click here!
