Episode 31

Rory McNeil From Window Shading Pro

In This Episode

  • How window treatment dealers can gain a foothold in the exterior shading market.
  • The growth of the exterior shading market, including awnings and umbrellas. especially in the hospitality industry where restaurants are using outdoor spaces to increase their capacity and revenue.
  • Why Rory thinks soft fabrics are making a comeback in the high-end consumer market
  • Why manufacturers should consider marketing to consumers to help drive leads for their dealers.
  • Why manufacturers should consider using digital media content such as YouTube videos in their ads to increase click-through rates.

Guest Profile: Rory McNeil

Rory McNeil, born in London to Scottish parents, embarked on his journey in the window coverings industry by hand-staining 2″ wood blind slats, when wood slats didn’t come pre-finished in the 70s. As part of the family business based in Scotland, he swiftly progressed to more intricate tasks like stapling roller shade fabrics onto wood rollers. He played a pivotal role in the expansion of Eclipse Blinds in Scotland, eventually establishing its US subsidiary in Miami in 1990, which distributed roller and vertical fabrics. Later, in California, he co-founded TechStyles, introducing innovative products like IllumaSheer, RomaSheer, and pioneering manufacturing techniques.

Rory’s online engagement led to the creation of Window-Pro in 1994, a virtual hub for window covering enthusiasts. In recent years, he founded Shading & Automation Solutions (SAS), rebranded Window-Pro to WindowShading.Pro in 2020, and continues to contribute to the industry’s evolution.

Other Notes/Links:

To learn more about Rory McNeil visit: Window Shading Pro , Advance Textile Expo, and Sun Shading Expo

pssst…. want to be a guest on the show?

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