Two Blind Guys has been helping homeowners step up their style since 1998. What began in a family garage has grown into an award-winning, woman-owned business with Hunter Douglas Design Gallery showrooms in Chesterfield and Des Peres. Owner Debbie Kinsinger discusses today's top trends in window coverings, Hunter Douglas' forward-thinking design and innovation, and what she has learned over the past twenty-six years as the owner of this renowned business.
Q: What are some of the recent trends for custom window treatments?
Debbie: We're seeing a shift toward clean, modern lines. The Pirouette from Hunter Douglas is popular among those who prefer the look of a shutter but want a more modern appearance. Many clients are returning to roller shades because the fabrics are beautiful, and they can blend seamlessly into a sleek fascia system. Hunter Douglas introduced a new product called Aria. It's a blend between a slat blind and a honeycomb, featuring soft fabric, clean lines, and a very innovative design. These new designs allow us to say to the homeowner, "You paid for that view; let's not block it."
Q: Are fabric window treatment options difficult to maintain?
Debbie: Most of our clients don't have to clean their shades often. The fabrics have a special coating that reduces dust buildup. A feather duster or Swiffer is usually all you need. If there's a spot that needs attention, warm water and mild soap will do the trick.
Q: How has technology changed window treatment options?
Debbie: Approximately 65% of our clients have at least one remote-controlled product in their home. The solar panel connectors are great; they eliminate the need for battery changes entirely.
Q: What are common design challenges?
Debbie: People usually think about how shades look from the inside, but we focus on curb appeal, too; that outside view matters. With so many black-framed windows in new homes, traditional white liners can really stand out. We recommend products with a soft black or gray backing, like ClearView. We offer a fresh perspective.
Q: What type of customers do you typically work with?
Debbie: Families building custom homes or remodeling. We love to be involved from the beginning of the project to the final installation.
Q: Describe the company culture at Two Blind Guys.
Debbie: Everything we do is guided by our core values: integrity, innovation, ownership, collaboration, service, communication, overdelivering, and safety. If something goes wrong, we take ownership and we make it right. If something goes well, we take credit for that, too. We maintain constant communication with the customer, updating them regularly along the way. We don't just work together; we support each other. Whether you're answering phones or installing on-site, everyone is valued and appreciated.
Q: Describe your leadership style.
Debbie: Being a leader for over two decades has taught me one crucial lesson: you are not alone on this journey. The path of entrepreneurship is rarely a straight shot to success; it's a winding road filled with exhilarating highs and challenging lows. To navigate these unpredictable turns, I've always surrounded myself with other resilient business owners who've faced their own battles and emerged stronger. I'm also an avid reader of leadership books with fresh perspectives - those have been my compass. I've had moments where self-doubt crept in, whispering, "You can't do this." But those are precisely the times when a strong support system and a commitment to continuous growth remind me: you absolutely can. Even after twenty-six years, I learn something new every single day, and that, to me, is the true essence of leadership. I tell my staff, "Today's a great day because we learned something new!" Learning has been key to our company. My dad used to always tell me, "You are the company you keep. Who you surround yourself with is who you'll become." And he was right.
Q: Describe your growth mindset.
Debbie: It's about asking, "How do we grow? How do we change so we don't end up on the same path again?" That mindset is so important, especially when you're in business for yourself. For women, it can be even more challenging, particularly in male-dominated industries such as home construction. When you're on job sites or walk-throughs, you have to build your confidence and learn how to communicate effectively. Once you figure that out, it gets easier. A lot of it comes down to finding new ways to communicate and being willing to adapt to different situations, whether it's a job site or a customer. The only way to do that is by continuing to figure out how to grow from each experience. That's true in business and in life.
Visit Two Blind Guys at their Des Peres showroom. Visit twoblindguys.com for more information.