Marco Island is a homeowner’s dream come true with its spectacular view of the Florida coast. Cindy Vallera, Decorating Consultant of Florida Paint and Decorating Center, makes that view even more beautiful by showcasing the Hunter Douglas product line.
It was only two years ago when Cindy, then a motor home dealer, made the switch to window coverings by invitation of Jim Menelli, owner of Florida Paint and Decorating Center. Jim had so much business in painting he could not dedicate the time he needed to the decorating center. He knew it was an untapped market and wanted to expand.
Imagine an island community, 6 miles in length, where walls of windows and specialty shapes are the standard in home design. Cindy excitedly came on board and started selling window coverings.
“Marco Island is like a fantasy land of beautiful homes, all with breath-taking views – a perfect place for Hunter Douglas products.” But Cindy didn’t initially understand their value. “One Memorial Day weekend I had time to inspect the products I was selling. As a motor home dealer, I made it a point only to sell the best products, and I brought that philosophy with me to window coverings. That weekend I took the time to play with the products I had in the store, taking them apart and inspecting their workmanship. I realized that Hunter Douglas was the quality brand I was looking for and I never looked back.”
Shortly after Cindy’s discovery of Hunter Douglas products, Paula Tucker of Gulf Coast American Fabrication took her under her wing and introduced her to the Hunter Douglas Window Fashions Institute (WFI).
“WFI training is so helpful. It’s a great way to learn the basics and progress through the Hunter Douglas Full-line Reference Guide and Base Price List. Online testing makes you drink in the knowledge without even knowing it. The information is right on my lips and helps me offer my customers the products they want and close the sale. Also, once I got started with training, I found it easy to blaze through the WFI levels of performance. It’s like a good book, you want more and WFI gives it to you. Training programs like the Hunter Douglas Business Building Expo, Premieres and Gallery are good ways to learn something new directly from Hunter Douglas as well as from other dealers.”
Her passion helps her always see the products from a “what’s new and what can I learn” attitude, which impacts her business and inspires others.
Being a WFI member has other benefits. “When customers come in, they usually take a moment to read the plaques and certificates on my wall that acknowledge my achievements.”
Cindy has a basic philosophy: sell products you believe in, know your product inside and out, and be prepared to answer questions about your product with confidence. Hunter Douglas makes following that philosophy easy because of the great products and service they offer.
“Whenever I have a question, I just call Hunter Douglas. The customer service team, and the Window Fashions Institute team are always ready to help me with questions to keep me on the track to success. Try getting that from Hunter Douglas competitors. You can’t wait for good customer service. You need it now, and Hunter Douglas provides!”
Jan Fallon
720-299-5587
Email Jan