Coffee Break with Anthony Corona, President/Owner Eddie Z’s Blinds, Drapery & More

What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?

“We have invested a lot of time and money into ongoing training on information and trends in our industry. Keeping the sales staff motivated and all of us working together as a team. We get out there and network at events and with other business owners/ staff to send referrals to each other to develop business opportunities. We want to be No. 1 on their mind when somebody needs our product or services.”

What’s new at your company?

“We consolidated all of our stores in the Milwaukee area to one location in Brookfield. We built a new building and have a beautiful showroom to display our product offerings to our clients.”

Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?

“We plan on hiring three professional salespeople and train them the Eddie Z’s way. Our training program consists of five weeks of intensive training.”

What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?

“Ensuring in this rapidly changing environment that we continue to respond to the changing needs of our clients.”

What’s the hottest trend in your industry?

“There are two major trends at this time: embellished drapery treatments with fringe, cording or contrast fabrics; and motorization is also hot right now. Customers are enjoying the idea of operating their window treatments with one touch of the button!”

Do you have a business mantra?

“To provide all of our clients with the best purchasing experience. If you give them a great experience, they will talk about it and tell others. If you give them horrible service, they will tell others. If you are in the middle, you will get lost. So we want to give the best experience to our clients.”

From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?

“One of my friends, Gabe Courey. He is now semi-retired and was very successful in his life and business. I have never met anybody who is more fair and knowledgeable than Gabe, which is why I admire his advice and opinions.”

What was the best advice you ever received?

“Never make a decision when I’m upset and to always remember to be kind to people because the same people you will meet on the way up you may meet on the way down.”

What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you in your career?

“One time, I was training my friend, Ted (now the general manager at Bacchus.) We where both dressed in our suits to go on his appointments for the day and when the customer  opened the door, her response was in excitement, ‘I did not know the Sopranos where coming!!’ She slammed the door, and her husband returned and said, ‘She will be down shortly, she has to get dressed up for you two!’ We had a lot of laughs with those clients and ended up with a nice sale.”

What do you like to do in your free time?

“I like to spend time with my wife and my daughters. If I’m not working, I have to be doing something such as riding my Harley or snow skiing in the winter.”