A Fulfilling Career and Legacy
A Conversation with Sherri Tafoya
By Jacque Genovese
Custom Blinds & Design was born out of Sherri Tafoya’s sheer grit, determination, and faith. If you’ve met Sherri, you know she’s a people-person. Her career began in real estate, then when she needed to be more available to her four sons, she transitioned to radio sales.
Just before her 40th birthday, Sherri said she felt like she’d lost her passion for life. After one hectic day at work, her 12-year-old son Quinn saw how frazzled she looked and suggested she slow down. Sherri said to Quinn, “Help me pray about a business I can do from home.” That day became a pivotal turning point in her life.
What was your vision in 2000?
I would love to say I had a big vision, but I really just wanted to work for myself. I love sales – it’s the most wonderful field.
That day, Quinn and I started listing jobs I could do from home – dog walking, babysitting, window cleaning, etc. For some reason, window shadings kept coming to mind. I had noticed the big homes in the Williamsburg area which gave me the idea to sell window coverings. We started by leaving door hangers at the homes with the hope that in one year I could quit my full-time job. Sales went better than I could have imagined and I gave notice within a few months!
Why has your company been so successful over the years?
I think people could see my passion and they believed in the product. During the first two years, I did everything myself before I hired my first employee. Clients liked the way we took care of all the details and installed a luxury product that was guaranteed. We’ve continued to grow our business while maintaining our core values. Today, we have an amazing team of 28 talented people. We are the only Hunter Douglas Centurion Galleries in Lincoln and Omaha. I’m very proud that our business is known for being honest, trustworthy, and offering high-quality window coverings.
What has been the most rewarding part of your career?
Establishing long-term relationships with my clients. What brings me joy is getting to know clients and what their needs are, helping them find the right product, and making sure they are happy with their purchase for years. I believe if you keep relationships strong, life pays it forward. Also, it’s been rewarding knowing that our company has been able to provide great careers for our employees.
When did you decide to transition from CEO to Chairman of the Board?
I had been thinking about a succession plan for a few years. I worked with a company to determine what that might look like. I love my team and my business, and I want to ensure the company will continue to serve them and our clients. Over the years, I would bounce ideas off of Quinn and ask for his advice. He had grown up in the company and was very knowledgeable about the industry. He has been involved in every part of the business, and it touched my heart when he approached me about buying the company. I knew he would continue to carry on the vision and legacy of Custom Blinds & Design.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I want Custom Blinds & Design to grow and thrive, and to continue to take great care of our team and their families. For me personally, I would like people to think of me as being friendly, honest, and always committed to helping them find the right window coverings.
What are you looking forward to doing now?
I love my grandkids and want them to enjoy more time with their "Mimi" rather than with their daycare provider every day. I’ve also found that my relationships with our six grown children and their spouses, and seeing them as adult peers, is a special bonus.
Moving forward, I'm excited to carry my passion for life to make a positive impact on people’s lives. I love life and the relationships that come with it.
