2012 Seminar Speakers

VISION12 IWCE Speakers, Panelists and Moderators

FEATURED SPEAKERS
Tobi Fairley Traditional Home Magazine predicts “Tobi will be like Cher. Or Oprah. One of those women for whom one name says it all”. Selected as one of Traditional Home’s Top 20 Young Designers in America, Tobi Fairley has a signature look that is fresh and simple combining colorful, large-scale prints with classic furniture styles for a beautiful and functional result. Since establishing her design firm more than a decade ago, Tobi’s projects have spanned the Southern region and the nation from Charleston to Los Angeles. Her award winning designs for high-profile and celebrity clients have been featured on HGTV, have been published on the cover of House Beautiful and in Traditional Home, Better Homes and Gardens special publications, Southern Living, and have graced the cover of At Home in Arkansas Magazine 9 times.	Candice Olson  HGTV Star Candice Olson, a leading designer in the United States and Canada, began her career in commercial and residential design after graduating from the School of Interior Design at Ryerson University in Toronto. Candice received accolades and media attention for her distinctive and exceptional work before moving her design career to television. In fact, earlier in her career, the New York Times identified her as “one to watch.” Candice’s foray into TV began when a Canadian station profiled one of her award-winning design projects. Her unique approach to residential design and engaging personality led to a weekly stint as a design contributor to the show.	Erik Bruce Owner - Erik Bruce, Inc. Erik Bruce has been designing, fabricating and installing distinctive custom window treatments for the past 13 years. He began working with Mary Bright Inc. developing designs for The Mercer Hotel in 1998 just a few years after graduating with his MFA in theatrical design from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. Erik studied languages at an early age while attending high school in Copenhagen, Denmark. While there, he forged his deep appreciation for modern design and architecture. While designing for theater and television in Los Angeles and New York, Erik developed a sensibility informed by both the variation in scale and the effects of dramatic lighting on the scenery as well as the tactile relationship of the costumes to the characters on stage. From 2002 to 2011, Erik utilized this range of skills as lead designer at Mary Bright Inc. Now, with the opening of his own Studio in the fall of 2011, Erik continues to focus on originality as well as on the development and application of clean, modern aesthetics in contemporary window treatment design.

SPEAKERS
DEB BARRETT  WFCP Expert, Principal – Window Dressings, co-founder DBRx  As an award-winning designer and founder of Window Dressings, Deb Barrett has built a reputation for cutting edge couture treatments and soft furnishings. In addition, she is an accomplished speaker, editor and author. Nationally known, Deb regularly speaks at industry and association events on a variety of design, business and trend topics. As a trend strategist, she travels the world to develop design intelligence and interior forecasts. Her fascination with what’s around the corner and the constant search for inspiration has led to her current roles as consultant, speaker and design blogger. You can find Deb on the web at debbarrett.com and blogging at Design Confidential and Design Business RX.	KATHY CRAGG  Vice President – Exciting Windows!  Kathy Cragg, skilled window fashions expert, former decorating franchise owner and now VP of Consumer Marketing and Member Services for Exciting Windows!, has more than 20 years experience in design, retail sales and successful business ownership. She is credited with innovating a weekly conference call management system that helped dozens of owners improve their businesses and has individually guided countless more to higher achievement.  Kathy’s infectious enthusiasm and insightful motivation have helped women find their own strength and become more confident business owners. Her knowledge and experience in sales, marketing, training, technology and business management systems have established her leadership as one of the nation’s authorities in window covering business operation. A charismatic speaker, Kathy delivers fast paced, light-hearted sessions that will get you out of your seat knowing YOU CAN achieve the success you desire!	JEANELLE DECH  Director/CEO,CHF Academy, Founder – Adaptive Textiles  Jeanelle Dech shares more than 20 years of entrepreneurial business experience and passion for education in her role as the Director/CEO of the CHF Academy. She is a dynamic speaker at industry events, known for her ‘Fit-Like-A-Glove’ slipcover fabrication and business plan training. She is the co-founder of Adaptive Textiles™ and has served as an officer of the WCAA National Board of Directors.
ANN K JOHNSON  Owner – Sew Easy Windows, Instructor – CHF Academy  Ann Johnson owns Sew Easy Windows, a retail/ wholesale workroom in Ohio, established in 1992. She is the author of The Professional Workroom Handbook of Swags I & II, and has managed a custom workroom supervising a staff of seven, developing written fabrication instructions. She is a CHF Academy Instructor, a member of the Greater Cleveland Drapery Professionals, WCAA, WAOA and a representative for Evan Marsh Designs.	SUSAN KOSTELECKY WFCP Master – SK Designs  Susan Kostelecky is the owner of SK Designs, an award winning retail workroom in Houston, Texas which has served the greater Houston area since 1994. Susan is also the owner of The Custom Sewing Institute, which presents hands-on weekend seminars for workroom owners and employees. She is also the founder and past President of the Houston Area Custom Drapery Association. Susan is a member of WAOA and WCAA, and often presents seminars to other workroom and design groups. Susan’s online portfolio can be viewed at www.skdesignscustom.com.	LAURIE MEDFORD  Expert Services, Business Development Manager Rowley Company  Laurie Medford is the Business Development Manager / Expert Services for Rowley Company, the leading supplier in the interior design industry. Before joining Rowley, Medford owned Centsible Creations, a professional design, fabrication and installation company for both wholesale and retail customers. Centsible Creations, established in 1983, proudly offers award-winning designs and fabrications of window treatments, bedding, slipcovers and upholstery. Medford is an instructor for Custom Home Furnishings Academy and a member of WCAA and WFCP.
LINDA MERRILL  Linda Merrill Decorative Surroundings  Linda Merrill is an expert in the fields of interior design, media communications and marketing. Her lifelong passion for creating beautiful and livable spaces, along with a savvy business mind, has brought her design work and writing to an international audience. Linda’s work has been featured in The Boston Globe, South Shore Living magazine, New England cable news, Country Woman magazine, Shelter Pop and Houzz.com, among others. Linda offers her interior design services in person in New England and “virtually” worldwide.	M. A. Plumlee  Workroom Association of America LLC – Founder & CEO Mary Ann Plumlee has been in the window coverings industry since 1985 as a designer and workroom owner. She is founder and CEO of Workroom Association of America LLC, and publisher of Window Coverings News Online Magazine. Mary Ann is a popular motivational speaker and for several years was a regular columnist for Drapery and Window Coverings Magazine.	Susan Schultz Editor – WF Vision Magazine, Principle – Space Downtown Susan has 25 years experience reporting on the window fashion industry and is currently the editor of VISION magazine. Susan travels internationally to home furnishing trade events to report on global trends and how they affect the US home furnishings markets. She is also involved with home fashions product development and marketing and is co-founder and principal of Space Downtown, an offsite design event that launches new designs in the U.S. and is based in New York City.
Jill Ragan Scully  Owner – Impressive Windows & Interiors  Jill Ragan Scully is the owner of Impressive Windows & Interiors, a fabrication and design studio located in Hastings, MN. She has an educational background in fashion, apparel, textiles and design from the University of WI- Stout and the University Of MN- Twin Cities. She is a Certified Professional Decorator (CPD), Certified Color Consultant (CNRCC), Window Fashions Certified Professional (WFCP) Master, Window Fashions Advisory Board Member, CHF Career Professional and a member of the Window Coverings Association of America, Twin Cities Chapter President.	NICOLE SHEILDS Founder – Professional Marketing Matters  Nicole Shields spends her days developing and implementing marketing strategies. Her passion is to use what she calls ‘Sensible Marketing’ which eliminates unnecessary expenses, enhances current strategies and adds new marketing initiatives, which positively impact her client’s bottom line. Since founding Pro Marketing Matters in 1996, she has helped her clients reach their goals and created and executed countless Sensible Marketing campaigns. She works with small and medium sized businesses from a variety of fields including contractors, builders, service businesses, retailers, restaurants and non-profits to name a few.	KATE SMITH Chief Color Maven & President – Sensational Color “Color is my passion. Helping you to enjoy it—understand it–have fun with it–go wild with it–and use color confidently is my purpose” ~Kate Smith, CMG, CfYH Kate Smith is a color expert and recognized trend forecaster. She is an artist, writer and travel lover. Kate is an inspirational keynote speaker and seminar leader, turning her in-depth understanding of color into entertaining and informative talks that bring color to life for her audience. Above all, Kate is a gifted teacher who makes color concepts easy to understand and inspires others to feel confident with their own ability to choose and use color.
BILL STRICKLAND Phifer’s National Market Manager – Sun Control Products  Bill Strickland, National Market Manager for Phifer’s SheerWeave® range of sun control fabrics, has 24 years experience in the marketing of these fabrics and is an expert in their performance, technical and green features. Strickland headed the certification of the first GREENGUARD certified window treatment fabric and serves as Phifer’s ‘green’ spokesperson. Strickland is based in Phifer’s corporate office in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and travels extensively, speaking on the many benefits of sun control fabrics.	TERRI TAYLOR President & Creative Director, Design Biz Blueprint, ASID, IIDA and IDS  Terri Taylor is a practicing interior designer and contractor with 32 years in the interior design and construction business. She qualified for her NCIDQ Certification in 1991 and she is a professional member of ASID, IIDA and IDS. Besides running her award-winning design studio, Terri is an interior design business expert and coach, supporting entrepreneurial design professionals in blending their passion, money, and relationships, and making a difference in their lives. She provides a unique mix of proven design business systems and inspirational tools to create meaningful success.	CATHY TUCKER  Owner – Tucks N’ Pleats Draperies, Instructor – CHF Academy Cathy Tucker has designed, installed, and fabricated window treatments for more than 20 years. She founded Tucks N’ Pleats Draperies, and in 2000, focused her business to offer strictly wholesale drapery fabrication services, collaborating with, supporting and educating her interior designer clients. She is a member of the Greater Detroit Workroom Association and a CHF Academy Instructor.
SUSAN WOODCOCK  Brand Experience Manager – Rowley Company  Susan Woodcock is Brand Experience Manager for Rowley Company, the leading supplier to the interior design industry. Before joining Rowley, Susan owned Tavern Hill, a professional to-the-trade custom drapery workroom established in 1988. She joined Custom Home Furnishings Academy in 2003 as an instructor, and continues to teach and share her knowledge by presenting in-person and online seminars. Susan is the former editor for Drapery & Design Professional magazine, a member of the WCAA, a WFCP Expert and has been featured in a variety of books, magazines and videos.	JOANNE LENART-WEARY  Master Trainer and Creative Director – Decorating and Staging Academy  JoAnne Lenart-Weary is a 35-year veteran of the decorating and staging industry. She has created beautiful homes across the U.S. and has spent the past 13 years teaching others to do the same. Joanne is well known for her real life approach to the decorating process. She has appeared on HGTV and ABC-affiliate WJET-TV, and speaks often for many industry associations and conferences. She is the founder of The Decorating and Staging Academy and the co-inventor of Color With No Regrets, a patent-pending color system. JoAnne is also the editor of The DECOpolitan, an online magazine geared to those with a love for decorating and staging.	GILLIAN WENDEL  Owner – WendelWorks  The Wendel Works is a nationally recognized custom fabrication studio specializing in inspired window and bedding designs. Owner, Gillian Wendel, brings years of fine art and graphics experience to the business as well as drapery expertise. With a BFA from Texas Christian University, she makes sure that a well proportioned design is at the center of every project. Gillian is a frequent speaker at the annual International Window Coverings Expo where her topics include design and proportion. She is also a returning speaker at the Custom Sewing Institute, hands on conference where she illustrates such topics as details and embellishments, hand sewing and headboards. She is a member of The Drapery and Design Professional Network, the Workroom Association of America and Past President of the Houston Area Custom Drapery Association.
MICHELE WILLIAMS  Creative Director, The Scarlet Thread, Communications Director – CHF Academy Michele Williams is the Communications Director of the CHF Academy and the Editor in Chief of Drapery & Design Professional magazine. She owns The Scarlet Thread, a retail drapery workroom in Alpharetta, Georgia, which she launched in 2000 after a successful career in financial software design. Michele also serves on the WCAA National Board of Directors as Vice President and is the past president of the Atlanta Chapter.

PANELISTS Business Success Workshops
Rick Baker  Galaxy Draperies  Rick Baker is a 35 year veteran of the window coverings industry and owner of Galaxy Draperies, Van Nuys, California, serving Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Rick is nationally recognized as one of the highest quality major drapery businesses in North America. Rare in the industry, Rick's personal sales are in the $1 Million range, and with his team of professionals manage their own workroom for custom draperies and shades. In addition to their own retail business, Galaxy serves as a workroom and installation service for some of Los Angeles top interior designers. Rick Baker is well qualified to inspire business owners how to build their own million dollar business and to tell his experience and challenges that will help every dealer achieve greater success more quickly.	Bruce Bernstein  Sunshine Drapery and Interior Fashions,LLC He has owned the company since July 1, 2008 . Prior to purchasing the company, Bruce was the President after having started in 1996 as a Sales Manager for the shop at home division. Sunshine opened its doors in 1969 and is a full service interior design company with an emphasis on window coverings. Sunshine has their own workroom as well as 3 other store locations throughout the St. Louis market and employees 45 people. Prior to Bruce working for Sunshine, he began his career with The May Department Stores Company in 1984 after graduating with a marketing degree from Indiana University. While at May, Bruce held many positions..Department manager, Assistant Buyer, Manager of College Recruiting, Divisional Manager and finally General Manager. Bruce is married with three children.	Jan Bromberek Franchise Owner/Decorator Jan has been a business owner since January 1996 and has always been consistently high in repeat and referral customers. In addition, Jan has also been an annual sales leader for the company in Illinois. She operates her business as a sole proprietorship and her business is her sole source of income.
Steve Bursten Exciting Windows! Network Window Coverings University With over 50 years in window coverings, Steven C. Bursten, is co-founder and CEO of Exciting Windows! a network of experienced window coverings professionals, and Window Coverings University specializing in shop-at-home sales and management. A Graduate of the University of Missouri and a course for small business owners at Harvard, Bursten is a noted author, including his book, “Bootstrap Entrepreneur”, and more than 100 articles on sales and management in leading industry trade journals. Bursten is also the founder of Decorating Den Interiors franchise, and co-founder of the International Window Coverings Exchange for retailers over $3 Million annual sales.	Gordon Clements  Founder & Owner  Gordon Clements started in the window treatment business in 1971 with Hunter Douglas then Conso/Graber, before founding Gordon’s Window Décor in 1981. His focus is on the practical side of window treatments i.e. energy efficient, low maintenance, long life cycle, easy operation and attractive. GWD is a leading manufacturer of cellular and roller shades under their own label, EcoSmart. They also offer their own soft treatments along with a full line of brand name custom window treatments and film.	Kelly Conklin Chief Operating Office  Kelly started her professional career with her own video production company, traveling internationally creating educational videos for school systems. While producing commercials for her family’s company, Gordon’s Window Décor (GWD), she quickly found that working in the family business was her true passion. Over the past decade she has worn many hats in the company. Now, as Chief Operating Officer Kelly’s focus is on standardizing business processes that enhance every interaction a client has with GWD.
Matt Cookson Co-owner Matt Cookson attended York University in Toronto before leaping into the entrepreneurial world. After a few small successful ventures under his belt he stumbled across the window covering business. Starting out in retail he co-built a business from start-up to $300k in his first year in business. Matt also decided to dive into the wholesale side of the business and was sales manager for a start-up shutter company in Toronto, sales flourished there as well. However, Matt finds himself back in the retail game full force as co-owner of Centurian Window Fashions. Matt and his partner Tony Deleo have retail Hunter Douglas Gallery store that well exceeds $1 million dollars in sales annually from 750 sq. ft.	Kathy Cragg Vice President, Exciting Windows! Kathy Cragg, Skilled window fashions expert, former decorating franchise owner and now VP of Consumer Marketing and Member Services for Exciting Windows!, brings 20+ years of experience in design, retail sales and successful business ownership. She is credited with innovating a weekly conference call management system that helped dozens of owners improve their businesses and has individually guided countless more to higher achievement. Kathy Cragg’s infectious enthusiasm and insightful motivation have helped women find their own strength and become more confident as business owners. Her knowledge and experience in sales, marketing, training, technology and business management systems has established her leadership as one of the nation’s authorities in window covering business operation. With charismatic delivery as a speaker, the audience is assured a fast paced, light hearted session that will have you out of your seat knowing YOU CAN achieve the success you desire!	Rebecca Creal Sales for Trend Rebecca Creal is the Managing Director and Vice President of Sales for Trend, a fabric company belonging to the Fabricut family of brands. Ms. Creal was instrumental in creating and launching the value focused brand in 2006, after doing extensive research and development with window coverings professionals across the United States. Prior to creating the Trend brand, she was a Territory Manager for Fabricut in New York City. Ms. Creal got her start in the textile industry working for F. Schumacher and Company in Los Angeles, after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications.
John Danaher  President of Drapery Connection His 35 year experience with Drapery Connection included the roles of Sales Mgr.,Office Mgr., Showroom and Installation Mgr., Residential and Contract sales. John also oversees the three wholesale divisions of Drapery Connection and he is a certified motorization specialist.	Susan Day  Loving a life filled with design – whether creating clients’ window treatments, baking, raising 2 children, or building stage sets. • Often seen carrying a toolbox instead of a purse. • Proud to have a BFA in Industrial Design (product design) from University of Illinois. • Happiest on days that involve shopping at a hardware store. Amazed to count 20 years in business, and thrilled to have made the “leap” into ExcitingWindows! 7 years ago, where I can grow faster with these incredible professionals who are now friends and are always there for me. • Thinks best with pencil and paper • Believes she has the best job in the world!	Margo DeGange Marketing Coach, Author and Speaker  Margo DeGange M.Ed. is a leading industry Marketing Coach, Author & Speaker who helps entrepreneurs reach WILD success! Margo is known for her fun & out-of-the box marketing strategies! She’s created scores of best-selling, Done-For-You marketing tools like Pre-Written Decorating Articles, Ready-Made Decorating Seminars, and Ready-To-Go Newsletters. She’s also the creator of The Certified Interior Environment Coaching Program, the niche for design-related professionals that’s sweeping the country. Visit Margo’s website for 3 FREE gifts.
Scot Dietz  Owner Scot Dietz is owner of 3 Blind Mice Window Coverings in San Diego, CA. His company was founded in 2003 on a shoestring and he grew it to 5.1 million by 2006. With the recession affecting every aspect of our lives, 3 Blind Mice has faced the same challenges as many businesses. But for the millions of small business that fail, there are those that strive against all odds and adversity. Scot brings his innovative solutions to survive during trying times.	Gary Falcon  Vice President Gary Falcon is vice president of Bay Home & Window, a San Francisco Bay Area company specializing in Plantation shutters, custom closets and other built in solutions. Much of the company’s growth over the last half decade has been attributed Gary’s work in market development and his unique perspective of the market place. Gary joined his brother and company founder, Jeff Falcon at Bay Home & Window, in 2005 after a successful twenty-five year career in the music industry.  Gary co-founded Falcon-Goodman Management, one of Nashville’s most successful professional management firms, and guided the careers of some of the most recognized names in the entertainment industry. Gary has been featured on national television and in magazines showcasing his strategies for career development the international marketing. Gary’s multi-industry experience offers valuable insight in the art of taking a business or a career into its next level of growth and success.	Jeff Falcon CEO Jeff Falcon is CEO of Bay Home & Window, a multi-million dollar company in the San Francisco Bay Area specializing in plantation shutters, custom closets and other built in solutions. Jeff is known for deploying innovative success strategies, and credits much of his company’s recent success toward predictive responses to changing consumer buying trends. Jeff currently serves as chairman for the International Window Covering Exchange (a panel of CEO level industry leaders), and speaks nationally on business development, sales expansion, and marketing innovation. With an emphasis on driving success through customer loyalty, market distinction, and responsive adaptation, Jeff Falcon brings with him a unique perspective and insight into our industry.
Roger Grober  President  Roger Gober, President of All About Blinds and Shutters, has been in the Window Covering Industry for over 33 years. In 1985 Roger opened All About Blinds and Shutters in Jacksonville Florida. Today, All About Blinds and Shutters operates out of a 35,000 square foot facility and employs over 45 people making it one of the largest Retail fabricators in the Southeast. Along with the in house production of Shutters, Blinds, and Shades, Roger’s company focuses on Motorization and Automation.	Mimi Harling  Co-Owner  Mimi Harling is a co-owner of Drapery Connection. As a top selling designer in a multi-million dollar family business her key role is growing the company's sales. She is responsible for building its successful sales team including on-going education programs. Increasing the company's average sale and closing percentage requires day-to-day leadership and a commitment to adapt to new technology and sales generating ideas.	David Haseley  Franchise Owner  David had one of the largest Decorating Den franchises for several years. After the success as a franchise owner he bought the developmental rights to Southern Ohio and built that into one of the largest regions within the Decorating Den system. He has also served as Vice President of Sales for Fabricut Contract and Vice President of Sales for Hunter Douglas Hospitality. Today he serves as Decorating Den Interiors Vice President of Merchandising and Franchise Marketing.
Bruce Heyman  President  Bruce Heyman is the President of Metropolitan Window Fashions, a retail chain with five locations, 60 employees and ten designers offering in-home consultations. Bruce has held the positions of President at the Window Coverings Association of America, Chairperson of the Exciting Windows Advisory Board and Delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business. Metropolitan has been honored with the NJ Family Business of the Year and National Retailer of the Year Awards.	Joyce Holt	Susette Kubiak ASID Susette Kubiak, ASID is a co-owner of Drapery Connection with showrooms in Hinsdale and Highland Park, IL. For the past 25 years Susette has been instrumental in helping to build Drapery Connection as one of Chicago's premier window covering companies. The key to their growth was Susette developing "to-the-trade" referral programs with other home furnishing businesses and interior designers. Her leadership and understanding of budgeting gross profit goals keeps Drapery Connection focused on it’s profitability objectives.
Mike Lin  Owner/President  Mike Lin graduated from Brown University with a degree in economics. He and his wife own Sonic Blinds, the only full-scale retail fabricator of custom blinds in Western New York. Sonic Blinds has a retail showroom with annual sales exceeding $1 million in residential/commercial window treatments. Mike was inducted into the Exciting Windows! Hall of Fame in 2010 and is the only member to be recognized as the top sales leader in managed business for three separate years. Mike also has served as chairman of the Exciting Windows! National Advisory Council. Exciting Windows is an international network of window fashion professionals with over 100 members.	Kim Lyon	Carl Movrich  CEO Carl Movrich, CEO of Drapery Connection, and son of founder Bruno Movrich, with showrooms in Hinsdale and Highland Park, IL. Over the past 40 years Carl has helped Drapery Connection become one of the industry's most successful shop-at-home window covering companies. Through Carl's leadership Drapery Connection was innovative in its consumer advertising and marketing ideas. They built one of the largest and first web sites for custom window coverings in the 90's. This multi-million dollar company prides itself in its reputation and the professionalism of its staff.
Cherie Roellchen ASID co-owner OSD Cherie Roellchen is a real life success story! As an only child in Kansas City, she learned principles of working hard, being honest, respecting others and always working toward a goal. These aspects of her life are apparent in her relationships with her clients. As a certified ASID designer with over 25 year’s experience, she has won numerous awards throughout the Kansas City area. Cherie caters to her clients by delivering custom products and services of high quality and at an affordable price. Her attention to detail has earned her unparalleled repeat and referral business. Throughout a very difficult economy, her business has continued to excel. In addition to personally serving clients, Cherie Roellchen heads up a talented design team and coordinates special events for the company	Steve Roellchen Steve Roellchen, formerly a top executive with May Company and Venture stores, began One Stop Decorating with his wife, Cherie, in 1992(?). Since then, they have become one of the largest and most successful window fashions businesses in America. With four Hunter Douglas Gallery stores, they dominate the Kansas City Market and have one of the most successful sales teams anywhere. Recently appointed as regional director for Exciting Windows! Roellchen now guides and supports member dealers throughout western Missouri and all of Kansas.	Jane Shea Owner Jane came to the window covering industry relatively late in her career. She purchased a plantation shutter company in 2002 and learned about the industry from the manufacturer’s point of view. In 2003 one of her wholesale customers approached her to buy his successful shop-at-home window treatment business, Blinds Unlimited. The previous owner was a Hunter Douglas dealer and specialized in hard window treatments. When Jane took over the reins, of Blinds Unlimited she decided that the business needed to offer the full spectrum of window fashions and she set about learning about custom soft window treatments. The business has seen steady growth since 2003 and this year she made the decision to seek a Hunter Douglas Gallery dealership, open a store front and expand her offerings of soft window fashions.
Steve Wishnow President, Exciting Windows Steve Wishnow’ is a seasoned marketing and advertising executive who has worked with many retail organizations, media outlets, and independent businesses. For 19 years he was Senior Vice President, Director of Marketing & Sales Promotion for the department store Hecht’s, with an annual advertising budget of $140 million. Steve enthusiastically shares his extensive experience to drive sales for window coverings business owners.

MODERATORS
Grace McNamara CEO, McNamara Publishing The Big Picture: How distribution channels are changing, product innovations, how independent decorators and retailers will compete in the new era	Steven Bursten Exciting Windows! Who’s winning in the New Era? Dozens of independent business owners are growing and setting records in spite of the economy. Yet, many business owners are struggling for survival. What sets winners apart from those who fail? You’ll find out when you attend this session.