Marketing Panes
Marketing Interviews & Tips for Window Treatment and Awning Companies
Episodes
July 9, 2025 • 40 mins
In this episode of Marketing Panes, host Will Hanke sits down with Russ Elinson of Arjay's Window Fashions and Rory McNeil of Shading and Automation Solutions to unpack what's really happening in the window treatment world as we head into Q3 2025. It’s not all bad news despite economic headwinds, dealers are finding smart, strategic ways to stay profitable. From industry trends to overlooked tools and lead sources, this episode off...
Mark as Played
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 (entrepr...
Mark as Played
April 22, 2025 • 34 mins
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 t...
Mark as Played
March 25, 2025 • 38 mins
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 int...
Mark as Played
March 5, 2025 • 41 mins
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 challengin...
Mark as Played
December 24, 2024 • 59 mins
SummaryIn 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 SturkieStarted Best Blinds in 2001 after spend...
Mark as Played
December 4, 2024 • 35 mins
Guest Profile: David SoriaDavid 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 Networkpssst.... want to be a guest on the show?L...
Mark as Played
December 4, 2024 • 37 mins
Guest Profile: Jessica HarlingJessica 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:...
Mark as Played
October 15, 2024 • 47 mins
Guest Profile: Michelle WilliamsMichele 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 ta...
Mark as Played
October 14, 2024 • 26 mins
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 ...
Mark as Played
October 7, 2024 • 52 mins
Key TakeawaysThe market is seeing a shift towards luxury clients and budget-conscious customers.Technology integration, such as smart home features, is becoming increasingly important.Hiring and training remain crucial for business growth.The Sun Shading Expo showcased innovations in exterior shading solutions.Current Market TrendsShift in Customer BaseMike Lewis notes a significant change in their customer base:"We've seen a lot o...
Mark as Played
October 1, 2024 • 34 mins
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 ...
Mark as Played
September 17, 2024 • 59 mins
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...
Mark as Played
September 3, 2024 • 41 mins
Guest Profile: Sandra VanSickleSandra 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 wor...
Mark as Played
August 31, 2024 • 7 mins
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.
Mark as Played
August 20, 2024 • 64 mins
Guest Profile: Kathy PaceKathy 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 learni...
Mark as Played
August 13, 2024 • 11 mins
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 ...
Mark as Played
August 6, 2024 • 42 mins
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 strat...
Mark as Played
July 23, 2024 • 39 mins
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 ...
Mark as Played
March 18, 2024 • 26 mins
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 u...
Mark as Played
Popular Podcasts
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.
The Megyn Kelly Show is your home for open, honest and provocative conversations with the most interesting and important political, legal and cultural figures today. No BS. No agenda. And no fear.