WCAA Member Chats

Member Chats is an exciting new initiative from the Window Coverings Association of America, designed to highlight the real-life stories of our incredible members. Hosted by WCAA Vice President LuAnn Nigara on her acclaimed podcast, Window Treatments for Profit, this series dives into the journeys, challenges, and successes of WCAA members. Each conversation paints a vivid picture of how being a part of WCAA has supported and empowered their businesses, offering inspiration and practical insights for both current and potential members.

Linda Woodard: From Interior Designer to Window Treatment Specialist, and WCAA Eastern Massachusetts President

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.

Lisa Jones: Full Circle from Struggling Business Owner to Atlanta Chapter WCAA President

Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit. Today, I am excited to welcome Lisa Jones, owner of Lisa Jones Interiors and president of the Atlanta chapter of the WCAA. 

Lisa started her business 25 years ago, but at her 17th she reached a breaking point—she decided either she was going to close up shop or make a big shift in her business. After joining the WCAA and listening to A Well Designed Business along with other industry podcasts, Lisa discovered how to transform her business and how to generate true profits. Today, she’s sharing how she got there and why the support along the way made all the difference in the world.

Theresa Harmon: Creating Success Through Connections, Richmond VA Chapter WCAA President

Join me in this inspiring episode as I chat with Theresa Harmon, the current president of the Richmond, Virginia WCAA chapter. Theresa shares her journey in the window covering industry and emphasizes the importance of discovering your “why.” With a background in graphic design and a passion for creating, she discusses the challenges and joys of running her own business, from problem-solving design dilemmas to connecting with clients. We also dive into the supportive community of the WCAA and how collaboration enriches our industry. Tune in for insights that can inspire your own creative journey!

Julie Murphy: From Home Sewing to Million-Dollar Workroom

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!

Joe Gebara: Living Life to its Fullest and Run a Successful Window Treatment Business

My guest today, Joe Gebara, owner of J. Edison Interiors Inc., was diagnosed with stage four Lynch Syndrome and given one year to live. Joe and I are on the board of the WCAA and as a member of the board, his cancer journey was pretty public.

After turning to the book, The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino Joe was inspired to travel the country and educate people on Og’s philosophies of prioritizing the important things in life. Tune in to learn the inspiring story of how Joe learned to find balance in his life and how he transferred that into his business.

Elizabeth Gerdes: Sometimes a Pivot is the Best Thing for Your Window Treatment Business Happiness

Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit. You may find that after years of successfully running your business a certain way, there would never be a reason to change that “way.” Why would you? You’ve been kicking butt all these years with the same system and process.

My guest today, Elizabeth Gerdes, owner of custom drapery workroom, Stitch Above the Rest, LLC likely thought the same thing until she realized she HAD to make a change. This change included passing the fabrication baton to employees and shifting her duties in her business.

What she wants you to know though is that doing the “uncomfortable” and making business changes was all for the best, for her health and her happiness.

Roger Magalhaes: Choosing To Be a Professional Window Treatment Installer

Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit! There’s a difference between someone who just puts up blinds and a true professional window treatment installer. Today, I am chatting with Roger Magalhaes, owner of Shades in Place, Inc., about what it takes to be a true pro in the business.

Tracie Bresnahan: Three Pillars for Success: Having Systems, Knowing Your Numbers and Delivering Quality.

Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit! Today I am chatting with Tracie Bresnahan, owner of Custom Creations. We talk about establishing core values in your business and Tracie shares her keys to success. You‘ll also gain some insight on what to do when you are clueless about the “business” aspect of starting a business. Side note; she’s also the president of the WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America), so this is a value-packed episode. Being on the WCAA board and seeing how amazing Tracie is in all she does, I had to have her on for you guys. Enjoy!