09/01/2026
There are certain standards I hold for myself and for anyone I choose to bring into my clients’ projects—whether that’s a supplier, general contractor, retailer, installer, or other industry professional.
Some of my collaborators are completely aligned with those standards. They communicate. They collaborate. They take ownership. And, most importantly, when something inevitably goes sideways—as things sometimes do in this industry—they are responsive and work with me to find a solution.
Others, unfortunately, do not.
So far, I’ve had exceptionally poor experiences with two local drapery retailers.
The first was recommended by someone in my industry whose professional standards I respect, so I felt confident walking in. Instead, I left feeling as though my business was an inconvenience. With the exception of one young woman who was genuinely helpful, the experience was dismissive, unwelcoming, and completely at odds with the level of service I expect for my clients.
The second came recommended by someone I trust within my business network, and that experience has left me genuinely lost for words. I can only assume she had a very different experience than I did, because what I encountered falls far below the standard I expect from anyone I bring into a client relationship.
Initially, I chose not to say anything. Things happen. Orders get delayed. Mistakes are made. Problems arise, and sometimes they are genuinely nobody’s fault.
But there is a significant difference between an occasional problem and a repeated pattern of poor communication, lack of follow-through, and unwillingness to collaborate. At some point, it stops being “something happened” and becomes the way a business chooses to operate.
And that matters to me.
When I recommend someone to a client, my name and reputation are attached to that recommendation. I take that responsibility seriously.
So my takeaway from these experiences is simple: I will be far more selective about the businesses and professionals I bring into my projects going forward.
Good work alone isn’t enough. I expect communication, professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and respect for the client.
If those things aren’t there, neither is my business.