What started in 2008 with four employees has since grown by more than 10 times.

Michael and Shirley Esch, owners of Custom Drapery & Blinds, said they started their business with four employees from their home and garage. By 2014, they had outgrown their space and moved their offices and warehouse to  a commercial building on Riverwood Drive in Burnsville.

In 2014, they expanded their warehouse.

They now have 43 employees and are the largest shop-at-home window fashion company in the Midwest. They provide both residential and commercial needs.

Michael Esch said he has been in the window business since 1974. After completing his Bachelor of Science degree in business from the University of Minnesota, he started working for a drapery and blinds company.

He now has 40 years of experience.

“It’s all I know,” he said.

Custom Drapery & Blinds specializes in custom window fashion that you can shop for from home.

They carry products including Lafayette, Graber, Alta, Comfort X, Fabric UT, Trend Fabrics, Kirsch and Levolor.

According to its website, Custom Drapery & Blinds has residential decorators that carry all of the newest trends and color selection in all product categories.

In 2014, consultant Jennifer Martinson joined the team to serve customers from Albert Lea. All installations in Albert Lea are completed by installer Jeff Fjelstad, also local.

Custom Drapery is proud it is meeting and exceeding customer’s needs. They said the referrals and return customer base is ever expanding.

Something that sets them apart is they have the strongest warranties in the industry, providing a 100 percent customer satisfaction written warranty and a lifetime servicing of the manufacturer’s warranty.

They hope to continue to serve and meet the needs of residents in Albert Lea.

 

Custom Drapery & Blinds

Address: 1149 Riverwood Drive, Burnsville

Albert Lea phone: 402-7419

Website: www.cdabbyme.com