Richard Bernath: Networking for a More Profitable Window Treatment Business

Episode 137 of Window Treatments for Profit

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137: Richard Bernath: Networking for a More Profitable Window Treatment Business

Today With Richard Bernath:

Today on Window Treatments for Profit, I have Richard Bernath Senior Design Consultant for Southern Traditions Window Fashions.

Richard is a 22-year veteran in the window treatment industry. He has primarily built his business through networking within the Home Builders Association and a few other networking venues. Networking has provided 85% of his leads. This has resulted in over $1,250,000 annual sales.

Listen and learn how knowing your strengths and using them to network can lead to a profitable business.

Pick It Apart

[2:14] Richard explains his sales approach of understanding he is a business within a business.

[9:08] Richard gets into how networking can help your success.

[25:50] Why you should still be cold calling.

[35:15] Richard shares a “sweet” reason people purchase from Southern Traditions.

LuAnn Nigara and Richard Bernath’s Ah-Ha Moments

“The types of sales where you cultivate these types of relationships are more profitable and more enjoyable.” – LuAnn Nigara

“You’re planting seeds in different relationships that take time to build, but once they do they are there for you as you nurture them and keep them alive.” – LuAnn Nigara

“It’s the little things we do that establish why we are worth the value.” – Richard Bernath

More About Richard Bernath:

Richard A. Bernath is a 22-year veteran in the window treatment industry. His experience in both hard and soft goods spans all areas of window treatment design and installation. Richard’s reputation for high quality and service has made his services sought after across the region.

Richard started his window treatment career in 2000 when he had the opportunity to become co-owner of Hummingbird Shutters, a premium South Carolina-based Plantation shutter manufacturer. His ten-year tenure there provided him with hands-on experience in design and installation as well as driving the sales and marketing. His experience also showed him the potential value of being able to provide a broader offering to his client base, which lead him to become an Exciting Windows (Member) and learning how to profitably provide a broader line of window treatments. In 2012 he merged his operation with Southern Traditions Window Fashions and took on the role of Senior Design Consultant. Primarily building his business through networking within the Home Builders Association and a few other networking venues which provides 85% of his leads. This has translated to multiple years of sales over $1,250,000 annual sales.

Richard has been a community leader and recently won the 2021 Community Service award from the Homebuilder’s association of Greenville, SC. He and his wife Gail mentor at risk High School students and assist them in staying on track with graduation and future life goals. He has called the Greenville, SC area home since 1996 and enjoys life with his beautiful wife Gail.