OH SNAP! the beloved and always-complementary Skittles machine is empty!  Please do not panic, we are headed to the store to get an emergency bag, and the larger order will arrive soon.

Our good pal Tom at Specialties By Joanne stopped by to pick up his drapery hardware order in the Camaro that he personally restored.  He built his own auto rotisserie and replaced or restored every little nut and bolt!  Tom pays very close attention to details, and is a very successful window treatment fabricator and installer…..Coincidence? No way!

Thanks to Phoenix Home and Garden for writing about us in the February issue!

Our sister Laura was working away in Marks garage last week on a house for her dog “Zoe” when Mark walked up. After observing for a minute or two, his primal male-instincts overcame his common-sense and he started offering a few suggestions……..Stevie Wonder could see where this is headed………Around 2am, with his last bit of energy,  Mark finally put the finishing touches on the dog house that he just built….SUCKER  As you can see, Zoe was pretty tired by then too!

Here comes the fun part; go to our Facebook fan-page (NOT HERE) and comment on the “doggie photo” with your best caption ideas.   The caption with the most “likes” will win the awesome “Awesome-Box” (above)  Submit as many captions as you want, but one caption per “comment” please so they can be voted on individually.

Ends 1/1/12 at 12:00:01 am

Have fun!

Laura “Lovie” Helser’s friend, Christian “The Nigerian Nightmare” Okoye had chilly ears after their dinner date. Thinking quickly, Lovie slapped a  beanie on his melon and snapped a photo so that her favorite brother would have something to blog about……Christian, I think you just endorsed a drapery hardware company….. I am so sorry

The Fall Day of Design at the Arizona Design Center in Scottsdale was a huge success. Anita Boetsma and Leann Fernald attended to represent Helser Brothers and soak up the trends. And let’s be honest – nosh their way through the showrooms networking with our peeps.The day started with a well-attended seminar sponsored by Hunter Douglas on Twelve Reasons You Should Hire an Interior Designer. As we all know, the landscape is changing in the design world and having some effective tools for reaching today’s consumer is critical.Keynote Speaker, the legendary designer Larry Laslo delighted everyone with an entertaining visual tour through some of his favorite projects.  The witty designer shared insight and opinions on a variety of subjects, all the while dishing out ideas and tips for creating a signature look. Asked during the Q&A by Anita Boetsma where he sees drapery hardware trending, Mr. Laslo predicted that we will begin to see more larger scale hardware along with the current small rod styles.

Following the Keynote, luncheon was served at the Pacific Resource Group Showroom. Of course, it was time for an autographed program and a picture with Larry Laslo. Showroom owner and host Mark Erwin also perched inone of their luscious chairs for a picture with the Helser contingent. It was wonderful connecting with our friends and clients over some delicious snacks.

A visit to the Alexander Sinclair showroom was a great opportunity to evaluate finish and style trends. Local manufacturer Lorts introduced some stunning new pieces conceived by well-known Atlanta designer Christy Dillard. Much of what was on display everywhere centered around traditional and classical shapes with a modern fresh twist. Finishes were rich and captivating. And of course it was time for another picture with Christy and Helser Brothers client Rhonda Knight of RK Interiors.

A drapery installer submitted his bill to the home owner after an installation.  The homeowner protested “Three hundred and eighty dollars!?!?  You have only been here for two hours!!  I am a lawyer and I only make $150 per hour!”  The installer replied “yeah, that’s what I used to make when I was a lawyer.

Holly mismeasured an unusual bay window and needed two of the rods altered.   She said that though the shop was closing when she arrived Gene took the time to listen to her problem and explain the solution.  Holly was surprised when Gene said that he would have it ready the following day as it was a fairly complex alteration which included welding, bending, and refinishing.  Holly said that she showed up the next day and was so impressed to find her rods neatly wrapped and ready to go.

She expressed that she uses no one else but Helser for her hardware needs precisely because of our outstanding level of service, that there is no comparison to any other hardware company!

Go Gene!