Today we’d like to introduce you to SABIHA PATEL
Hi SABIHA, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My background is in auditing. As a CPA I was working for the State as a bank regulator, but once I had my two daughters, I decided to quit my job and invested in a business hoping to be able to spend more time with my girls. I had no experience in the manufacturing sector, but quickly learned about manufacturing, the wholesale and retail aspects of the shutter industry and how to manage around 25 employees. I had invested in the business with my husband at the time and a silent partner. A few years later I went through a divorce and I bought out my husband and subsequently, the other partner.
Wholesale Shutter Company was a well established business, but I made a lot of changes in the manufacturing process as well as diversifying into other product lines. It gave us a competitive advantage as we became “one stop shop” for all window coverings – not just shutters. Later on I added barn doors and recently pergolas to our product line. I believe that we have to be innovative and constantly evolving, in both our personal lives and in business. Otherwise it will lead to stagnancy. Being aware of market and economical changes and being proactive, can make the difference between success and failure.
My mission and vision has been to provide the best level of personal service, quality products, at reasonable prices. This level of customer care is offered by the sales rep, the office staff and the installers. We deal with a lot of wholesale clients: from design centers, retail stores, interior designers and builders. We understand that our service is a reflection of their reputation with their clients, so we provide the same level of care and on time installations. Another goal of mine has been to offer quick lead times. Who wants to wait 6-8 weeks for shutters or window coverings, especially when you move into a new home? Our quick lead time of 2 weeks is appreciated by all.
A key element of every business is the staff. I treat my staff as family, I let them know that they are valued as they are the foundation of every business. Good employee moral results in lower turnover, more productivity, and loyalty. When employees are happy, they will do a great job representing your company.
25 years of running this business has not been without challenges, especially as a sole owner and director. But I have learned to get through the challenging times, with my head up high and telling myself “you got this!”. And here I am, 25 years later, still moving forward! It is such an honor and profoundly rewarding when I hear the positive client reviews and the referrals we receive! It is a testament to the collective efforts of all of us!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There were plenty of challenges along the way: a fire that burned down my entire warehouse, which led to a shut down of power to the factory by the city for 2 weeks until I did upgrades to the existing building. This was during the recession of 2008. With no power, I got a generator so we could answer calls and let people know that the factory had not burned down and that we were still in business.
With the introduction of Chinese made shutters being marketed for considerably less, I had to come up with ways to bring our production cost down so we could lower our prices even more. We were recognized as the low price leader in the shutter industry prior to the introduction of imported shutters. But our reputation in the industry and quick lead times continues to set us apart.
The challenges continue with the tariffs being implemented this year, raising the costs of all materials. But with the purchasing power that I have as I import containers directly from the mills, the price increases won’t be as substantial.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We manufacture interior and exterior shutters and barn doors. We also supply a full array of window coverings. We recently added aluminum pergolas with motorized louvers. We are also the only company in California to offer shutter motors, which can be added on to existing shutters. We manufacture basswood and poly shutters with high quality components that are built to last 20+ years. All our products are premium quality.
We are a full service company: we measure, manufacture and install. We service all of Southern California and ship nationwide.
What sets us apart is our excellent customer service and 2 weeks lead time. Our installers have been with the company 15+ years. Our level of service, quality of products and reasonable prices all attribute to our excellent reputation and high referral rates.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I have lots of childhood memories. Moving from India when I was 6 with my mom to South Africa, where she was born and then moving to England where I grew up. All my childhood memories are with my mom, a woman who raised me on her own in a foreign country. She was the one who taught me to never stop learning, get the best education and never depend on anyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wholesaleshutter.com
- Instagram: wholesaleshuttercompany
- Facebook: Wholesale Shutter Company
- Youtube: @wholesaleshuttercompany
- Yelp: Wholesale Shutter Company
