Sophia Bennett, Editor in Chief of Window Fashion VISIONWindow Fashion VISION is thrilled to recognize some of the industry’s brightest up-and-coming stars through the new Window Fashion VISION 20 Under 40 Awards. Participants will be honored at a virtual ceremony on Thursday, July 30 at 6 p.m. Eastern at the conclusion of IWCE Virtual.
20 Under 40 Award recipients were nominated by peers, mentors and supervisors who believe they have a promising future in the window covering field. Winners include owners of retail businesses, interior designers, workroom professionals, salespeople at manufacturing companies and entrepreneurs. They were selected based on their commitment to their careers and industry, demonstrated leadership skills, membership in professional organizations and service to the community.
“Window Fashion VISION has been recognizing industry professionals for 34 years through programs such as the VISION Design & Workroom Competition Awards, but this is the first time we’ve had a program focused solely on young people,” said Grace McNamara, the magazine’s publisher. “It’s a real joy to bring attention to people who developed a passion for window treatments early and will hopefully continue to share that passion throughout their careers.”
Grace McNamara, Publisher
The following individuals will be recognized in the Window Fashion VISION 20 Under 40 Awards program on Thursday:
- Alicia Acosta, owner, Hazel Slate in Indianapolis, IN
- Lance Bracey, regional sales manager, Mermet in Cowpens, SC
- Gil Breef, founder and CEO, Shades By Design in Miami, FL
- Sara Lynn Brennan, CEO, Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors in Waxhaw, NC
- Cali Cochran, national account manager, Forest Drapery Hardware in Cartersville, GA
- Darin Filhaber, director of sales and marketing, Marquis Design Group in West Palm Beach, FL
- Jessica Harling, owner, Behind the Design in Chicago, IL
- Anthony Iannone, vice president, Window Trends NJ in Morris Plains and Chatham, NJ
- William Linn, workroom manager, Marquis Design Group in West Palm Beach, FL
- Sherica Maynard, interior designer, Interior Design by S&S in Conyers, GA
- Max Nguyen, CEO, World Wide Wood in Dallas, TX
- Gladys Payne, order department manager, Shades By Design in Miami, FL
- Aaron Preusser, co-owner/senior sales consultant, Shutterhawk Blinds and Design in Wilmington, NC
- Christina Price, owner, Main Line Window Decor in West Chester, PA
- Lindsey Putzier, interior designer, Eclectic Interiors in Hudson, OH
- Javier Rodriguez, founder and CEO, Shade Studio in McAllen, TX
- Jordan Silver, managing partner, lead installer and marketing specialist, Blinds Shade and Shutter Factory in Warrington, PA
- Rafe Tawil, vice president of commercial, Friedland Shades in Keyport, NJ
- Karla Teuffer, chief financial officer, Hotel Drapery & Bedding in San Diego, CA
- Daniel Patrick White, designer, motorization specialist and certified installer, Blinds Etc. in Rathdrum, ID
Congratulations to all the nominees and award recipients!
