At a Glance
Location
Scottsdale, AZ
Founded
1982
Employees
15
Specialty
Installation of shade systems
Annual Sales
Approx. $3 million
In the oppressively hot Southwest, homeowners are constantly looking for ways to stay comfortable both in- and outside their homes, and outdoor businesses are desperate to find ways to shade their customers from the intense afternoon sun. Such conditions gave rise to a market for retractable shade systems, and a combination of superior customer service and technical expertise has enabled Awnings by Design to solidify its leading position within the competitive niche industry. “Awnings by Design’s success rests with our specialized custom installations,” company owner Brian Beachy says about his Scottsdale, Arizona-based company. “Nothing we do is off the shelf. Our work is designed to meet customer specifications.”
Beachy also attributes the company’s success to its close work with builders, designers, and architects to design and install shade systems that fit seamlessly with the home. When working on window shades in the design phase of a new home or remodeling project, for instance, Beachy’s company can install window shades inside the house wall to make them virtually invisible when not in use.
After purchasing the company in 2008, Beachy sought to advance Awnings by Design’s strong reputation for custom installations. “We’ve taken that same business model and infused it with higher-quality materials, a more diverse product line, and a renewed commitment to customer service,” he says.
Top 5 Shading Products from Awnings by Design
1. Retractable Patio Awnings are self-supporting fabric awnings that can be pulled in to open up a patio on cooler days and evenings.
2. Retractable Patio Drop Screens move vertically to shade a patio from sun. They can also be used in the winter to keep patios warm.
3. Retractable Exterior Window Screens block the sun but not views. Exterior window screens cut the heat gain entering windows by up to 75%.
4. Retractable Interior Shades can be made of translucent screening that allows light to filter in and maintains outward views while still providing privacy.
5. Equinox Louvered Roof Systems are patio-cover systems with permanent structures around their perimeters featuring adjustable louvers. Each unit provides ventilation and comes with an integrated gutter system and an optional remote control.
This is perhaps most apparent in Beachy’s flagship retractable-awning system. The industry-standard retractable-awning arm uses two cables to open or close an awning 5,000 times—known as “cycles” within the industry. However, Beachy’s product far exceeds this standard. “Our mechanisms feature 8–13 cables with a polycarbonate coating for better protection against wear and tear,” he says. “This means our awnings are built to withstand 60,000 cycles.” In other words, Beachy’s awning frames often last more than 10 times longer than the industry average.
The same business ideals hold true in Beachy’s choice of Somfy Systems to provide electronics for his retractable shade products. “We won’t budge on quality,” he says. “That’s why we selected Somfy. They consistently provide us with higher-grade, dependable, and reliable motors and electronic controls. “
And, he adds, “Because we are licensed to do electrical work associated with our installations—something very rare among our competition—we further ensure that our products work effectively from the start.”
This focus on perfection is also found in Awnings by Design’s approach to customer service. “Because most of our business is repeat and referral, we’ve especially focused on client satisfaction,” Beachy says. “If there’s an issue, we take care of it. It’s one of the reasons we have an A+ Better Business Bureau rating.”
In recent years, Beachy has extended this winning formula into related product lines. His company now offers stationary awnings and screens, adjustable louvered patio covers, and even aluminum lattices that resemble authentic wood.
Such diversification allows Beachy’s company to meet many marketplace demands. “We’re equally capable of creating an awning for a homeowner’s one-of-a-kind patio as we are for a restaurant owner’s sidewalk café or even large commercial projects,” he says.
Given his company’s recent expansion, Beachy is optimistic about his firm’s prospects. “I’m confident that our commitment to quality workmanship and customer service has us well poised for continued growth,” he says. ABQ
