Window Treatments for Profit with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Nigara

Today With Robert Ikhtiari
Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit. Our guest today is Robert Ikhtiari, the ingenious mind behind the revolutionary SleepyTime Tracks product line. An industry veteran with over 30 years of hands-on experience, Robert has channeled his expertise into developing a simple yet effective solution for eliminating pesky light gaps around window shades.
SleepyTime Tracks provide customizable light-blocking accents that seamlessly integrate with diverse window treatments and aesthetics. In our conversation, Robert offers invaluable insights honed from bringing his innovative creation to market. From the product development journey to managing customer expectations around design desires and functionality needs, he sheds light on the nuances of delivering superior window treatment solutions. With a new patented design on the horizon, Robert exemplifies a commitment to continuous innovation that keeps businesses ahead of the curve.
More About Robert Ikhtiari
I'm Robert Ikhtiari, a true Chicagoan through and through. Born and raised in the heart of Illinois, I've spent all of my 65 years close to home.
My journey into the world of window treatments began in my thirties when I landed a job at a Home Improvement and Decorating Center. It was there that I first encountered window treatments, an interest that would stick with me throughout my entire career.
Over the years, I've worn many hats in the industry – from selling and installing to repairing and eventually venturing into entrepreneurship with my own window treatment business. But the real highlight of my career came when my wife and I developed Sleepy Time Tracks, a revolutionary solution designed to block out pesky light that sneaks in along the sides of window treatments.
Our dedication to providing top-notch products doesn't stop there. We've expanded our offerings to include a range of other products that complement Sleepy Time Tracks, all with the goal of enhancing your sleep experience.
For over six years now, we've been serving customers through our own website as well as popular online platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Etsy. Along the way, we've encountered our fair share of copycats trying to imitate our success with inferior products. But what truly sets us apart isn't just our superior product – it's the integrity, care, and compassion we pour into everything we do.
At the end of the day, our mission is simple yet profound: to ensure that everyone has access to a good, restful sleep. And knowing that we're contributing to that makes me incredibly proud.
Thanks for joining us on this journey toward better sleep!
Connect with Robert Ikhtiari
Website
TikTok
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by Exciting Windows!

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
The Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Resources Mentioned:
Jill Robson Scholarship

Today With Jessica Work:
Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit. In today’s episode we have Jessica Work from Blinds Couture joining us. As President and Lead Designer, Jessica enthusiastically guides the Blinds Couture team with vision and inspiration. Educating clients in making informed window and wall design decisions are their primary purpose. Together, they marry fashion with function, integrating fabrics and textures to create beauty, privacy, and comfort. 
As you may already know, On June 1st, 2024, a new federal safety rule goes into effect essentially banning any stock window coverings with hazardous accessible cords or operating systems. Jessica has spent the last year researching the implications of going cordless and today she is here to share her insights on getting ahead of this change.
More About Jessica Work

Having graduated Summa C*m Laude from the International Academy of Design in Chicago, IL, Jessie fell in love with fashion, design, drape, line, and the foundations of interior space. Honing her talents over time and moving west, she focused on functional creations in custom drapery and window coverings, and Blinds Couture was born.
As President and Lead Designer, Jessie enthusiastically guides the Blinds Couture team with vision and inspiration. Educating clients in making informed window and wall design decisions are their primary purpose. Together, they marry fashion with function, integrating fabrics and textures to create beauty, privacy, and comfort.
Blinds Couture is headquartered in Colorado and remains home to Jessie and her family. Through collaborative partnerships, raving client referrals, and brand ambassadors, the business continues to expand. As the community teams and their families grow, Jessie remains committed to encouraging a culture of healthy work-life balance for herself, staff, designers, installers, and affiliates.
Connect with Jessica Work

Website
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Navigate the transition to cordless blinds, shades and draperies!
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by Exciting Windows!

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
The Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Today With Kristi Hopper:
Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit. Today I’m joined by Kristi Hopper, founder and principal designer of Kristi Hopper Designs. Throughout her career, Kristi has worked extensively with window treatments and has a deep appreciation for their transformative impact on a room's design. In this episode, you'll hear first-hand what designers need in terms of communication, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to their projects.
More About Kristi Hopper

Kristi Hopper is passionate about home and holds fast to the notion that design should be exceedingly personal. At the heart of her thriving 24 year-old interior design firm, is the simple-yet-profound belief that everyone should Love Where You Live.™
Kristi’s multi-disciplinary approach carries a signature intelligence and ingenuity. While her emphasis on the art of living is widely reflected in whole-home transformations, she possesses a holistic approach to design with residential and commercial projects, global vacation homes, product design and real estate.
Kristi serves on the Signature Kitchen Suite Design Council, has a product line with Harp and Finial, and she enjoys partnerships with Cozy Earth, Geometry House and Kelly O’Neal. Kristi fosters relationships within the design industry and serves as a panel and keynote speaker at DMC, High Point Market, the Vacation Rental Summit and other design events. Kristi opened the doors to her Lewisville offices in 2022, where her team and office pups welcome clients in style.
Kristi has garnered ASID and IDS awards and was deeply honored to be nominated a fourth time for an ART award. Kristi is a member of ASID, IDS and ART and serves her community with inexhaustible energy and enthusiasm.
Kristi and her husband, John, have two grown children, a puppy named Daisy, and live in Coppell, Texas.
Connect with Kristi Hopper

Website
Instagram
Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by Exciting Windows!

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
The Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Today With Jessica Harling:
Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit. We recently welcomed Jessica Harling to the show to discuss compensation packages.
In the first episode, Jess and I tackled the four most common ways that window treatment companies compensate their window treatment sales professionals. 
Today we're going to talk about compensating installers and administrators. We’ll cover hourly, the difference between salary exempt and non-exempt, and the reward system that Jessica uses in her own company. By the end of the episode, you will be clear on how to compensate your installers and admins based on their job responsibilities.
Pick It Apart
[7:17] Jessica and LuAnn discuss having check-ins and agreements with subcontractors.
[10:52] Jessica explains how window treatment professionals typically pay W-2 installers.
[18:00] The difference between a salary exempt and salary non-exempt employee.
[21:00] How it works when installers work off commission.
[27:08] The way you can pay the showroom administrators.
[31:53] Jessica explains what rewards should be offered to employees.
[54:30] Jessica offers advice on how to present a monetary reward to an employee.
[1:07:49] Jessica shares the incentive bonuses she offers admin.
LuAnn and Jessica Harling's Ah-Ha Moments
“Once an hourly employee hits $30 an hour, you should start to consider making their salary because it means they're more skilled and technical. They have more responsibility when they're getting paid that rate.” - Jessica Harling
“Any responsibilities an employee has that affect your company’s financial bottom line would make them a salary-exempt employee.” - Jessica Harling
More About Jessica Harling

With unwavering conviction, Jessica Harling can break down complex decisions to simplify an action plan. Her dynamic problem-solving can confront potential obstacles proactively and energize any team, making others feel valued to achieve their ambitious company goals. She is the founder of Behind the Design, a People Operations company that enthusiastically collaborates with leadership to build dream teams! From recruiting to training and process development, their intuition for creating strong emotional connections discovers and nurtures rockstar talent with established streamlined processes that impact the company’s bottom line.
Connect with Jessica Harling
Website
Instagram 
Facebook 
LinkedIn
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
The Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources Mentioned
Exciting Windows! 20th Annual Conference
 
WCAA 2024 Jill Robson Memorial Scholarships
 
International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE)
 
Other Shows Mentioned:
WTFP 254: Jessica Harling: Confronting or Firing Family Members in Your Business
 
WTFP 256: Jessica Harling: Firing a Family Member Part 2: 9 Tips to Make it as Painless as Possible
 
WTFP 182: Jessica Harling: Training with Purpose: Effective Strategies for Training New Employees
 
AWDB 760: Jessica Harling: The 7 Step Sales Process for Interior Designers and Window Treatment Professionals

Today With Jessica Harling:
Today on Window Treatments for Profit, Jessica Harling, founder of Behind the Design, is back for a deep dive into the world of compensation strategies for your window treatment business.
In this episode, Jessica breaks down the four main compensation models for salespeople: gross sale flat percentage, gross profit flat percentage, base plus commission, and sliding scale based on profitability. We explore the pros and cons of each approach and share real-world examples to help you determine the best fit for your team.
Pick It Apart
[3:31] Jessica explains gross sale flat percentage commission — the most common and traditional compensation model.
[16:46] Jessica introduces the gross profit flat percentage model.
[21:57] LuAnn and Jessica discuss the base plus commission model.
[23:49] Jessica explains the fourth model — sliding scale commission.
[31:09] LuAnn and Jessica discuss mindset and sliding scale commission.
[41:09] Jessica speaks to the importance of choosing your compensation model and then putting it in writing so there is no confusion.
LuAnn and Jessica Harling's Ah-Ha Moments
“There's always room for a conversation, but…to sell it at that level comes from a strategy.” - LuAnn Nigara
“You’ve got to take a look at these in a high-level category sense. And then break down the individual layers to say, ‘alright, this is what our final [commission] package is going to be.’ But…put it in writing so that there is no confusion.” - Jessica Harling
More About Jessica Harling

With unwavering conviction, Jessica Harling can break down complex decisions to simplify an action plan. Her dynamic problem-solving can confront potential obstacles proactively and energize any team, making others feel valued to achieve their ambitious company goals. She is the founder of Behind the Design, a People Operations company that enthusiastically collaborates with leadership to build dream teams! From recruiting to training and process development, their intuition for creating strong emotional connections discovers and nurtures rockstar talent with established streamlined processes that impact the company’s bottom line.
Connect with Jessica Harling
Website
Instagram 
Facebook 
LinkedIn
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
The Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources Mentioned
Exciting Windows! 20th Annual Conference
 
WCAA 2024 Jill Robson Memorial Scholarships
 
International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE)
 
Other Shows Mentioned:
AWDB #634: Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire
AWDB #760: Jessica Harling: The 7 Step Sales Process for Interior Designers and Window Treatment Professionals
WTFP #61: Jessica Harling: The 7 Step Sales Process and 3 Proven Sales Techniques to be More Successful
WTFP #67: Jessica Harling: The Art of Decision Making
WTFP #84: Jessica Harling: Key Steps to Onboard & Train New Employees
WTFP 182: Jessica Harling: Training with Purpose: Effective Strategies for Training New Employees
WTFP #254: Jessica Harling: Confronting or Firing Family Members in Your Business
WTFP #256: Jessica Harling

Today With Vita Vygovska:
Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit! In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend, Vita Vygovska. Today we tackled the exciting, yet sometimes, tricky world of collaborating with new designers in the window treatment industry. We unpacked some key strategies to build strong partnerships with these rising professionals, ensuring success for everyone involved.
More About Vita Vygovska

Vitalia (Vita for short) Vygovska is an award-winning author, speaker, business coach, and window treatment specialist. Her company, Vitalia Inc Window Treatments, is a comprehensive fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management service. 
Born and raised in Ukraine, Vita came to America via a Rotary Exchange program when she was 15 years old.  She received her bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Fashion Merchandising from Albright College, and started her window treatment business in 2006 after 10 years in “corporate America” in pursuit of happiness and achievement as an Entrepreneur. 
Professionalism, honesty, and integrity are the backbone of her business philosophy. While growing her endeavor, Vita’s goal was to make her clients’ lives easier, knowing that at least the window coverings part of the project was under control and the homeowner was taken care of. 
Today, providing concierge-level, white-glove service exclusively to interior designers who are ready to fly first-class in the world of window treatments is what Vitalia Inc is renowned for. Interior Designers love working with Vitalia Inc because of the superb communication, tech-driven and meticulously detailed processes, and high-quality product.
As a seasoned professional in the realm of custom window treatments, soft furnishings, upholstery, and beyond, Vita offers a wealth of knowledge and support for the interior design community. Education and outreach are a large focus of her business. She provides opportunities for interior designers and workrooms to take advantage of her vast library of resources which include classes, workshops, Window Treatment Friday podcast episodes and “Vita’s Tips in Ten” with LuAnn Nigara, and Window Treatment Friday Live episodes on Facebook & Instagram.
Vita lives in Richboro, Bucks County with her husband and life-long friend Vitali, their son Anton and daughter Anna. You can also spot her on a ballroom floor dancing cha-cha or a Viennese Waltz, or in a weekly Insanity boot camp class.
Connect with Vita Vygovska

Vitalia Inc.
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned
WTFP #261: Vita Vygovska: Production Workroom Vs Concierge Workroom
Other Resources Mentioned
Exciting Windows! 20th Annual Conference
 
WCAA 2024 Jill Robson Memorial Scholarships
 
International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE)
 
Window Treatment Friday Series