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Video
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?
