Our Story: How A Layoff, A Dream, And A Ton Of Determination Built Southwest Blinds
A Look Through James And Jamie Hutchings 20+ Year Journey In The Window Treatment Industry
Hi, my name is James, and I am the owner and founder of Southwest Blinds & Shutters. At first glance, we might seem like a large, “corporate-type” company. After all, we have multiple showrooms and operate across three different states.
But we’re actually a local company with family-first values… and we come from small, humble beginnings.
You see, my wife (Jamie) and I didn’t start Southwest Blinds & Shutters because it was a “good investment” or because “there was a market for it.” We haven’t sold (and won’t sell) to any large, private equity firm that oversees our operations… as is often the case with owners in our position.
Instead, we started Southwest Blinds & Shutters in 2002 because of our passion for helping Arizona and Las Vegas Valley homeowners improve the look and feel of their homes. Here’s our story.
From Humble Beginnings To A Customer-Focused American Dream
Pre-2001: The Early Years… Way BEFORE Southwest Blinds
Prior to 2001, Jamie and I had no idea where life would lead us — and we certainly didn’t think it’d involve selling luxury window treatment solutions. And if you asked Jamie and I about our “10-year plan?” We probably would’ve had a much different prediction:
- I planned to become a firefighter paramedic. A career as an entrepreneur wasn’t even on my radar.
- Jamie, who was a loan officer at the time, intended to work her way to a prestigious role in the banking industry.
- Our family would come FIRST, always… ahead of either of our careers.
Only one of those came true (hint: it’s the last one). I was unexpectedly laid off. And eventually, Jamie selflessly gave up her promising (and lucrative) career to raise our three children.
2001: When Life Gives You Lemons, Make… Window Treatments?
In 2001, the best thing happened: I got laid off from my hotel job. It wasn’t a fun experience at the time… but it was a blessing in disguise. You see, my friend had a solar screen and blinds company. Desperate for work, I accepted a commission-based job that involved door-knocking and selling sunscreens.
It turns out that I was pretty good at it. In fact, I was BORN to do it, uniquely positioned to help homeowners make their homes more comfortable. Here’s what I mean:
- I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, so I understand the desert climate.
- I LOVE my local community and enjoy helping homeowners make sound decisions.
And because of our passion, my friend and I had success. I continued helping him grow his business for a year. Then, along with my brother, I made the leap and started Southwest Blinds & Shutters… the best business decision ever.
2002: Starting Southwest Blinds & Shutters
Professionally speaking, starting Southwest Blinds & Shutters was one of the most exciting (and nerve-wracking) times in my life. It was my first business… and it’ll likely be my last.
We started small… and by small… I mean SMALL. It was just my brother and me working out of our houses, along with Jamie’s full support. We were all in our early 20s with not a CLUE how to run a company… but we learned.
Slowly, project by project, we developed a reputation as a company that actually cares about customers… not just ourselves. We were (and still are) incredibly grateful for every homeowner who would hear our pitch and be bold enough to trust us despite our young age and “lack of experience.”
Eventually, we moved from our home to a small “office” within an outlet mall. We added a couple of employees and were off for the races.
2002 – Present Day: Our GROWTH Stage
We wish we could say it was smooth sailing… no hiccups, setbacks, or troubling times. But from weathering recessions to navigating industry changes and government regulations, we’ve had to deal with many blows along the way.
Nowadays? We’re battle-tested and know the Arizona and Las Vegas Valley window treatment business better than anyone. We’re positioned to use our experience and knowledge to help homeowners such as yourself more than ever before – while also maintaining the customer-first, family-first mindset that got us to where we are.
We’re still learning, still improving, and still growing. Changes still happen, but our PASSION for helping local homeowners has never wavered.