By LuAnn Nigara
5
2222 ratings
The podcast currently has 295 episodes available.
Hi, welcome! In this episode of Window Treatments for Profit, I dive into the concept of "slow down to go fast." As the year wraps up and we prepare for a new one, it's the perfect time to strategize and strengthen our businesses. Drawing insights from industry leaders like Kate O'Hara and Rick Baker, I discuss essential strategies for creating efficient processes, establishing routines, and defining your vision, whether you have a small team or are looking to scale. Join me as we explore how taking the time to refine your operations now can lead to faster growth and success in 2025!
What’s new with LuAnn NigaraThe Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other ResourcesThis podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
Find LuAnn's Books Here!
Kravet Workspace in Basking Ridge, New Jersey
BADG & Cooper Hewitt Event Info & Link to Reserve Tickets!
Hi! Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit. Today, we’re talking about the art and strategy of effective marketing through compelling lead magnets and persuasive follow-up email sequences.
What’s new with LuAnn NigaraThe Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other ResourcesThis podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
Find LuAnn's Books Here!
Managing for Profit Workshop - SD Nov 11th & ND Nov 12th
Kravet Workspace in Basking Ridge, New Jersey
BADG & Cooper Hewitt Event Info & Link to Reserve Tickets!
Other Shows MentionedAWDB #556 Kae Whitaker: #BLM Grace For Lack Of Understanding, Grace for Anger
AWDB #274: Power Talk Friday: Kae Whitaker- Part 2 of Email Marketing for your Interior Design Firm
AWDB 259: Kae Whitaker – Get New Clients with the Right Email Sequence
AWDB 466: Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What?
AWDB 317: Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen
AWDB 125: Nicole Heymer- How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!!
WTFP #167: Nicole Heymer: How to Find and Highlight Why Someone Should Buy From You
WTFP #140: Nicole Heymer: Demystifying SEO for Window Treatment Businesses
In today’s WTFP episode, I’m diving into one of the toughest yet most rewarding skills for any leader—navigating hard conversations. Conflict with clients, vendors, or team members is inevitable, but how we handle these moments can make all the difference in our business relationships and reputation. From setting boundaries to keeping calm under pressure, I’m sharing the methods I’ve honed over the years for turning tough situations into opportunities for growth. These are tools I wish I’d known from day one, and I hope they’ll help you on your journey too.
What’s new with LuAnn NigaraThe Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other ResourcesThis podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
Other Shows MentionedBound By Business Collection
WTFP #271: What Would Lu Do?: The 8 Steps to Successful Negotiations Using the D.I.A.L.O.G.U.E. Framework
AWDB #222: Power Talk Friday: Lee Cockerell- Customer Service the Disney Way
Today with Wilma and Tamara Kulyk of Sensational Seams, we explore how this mother-daughter team has built a thriving window treatment business in Ontario since 1986. They share how they balance Wilma's technical expertise with Tamara's innovative design approach to create unique projects for their clients, and discuss creative marketing initiatives like their 'Seams to Me' newsletter and Thankful Pumpkins tradition.
The Kulyks offer valuable insights about working in a family business, emphasizing the importance of letting the next generation bring fresh ideas while maintaining core values. Their story demonstrates how embracing both tradition and innovation can create a business that truly connects with clients while supporting multiple families.
More About Wilma and Tamara KulykWilma Kulyk:
My Passion is to always create something unique. I love the opportunity and challenge to find a “Sensational Solution” for your space. I take pride in paying great attention to detail and am committed to providing quality products and personal customer service.
Tamara Govier:
I love what I do because I get to make a new friend every day white creating a space reflective of their taste personality. I enjoy the new automated systems, and how they seamlessly integrate into our everyday lifestyle. I am passionate about finding the perfect fabric to add a splash of color and tastefully express your character throughout your home.
Connect with Wilma and Tamara KulykWebsite
With unwavering conviction, Jessica Harling can break down complex decisions to simplify an action plan. Her dynamic problem-solving can confront potential obstacles proactively and energize any team, making others feel valued to achieve their ambitious company goals. She is the founder of Behind the Design, a People Operations company that enthusiastically collaborates with leadership to build dream teams! From recruiting to training and process development, their intuition for creating strong emotional connections discovers and nurtures rockstar talent with established streamlined processes that impact the company’s bottom line.
Connect with Jessica HarlingWebsite
The Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources MentionedThis podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
Managing for Profit Workshop - SD Nov 11th & ND Nov 12th
Visit our page for more information on our Free Zoom Event, on Dec 12th
Other Shows MentionedWTFP #25 Rick Baker: Preserving Your Values as You Grow Your Window Treatment Business
WTFP #179 Wilma Kulyk: Unlocking Loyalty: Using Thank You Cards to Build Stronger Client Connections
Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit. It’s no secret that I am a big believer in organizations like the WCAA, Exciting Windows, IDS—places where you can form the relationships that become gamechangers for your business, whether it’s through lessons and advice, client referrals, vendor connections—whatever it is. Relationships are everything.
My guest today, Linda Woodard, understands that all too well. When she transitioned from designer to window treatment professional, she turned to the WCAA for guidance—and now 13 years later, she’s the President of the Northeast chapter. Today, she shares insights about the WCAA and how to make the most out of it, along with lessons she’s learned in the industry and how she’s navigated her business.
More About Linda WoodardAfter years in the corporate world, Linda Woodard had a pivotal moment that led her to reassess her life’s direction. Feeling a profound desire to channel her creative energies, she decided to take a leap of faith, leaving behind the stability and security of her corporate marketing and sales career to start a new journey into the world of design.
Linda’s career in design began by apprenticing with one of the area’s foremost window treatment experts where she developed skills, learned nuances of the industry, and began developing a loyal client base. In 2011, fueled by vision and unwavering determination, she established Linda’s Decors. The early days of countless hours and hard work paid off as her newfound vocation attracted clients seeking her unique blend of innovation, practicality, and creativity.
Over the years, Linda’s portfolio has flourished, boasting an impressive array of thousands of residential and commercial projects. From high-end waterfront estates to cozy family cottages, each space bears the mark of her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
Linda believes that each window tells a story and her mission is to craft treatments that reflect the personality of not only the space but the people who inhabit it.
Remaining at the industry forefront, Linda actively participates in seminars, conferences, and events. She is the current President of the Window Covering Association of America’s Northeast chapter, the nation’s largest and longest established trade group for dealers, designers, and workrooms. Holding credentials as both a Certified Window Fashion Professional and a Certified Interior Designer, Linda continues to win acclaim for her extraordinary service, which not only saves her clients time, money, and stress, but also enhances the value of their lives and homes.
Connect with Linda WoodardWebsite
Houzz
This episode is sponsored by Exciting Windows!
What’s new with LuAnn NigaraThe Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources:This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
FREE Exciting Windows! “Ask Me” Zoom Event
More Info on the WCAA!
Other Shows:#43 Peggy Morgans: How Do I Get My Business Ready to Sell?
In this exciting episode of Window Treatments for Profit, Jessica Harling dives deep into the world of family business with Jamie Friedlander and Natalie Lockwood, the next generation at Innovative Openings. They’ll share their unique insights on how they’re navigating the challenges of succession planning and maintaining their family legacy in the window covering industry. Don't miss this inspiring conversation filled with valuable lessons and heartfelt stories!
More About Jamie Friedlander and Natalie LockwoodRick Pease and Dave Friedlander founded Innovative Openings in Boulder, Colorado in 1980. The business was incorporated in 1984 and has grown to include both a retail division, Innovative Openings, and a wholesale manufacturing division, Insolroll.
Connect with Jamie Friedlander and Natalie LockwoodInnovative Openings
Insolroll
Innovative Openings Facebook
Insolroll Facebook
More About Jessica HarlingWith unwavering conviction, Jessica Harling can break down complex decisions to simplify an action plan. Her dynamic problem-solving can confront potential obstacles proactively and energize any team, making others feel valued to achieve their ambitious company goals. She is the founder of Behind the Design, a People Operations company that enthusiastically collaborates with leadership to build dream teams! From recruiting to training and process development, their intuition for creating strong emotional connections discovers and nurtures rockstar talent with established streamlined processes that impact the company’s bottom line.
Connect with Jessica HarlingWebsite
The Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources MentionedThis podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
Amber De La Garza’s VIP Business Planning Event in Las Vegas, November 2nd and 3rd, 2024
LuAnn University begins January 31st, 2025 and registration will be open soon
Other Shows MentionedWTFP 255: Tim Yurek: The Critical Difference Between Exit Strategy and Succession Strategy
WTFP #227: Rebecca Munster: The Art of Effective Organizational Development
AWDB #803: Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza: Productivity is Personal – How to Create Systems that Will Work for You!
In this week’s episode of Window Treatments for Profit, we’re talking about Exceptional Customer Service and its direct link to profitability. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, there's always room to level up your customer experience, and in this episode, I share three proven strategies to do just that!
Key 1: Understand Your Customer’s True Needs
Key 2: Resolve Problems Quickly and Build Loyalty
Key 3: Personalize Every Interaction—Order Milestone Updates & Custom Care Tips
From real-world stories in my own business to actionable tips you can implement right away, this episode is packed with insights that will help you build stronger, more profitable relationships with your clients. Plus, you’ll learn small, thoughtful touches like proactive order updates and personalized care instructions that can make a lasting impact.
Ready to elevate your customer service and boost your bottom line? Listen to this episode and discover how exceptional service can transform your business!
What’s new with LuAnn NigaraThe Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources MentionedThis podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
Hi, welcome to Window Treatments For Profit! Today we’ll talk about how a family argument led to the creation of a thriving business and their journey from struggling storefront to successful entrepreneurs. Mark and Laura share their unique insights on marketing, the impact of COVID-19 on their business, and the importance of adaptability in the industry. Don’t miss this inspiring chat filled with laughs, lessons, and real-life stories from the world of window treatments!
More About Mark & Laura PerelWe are a family owned-and-operated custom window treatment company, dressing windows throughout Long Island since 2011. We specialize in designs that match all interior styles, from traditional to modern. It is the goal of our window treatments store to provide all our customers with superior customer service and the most stylish and innovative window fashions on the market. We are proud to carry an extensive collection of window treatments that can cater to every taste and budget. We carry window shutters and roller shades, along with vertical and horizontal blinds. We can also provide you with custom-designed draperies and valances. Visit our Suffolk County showroom to see our working window treatment displays up-close.
Connect with Mark & Laura PerelWebsite
YouTube
With unwavering conviction, Jessica Harling can break down complex decisions to simplify an action plan. Her dynamic problem-solving can confront potential obstacles proactively and energize any team, making others feel valued to achieve their ambitious company goals. She is the founder of Behind the Design, a People Operations company that enthusiastically collaborates with leadership to build dream teams! From recruiting to training and process development, their intuition for creating strong emotional connections discovers and nurtures rockstar talent with established streamlined processes that impact the company’s bottom line.
Connect with Jessica HarlingWebsite
The Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources MentionedThis podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
Exciting Windows! CEO Conference
Other Shows Mentioned#282: Bound By Business: Like Mother, Like Son. Debbie Hall and Trent Hall
#285 Bound By Business: Sibling Success Story – John DeLuca and Agata Olivieri
Hi! Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit! Today we’re diving into the incredible opportunities that conferences and industry events present for window treatment professionals. Whether you’re looking to network, discover the latest trends, or level up your business, these gatherings are essential for growth. Join me as I share insights from my experiences at upcoming events and why stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to amazing breakthroughs in your career. Let’s get started!
What’s new with LuAnn NigaraThe Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources:Sun Shading Expo 2024 - Link to Register & remember to use our code: SSENA24LUANN (free admission for your network)
WCAA - RSVP by using this link and filling out the form: https://form.jotform.com/242335119839057
Exciting Windows! CEO Conference
Interior Design Society Annual Conference
Managing For Profit Free Workshop
Welcome to this episode of "Window Treatments for Profit"! Today, I’m thrilled to have Julie Murphy with me. We dive into her journey from running a one-person workroom to purchasing a larger business—Designer Draperies of Boston. Julie shares her insights on navigating the complexities of buying a business, the importance of client relationships, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you're considering expanding your own business or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of our industry, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways. Let’s get started!
More About Julie MurphyI began my foray into the art of window treatment fabrication as the sole proprietor of a home-based business. It was only natural that my passion fed a desire to expand capacity to meet the needs of my growing clientele. With the merger of two successful businesses and the right team of skilled and experienced professionals, I could offer more interior designers a longer list of custom made fabrication products and services without cutting out what I value the most: Quality, Collaboration, and Exemplary Customer Service.
Connect with Julie MurphyWebsite
This episode is sponsored by Exciting Windows!
What’s new with LuAnn NigaraThe Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources:This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
Metrique Solutions
Register for the IFDA NY event
WCAA
Window Works Lunch and Learn
Other Shows:WTFP #4: Roger Magalhaes: Choosing To Be a Professional Window Treatment Installer
AWDB #1014: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams: Mastery of Your Finances
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