Expert Dealer Spotlight: Kathy’s Shade Shop

As a proudly woman-owned business, Kathy’s Shade Shop has become a trusted business, often winning contracts due to its unique story and commitment to excellence. 

The Fucile Family business began in 2006, when Kathy Fucile and her sons, Mike and Tommy, purchased an established window treatment company. Kathy, an accountant by trade, saw an opportunity to create a legacy, not only for her family, but also for her community. "The fact that we're woman-owned is a major reason we get so many of our contract jobs," Kathy shared. "It sets us apart and resonates with many of our clients." The Fucile’s approached the transition with integrity and compassion. They chose to keep key members of the original team, including the previous owner’s son, Adam, who remains a vital part of the business to this day. Mike explained that it was a great way to learn the ropes from those who knew the business best.“ When my mom decided to buy the shop, we knew nothing about the industry,” Mike recalled. “She had been an accountant, and I had worked at Glass Doctor, so we had a little familiarity with windows, but this was completely new for us.” 

A typical day at Kathy’s Shade Shop begins each morning with a meeting to align priorities and address any challenges. From installations to repairs, they tackle a wide range of projects with the expertise and care that have become their hallmark. “We’re one of the few businesses in the area that offers repair services,” Mike noted. The shop’s expertise in motorized shading solutions has also become a defining feature of its offerings. Since taking over the business, the team has embraced advancements in smart home technology, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry trends. They look forward to large contract jobs but still maintain about 75% residential work. “I remember my first motorized project—a neurosurgeon’s house. It was a massive job, and the customer was very particular,” Mike said. “We even had to use a decibel meter to prove the motors were operating within the specifications. It was a tough start, but we got through it, and that job ended up winning Somfy’s ‘Best Installation’ contest in 2010.” 

Having acquired the business shortly before the 2008 housing recession, the Fucile’s had to navigate an uncertain economic landscape. Recognizing an opportunity, Mike spearheaded a pivot toward commercial and government contracts—a move that would shape the company’s future. “I went online and looked up every contractor and construction company I could find,” Mike said. “I sent emails to all of them, asking to be added to their bid lists. That effort paid off—we started getting contract jobs like crazy, and eventually, we even began working for the government.” This strategic diversification proved invaluable a decade later during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to their government contracts, Kathy’s Shade Shop qualified as an essential business and remained operational. “2020 was one of our best years financially,” Mike shared. “And then there was a ton of construction going on, which helped us the most and made the biggest change in our company.” 

While Kathy’s Shade Shop has a strong local presence, Mike has ambitious plans to expand its reach nationally. By collaborating with contractors and installers in other states, he hopes to bid on larger projects while delegating installations to trusted local teams. “I’ve done this before with projects in Mississippi, Connecticut, and California,” Mike explained. “It’s a model that works, and my goal is to focus more on bidding and less on installations so I can scale back the installation business.” Mike is also keeping an eye on industry trends, particularly the growing demand for motorized and cordless window treatments. “The transition to motorization is huge,” he said. “There are so many new products coming out, and we’re constantly learning how to adapt and stay ahead.” 

As Kathy’s Shade Shop approaches its 50th anniversary, its legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and family values. From navigating economic downturns to embracing cutting-edge technology, the Fucile family has demonstrated the importance of adaptability in building a lasting business. With their sights set on national expansion and a commitment to continuous improvement, Kathy’s Shade Shop is poised to remain a leader in the window treatment industry for years to come.

Discover Kathy's Shade Shop: https://www.kathysshadeshop.com/motorization.html