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Virginia Tech Football Coach Gets Custom Shuffleboard From Show-Case Shutters

The Show-Case Shutters crew setting up Coach Fuentes with a custom shuffleboard set!

 

When Virginia Tech football coach, Justin Fuente, wanted a custom shuffleboard set he knew the best place way to go was with experience.  That is why he approached Show-Case Shutters for the task!

Not The First Rodeo at Virginia Tech!

Fuente, who had seen a custom piece already commissioned by the company, decided he wanted one too and contacted company owner, Shan Carroll for advice.

Carroll agreed to take on the challenge.  Carroll worked the project into an already busy manufacturing line in order to make the Virginia Tech coach’s recreation room complete.

In all, the shuffleboard table took more than 210 man hours to complete.  it was sone over a four week period of time.   Hand made, the table was manufactured using cherry and maple hardwoods.

A team of four was needed to transport the table to the Virginia Tech coach’s house.   There, it was assembled in the coach’s rec room in the basement of his new home in the Ellett Valley.

In the end the final product was exactly what the coach was looking for giving the Show-Case Shutters another victory!

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Plantation Shutters: Who Loves Them the Most?

Interior plantation shutters continue to be a favorite craze – long after specialists predicted the fad would fade. Google analytics provides invaluable information about internet search engine tendencies.  Information that can assist you when looking for strongest shutter market – in a near real time fashion. While I don’t profess to be an expert with this tool I will tell you that even a layman will get invaluable information in short order.

Simple and to the point.

  • Utah
  • Florida
  • Louisiana
  • South Carolina
  • Virginia

Who is talking about “plantation shutters” ?


Virginia comes in a strong fifth, suggesting continuing interest in interior shutters.

Using this term we see that the strongest interest in Virginia is in the Hampton Roads region.

Using terms to try to understand how they are playing out according to Google analytics can get a bit tricky… especially when dealing with plantation shutters. One major thing I have noticed is that plantation shutters are not called plantation shutters everywhere.  IN fact as you start going north up the eastern seaboard and into the Ohio Valley they are referred to as interior shutters.  This change in terminology would obviously make a difference when researching terminology related to a product.

By example, use the term “plantation shutters” and then check out the heat map. While Virginia stays in the top-five, signaling a fluid use of both terms, three NEW states break into the top- five when using “interior shutters”:  Arizona, Massachusetts and North Carolina – which comes in number one, when this term is used.

Virginia is Split

In Virginia the term begins to change as you approach the DC metropolitan area.

The northern area of the state is the region that appears to be driving that data together with the Hampton Roads region not even registering when looking for the term “interior shutters.

None of this really matters unless you’re advertising your business. It’s clear that you must do the research to make ensure the keywords are the best keywords driving your customers to your on-line presence.  Better the keywords, better the SEO and chance for success.

Hardwood interior shutter prices in Virginia range from $25-$40.  Much of that depends on the brand and whether or not you can buy manufacturer direct. The best bargain can be found in a good manufacturer, like Show-Case Shutters.  The Virginia manufacturer provides a complete, full service package for one price.  That bundle should contain measurement consultation, custom manufacturing, installation, guarantee and any follow up service.

Be careful of dealers offering cheap shutters.  As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.”  A sentence so true in the shutter business. The best way to avoid that pitfall is to simply do your research.  If your shutter manufacturer has plenty of good online reviews you are probably in pretty good shape.

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American Made Shutters

American made shutters by Show-Case Shutters out of Christiansburg, Virginia.

“Made in the USA” is a big deal for a lot of people.  It is especially important when dealing with a high end product like interior plantation shutters.  Unfortunately, many people don’t realize there are American made shutter companies that offer some of the best products on the market.

American Made Shutters

When talking about interior plantation shutters there are not a whole lot of quality American made shutters to choose from.  Show-Case Shutters, based in Virginia, is one of the few exceptions. The company has turned out quality American made shutters for nearly 20 years.

Considering the company survived the great recession without compromising the product – it shows there are American made shutters that can be trusted.  In fact, the company guarantees they will price beat any comparable product!

In the central part of the country, another quality American made shutter comes from Kirtz Shutters.  Based in Oklahoma, this company also survived the test of time as proof of their quality.

Shutters NOT Made in America

The fact is, most of your major shutter brands are not American made shutters.  A fact those companies do not spend a lot of time talking about.

For example Graber shutters are, in part, assembled in the United States. However, they are not American made shutters. Their product comes from Mexico where labor costs are a fraction of the cost in the US.

Another top brand, Norman Shutters, are also not American made shutters.  This product, while a solid product, is manufactured in China.

The main exception is Hunter Douglas.  However, while they do offer American made shutters, you should know they contract their work to third party regional manufacturers.  While you are paying big money for the brand your product is coming from a smaller company that you likely have never heard of.

“So what”, you say?  While I am in no way suggesting the product is not quality, the fact is you are basically paying a premium price for a name.  There are plenty of competitors that have as good, or better, product lines.

Made in America vs. Assembled in America

Custom woodwork by American craftsman is a standard many customers are looking for.

There are all sorts of slick websites out there that infer they offer American-made shutters when in reality the product is just assembled stateside.

While I am not going to name these companies off, while doing your research ensure that you get your sales rep to distinguish between the two – if American-made is a big deal to you.

Two national shutter sites that offer American-made shutters are Horizon Shutters and Plantation Shutters Near Me. Both companies work with a “Made in America” product. Show-Case Shutters is their company of choice because of their commitment to quality and the local economy.

Why Does it Matter?

Why should people care about American made shutters?  A number of reasons make this decision an easy one for customers all over the country.

First, buying American made shutters supports your neighbors.  Take ShowCase Shutters for example.  The company employs more than a dozen Americans.  They purchase their parts from All American Components – which is based in Indiana.

“Are you going to support China or your own country?”, said AAC owner, Bill Featherston.

Featherston, who used to run his operation from China, moved it to Indiana after watching, first hand, the shady tactics of the Chinese government

AAC employs about 25 Americans in Indiana. The products AAC manufactures use wood from several states including Wisconsin and Kentucky.

It is a far cry from the Chinese, who Featherston said, uses wood almost exclusively from Russia.  Most of it illegal.

“I’d say more than 50% of it is black market,” said Featherston.

“I’ve actually seen money in suitcases exchanged.”

Featherston is hoping that playing field changes as the Trump-administration takes charge.

“Everything they do, they copy us and make it cheaper.  Why would anyone do business with China?”

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DiY – Plantation Shutters Near Me

Show-Case Shutters, an all-American interior shutter company in Virginia provides custom shutters for DiY clients across 37 states for Horizon Shutters of Kansas City.

Wondering how you can find affordable “plantation shutters near me”?

Show-Case Shutters is going DiY by  teaming up with Horizon Shutters – a Do it Yourself (DiY) help center designed to save the right client a lot of money!

Interior shutter costs are basically broken down like this:  1. Base Price  2. Shipping  3. Installation

Plantation shutters are a big investment but if you are good with a measuring tape, and know how to use a drill, the journey can be a lot easier, and cheaper, than expected.

That’s because installation can cost you anywhere from $4-$7 per square foot!!  Take that out of the equation and you can easily see where you save money. A typical front elevation on a home runs about 150 square feet.  Do the math!

Additionally, since we are the manufacturer, you do not have to pay a middle man to get you the quality product you deserve.  In fact, when you use a company like Budget Blinds – which does not manufacture their own products – you pay a hefty price as they buy wholesale and then mark up the product.  That isn’t the case when you go DiY.

So, in areas where we do not offer full “no liability” service, or regions where we do not have distribution partners, you can still get premium Show-Case Shutters if you have the right know how!

Plantation Shutters Near Me

Currently, Show-Case Shutters offers its premium American-made product to full service customers in several states. In Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, North Carolina and Washington DC.  This offering can be done through Show-Case Shutters itself or through one of several authorized dealers at Plantation Shutters Near Me!!

Customers in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Connecticut (NYC) should contact us for the nearest distributor.

For DiY clients:  Horizon Shutters stretches to the remaining 37 states and Canada!!

Interior mount shutters with mid-rail. Bracey, Virginia.

How DiY Works

To start, simply take pictures of the windows and doors you are interested in having shutters made for.  Then, take some simple measurements:  Take three for the width and three for the height; sending your representative the smallest measurement of the three.  That’s it!!

You can find a video on how to complete a basic measurement here: Measure Video.  There is also step-by-step help on the Horizon Shutters website.

From there we will work up a rough estimate for you to consider while our representative works with you to customize your needs.

30 Days Later

Once your shutters arrive (either Fed Ex or UPS Freight) our representatives will be available for questions, via phone and email, to help you complete the installation (client must pay shipping).  There are also a variety of videos available to help you with this process.  We can also help you locate a professional installer in your area.

Interested in learning more?  Contact Sales and Marketing Manager, David Tate at (540)206-7479.  He is available seven-days a week from 7am – 10pm EST.

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Show-Case Shutters Featured on WSLS

Patrick McKee gets a lesson on plantation shutters from Show-Case Shutter President, Shan Carroll
Patrick McKee gets a lesson on plantation shutters from Show-Case Shutter President, Shan Carroll

Recently, WSLS-TV (Channel 10) in Roanoke, Virginia, highlighted Show-Case Shutters.  It is part of their ongoing series, “Built in the Blue Ridge” hosted by morning anchor, Patrick McKee.

Show-Case Shutters made a perfect fit for the special series – highlighting unique businesses around central Virginia and the New River and Roanoke Valleys.

Show-Case Shutters, which began manufacturing in 2000, has produced high-quality, American-made shutters for thousands of customers around the country since.

Having survived the Great Recession of 2008, the company stands poised for more success in coming years. Employing more than a dozen workers, Show-Case Shutters has quickly becoming a top competitor among the growing list of shutter manufacturers across the country.

What sets Show-Case Shutters apart is the fact they are the manufacturer.  Most companies simply assemble parts into a shutter or just act as a middle man.  Show-Case Shutters offers a no liability option that takes the fear out of buying custom shutters.

The company also offers a retail direct service to ten states from Virginia to Chicago.  It is done as an effort provide a top quality product to a customer looking to save money.

WSLS’s Patrick McKee’s Visited Show-Case Shutters

When you think about window treatments, you typically think of curtains and blinds.  However, a Christiansburg-based company gives you a different option.

Plantation shutters give your home a different look.  Furthermore, it’s an upgrade that is more luxurious.

That’s what drew Shan Carroll into the business.  His company originally made cabinets before moving into shutters.

“We humans are more apt to pay for something rather then for something that we need,” said President Shan Carroll.

“This is a luxury item,” said Carroll.

“It’s a high end item and I left the cabinet business.”

Furthermore, the product is custom made to fit any opening – no matter the shape or the size.

Growth came to the company after… See the full story here.

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