Sew Much More

In this episode of the podcast, I welcome Mark and Jay Helser of Helser Brothers, Inc.

Mark Helser is the CFO and Co-Founder of Helser Brothers, Inc. His entrepreneurial spirit and interest in metal fabrication started early in his life, having a paper route at age 8 and acquiring his first welder at age 11. Mark and his brother Jay founded Helser Brothers, Inc in 1994. Mark is a strong believer in solid work ethics and going above and beyond to be the key to his accomplishments. Besides running a successful company, Mark also believes in giving back to the community by providing assistance to charitable causes worldwide. Mark and his wife are the proud parents of four boys.

Jay Helser is a Managing Partner at Helser Brothers, Inc. He has been a member of the custom window treatment industry for over 30 years starting as a window treatment installation trainee, then as a professional independent drapery installer and now as a drapery hardware manufacturer. Jay's experience in the window treatment industry was key to the development of Helser Brothers into the highly respected industry supplier that it is today. He is a happily married father of five who enjoys fishing, golf, and family time. You can find Helser Brothers on Instagram and Facebook. The OPPORTUNITY THINKING Series of the Podcast is sponsored by; The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library

Roger Magalhaes 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. He knew he was on to something! Following this experience, Roger traveled to many parts of the country acquiring formal training and receiving certifications from respected vendors such as 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. He has done installations in seven states as well as Cape Cod and the Islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. He is the founder of the Facebook group Free Speech Window Covering Pros, a regular columnist for Window Fashion Vision magazine, a presenter at the International Window Coverings Expo and the Installation Instructor for the Window Fashion Certified Professional FastTrack program

Roger's Blog

Free Speach Window Covering Pros

Window Fashion Vision Magazine

International Window Coverings Expo

Window Fashions Professional Fast Track Program

The Pumpkin Plan by Mike Mickalowicz

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA Helser Brothers, Inc The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library

Kathy Patterson is the owner of Draperies by Kathy She started sewing for a designer 15 years ago and her daughter, Michelle has joined her in her business.

Links and Resources;

Michelle's Etsy Shop - This White Rabbit Co.

The Custom Workroom Conference

Kim Chagnon - Kim's Upholstery

Ann K. Johnson's Workroom Skills Class

Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

Workroom Tech

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA Helser Brothers, Inc The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library

Ronica is from a small town in Western NY and moved to Raleigh 27 years ago via San Diego. She and her husband of 28 years have 2 kids and a dog.

Ronica's Custom Creations is an award-winning full-service window treatment design and fabrication studio. Ronica works with both the homeowners and design clients, using her specialized industry skills to make ideas and plans become reality to transform your house into a home.

Ronica is dedicated to providing quality products with outstanding details. To reach that end, she spends time keeping up with current colors, home furnishing styles, and fabrication techniques. Memberships in several home furnishings networks, including the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA), where she has held several board positions, provide educational opportunities and important contacts and resources.

Ronica strives to achieve the highest levels of proficiency in drapery fabrication. She searches out new knowledge in the field by attending educational seminars and conferences, and WCAA chapter meetings as well as subscribing to trade and design journals. Customers can be assured that they will be treated in a respectful way and provided with home furnishings they will be proud of for many years.

When Ronica is not meeting with clients, sewing or installing, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially when out on the boat!

Ronica is on Instagram.

Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill

A Well Designed Business LuAnn Nigara

You Are A Badass and You Are A Badass At Making Money by Jen Sincero

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA Helser Brothers, Inc The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library

Who doesn't have a few extra feet from Sloan Machinery!??

I must confess, I really didn't realize how extensive Sam Sloan's business was until I had this opportunity to talk with him and Jill. They have been collaborating for years in an effort to customize feet for our industry. I was thrilled to hear Sam's story and learn more about what he does - hint - it isn't just feet!!!

Jill Plummer Stanbro Hughes was a guest on Episode 138.

The OPPORTUNITY THINKING Series of the Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by

The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA Helser Brothers, Inc Tracie N. Bresnahan 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 12 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; such as custom cornice boards, headboards, ottomans, draperies, valances, bedding, pillows, etc. Tracie's work has been seen in publications such as Southern Living, Jezebel, Better Homes and Gardens and Kid's Rooms. 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 clients.

• Member – Window Coverings Assoc. of America (WCAA) 10+ years
• 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

Resources and Links;

Price Your Work with Confidence by Kitty Stein

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

Scarlet Thread Consulting/Michele Williams

Sophia Lawrie has been the owner of a to the trade drapery workroom since 1988, servicing Metro Atlanta and designers out of state. She has a degree in Economics and worked in the corporate world in Human Resources and later at an advertising agency. When her youngest son was an infant, he developed a concerning medical condition and she knew that she could not return to the corporate world and needed to find a career that would allow her to stay home. She has sewed her entire life and was fortunate to have a mother with great tailoring skills. Going into Home Décor was a logical choice and she has been fortunate to have a career she loves, which has helped support her family. As a perpetual learner, she has attended many classes and seminars and is a member of the Atlanta WCAA Chapter. The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA Helser Brothers, Inc Resources and Links; Dritz Hem Guide Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Donna Cash

Bianca Henry is the owner of Impressions Drapery Designs, Inc in Durham, NC, which opened up in 2002. She is a member of the local WCAA Chapter where currently serves as president. In her spare time, she loves to bake and spend time with her children, Caleb and Jamesa. Bianca's passion for draperies has given her a happiness that makes her career enjoyable, even during the stressful times; she wouldn't trade it for anything else. Bianca is on Facebook and Instagram. The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA Helser Brothers, Inc

Since 1994, Laura Nelson has been the owner of Sew Nice, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, specializing in soft and hard window treatments, slipcovers and other soft home furnishings. Sew Nice is a Woman-Owned Business Entity (WBE) with the State of Indiana; Laura is a WFCP Workroom Specialist and active member of WCAA, currently the program chair for the Indiana Chapter and Secretary for the Board of Directors.

A graduate of Purdue University in Restaurant Management, Laura worked in university foodservice management (Notre Dame, Valparaiso, and Purdue), mostly in catering, before changing career paths to start a workroom.

Laura mentioned the event for WCAA Indiana Deb Barret will be presenting.

Register here for - Where The Window Is Headed

Fri, October 25, 2019

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM EDT

Laura is on Facebook and Instagram Links and Resources; Ann Johnson's Workroom Skills class Scarlet Thread Consulting - Pricing Without Emotion 3 strikes article by Ann Johnson can be found on The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library Drapery and Design Digital Digest December 2017 Vicky Ayers QuickBooks Consultant The Custom Workroom Conference Books; Soul Proprieter by Jane Pollak Lean In - Cheryl Sandberg Quiet - The Power of Introverts In A World That Can't Stop Talking - by Susan Cain Price Your Work With Confidence

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;

The Workroom Channel

Scarlet Thread Consulting

The WCAA

I had such a great time at CWC this year, my first time as an exhibitor! I've been there every year so now I have been an attendee, an instructor and now an exhibitor! I wanted to share some of my thoughts and experiences with everyone.

Resources and Links;

Custom Workroom Conference

Michele Williams - Scarlet Thread Consulting

This series of the Podcast is brought to you by; The Curtains & Soft Furnishings Resource Library which hosts the industry's largest curated collection of educational resources for Custom Home Décor professionals. Membership to the library gives you access to a wealth of downloadable reference materials, videos, live events, and a community of support to help you develop your design and fabrication skills, and start or grow a business. Along with The Workroom Channel, the Library publishes the Drapery & Design Digital Digest. The Library is the central hub of communication between DIY crafters, professionals, educators, and suppliers. Visit CURTAINSANDSOFTFURNISHINGSPRO.org today.