Owner Spotlight: Chris Lavertu

The part of my work which I find most enjoyable is sales, and going the extra mile to make sure that my customers are satisfied.

I grew up and went to school in Manchester, New Hampshire.

I always wanted to have my own business. I went to business school. I happened to find this industry in 1999. I was frustrated in my efforts as a consumer to find quality service and affordable products; I knew that I could do better myself. I love being in control of what I do, and how it gives me the power to make people happy.

I’ve been 18 years in my business. It has been the most important stop along the way of a 30 year journey in the customer service industry.

My responsibilities include pretty much everything. I take care of the business: advertising, marketing and accounting. I also handle the customer side: taking orders, sales and product installations. A typical day for me means I’m organizing my activities during morning rush hour. I make my phone calls, file my orders and follow up on customer leads. Then I get on the road to make my home calls and keep my appointments for sales and installations. My work hours are all over the clock. I am always on call when someone asks an estimate. Sometimes this makes it feel like twenty four / seven. On average, I am most active for between six and eight hours daily.

The most important decisions I regularly face are getting the balance right between the marketing budget and sales. Sometimes you can spend a lot and get very little, and other occasions you can spend a little, and get a lot. It’s challenging to thread that fine needle every month.

The three top skills I always exhibit to perform my job are customer service - I am really selling myself, not the product. Secondly, I’m dependable - I am always on time. Finally, I am a master installer who takes pride in seeing a job well done.

I attribute my success to hard work and being dedicated. I concentrate on sales and ensuring that my customers are satisfied. Having the right personality, being outgoing and people oriented helps a lot too.

I am most satisfied when I reflect upon my wife, our successful marriage and seeing our retirement shaping up better than I could have ever imagined.

My Dad is an inspiration for me. He always tries to be fair to everyone. This has had a significant impact on my leadership style.

I admire the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Their belief that “All lives have equal value” and their role as “impatient optimists working to reduce inequality” are so worthy. What they are trying to accomplish in the world is truly amazing.

Away from work, I love being active, I play a lot of sports. I love animals; we have two dogs and three cats. I also love to travel. It is so special to see new and wonderful places.

I am a big supporter of all things "Green". Our planet is a precious resource, and it needs to be taken care of. Also, I want to be a voice for those who have none, such as abused and mistreated animals.

My personal actions are guided by the values of: love, trust and honesty. I strive to treat everyone in the way which I want to be treated.

I have enjoyed sharing my story about the things which matter to me and how they influence the way I do business.

If you, or someone you know could benefit from our expertise and wants to see why we are San Diego’s most trusted name for affordable window coverings, I invite you to get in touch.

Sincerely,

Chris