Shutter Envy offers top-quality products, personalized service
BY ALISON STANTON
Since the day Connie and Kevin Little opened Shutter Envy in 2004, they have strived to offer their customers beautiful window coverings in a wide variety of styles, colors and price points.
Shutter Envy is a one-stop windowcovering shop for anyone who wants to purchase plantation shutters made from either composite wood, solid bass wood or alder; cellular shades that can help keep rooms cooler; vertical blinds; Roman shades; roller blinds or other products.
The Littles, who co-own and operate Shutter Envy, have been Arizona residents since 1994 and moved to Gilbert in 2004. When the couple decided to purchase plantation shutters for their new home in Gilbert, they immediately fell in love with shutters and the window-covering industry.
“We now work with residential customers around the state. Shutter Envy specializes in offering a free, noobligation in-home consultation for all customers,” Connie said.
“We bring along product samples for all of our window coverings, measure all of the windows, and we also do all of our own installation,” Kevin said.
“All our customers have to do is select the products they like, sit back and relax. We do the rest.”
One of the main benefits of the in-home visit, Connie said, is that customers can see exactly how the various window covering samples will
look inside their home with their décor, comparing colors and styles against their countertops, painted walls and cabinets.
“They can really see how the colors and tones of each window covering look, and match it to their rooms a lot easier,” she said.
In addition to offering a wide variety of top-quality and attractive window coverings, Connie said she and Kevin also enjoy meeting customers from all walks of life.
“We offer a large variety of window covering products that will provide solutions for every budget,” she said, adding that they both enjoy working with and getting to know their customers.
Plantation shutters are an important aspect of the business for Shutter Envy.
“We offer a variety of shutter products to meet every customer’s decorating style,” Connie said.
“For example, composite wood shutters are very popular and affordable and hold up extremely well against the high heat we experience in Arizona. These shutters also have a smooth finish which makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier as well. And just like most of our products, these shutters are offered with a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty.”
“Basswood shutters are also very popular in Arizona and can be manufactured to fit an unlimited number of shapes and sizes including
arched windows. Basswood shutters can be painted any color of white or stained to match your flooring, cabinetry or other furniture in the home,” Kevin said.
“Customer service is really a very significant and important part of what we do,” Kevin added.
“We are a solid business that is run properly, and we are licensed, bonded and insured. Fifty percent of our business is made up of repeat customers and referrals. We’ve worked
with moms and dads and then their daughters and sons too.”
Connie said that she and Kevin are truly happy to go to work each day.
“We feel that if you love what you do, it won’t ever feel like work, and that is just how it is with us and Shutter Envy,” she said. “As long as you love what you are doing, that’s what matters”.
For more information on Shutter Envy, call (602) 295-6864 or visit www. PhoenixShuttersandBlinds.com.
Connie and Kevin Little, co-owners and operators of Shutter Envy, said Plantation shutters, shown above are top sellers. Submitted photo
Doing business
Pool Tile Dr.
LLC
Owner: Marc Garrard
Specialty: Pool tile cleaning
Unique features: Eco-friendly cleaning process (salt, not glass beads or chemicals)
Address: P.O. Box 12946, Chandler, AZ
85248
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Phone: (480) 747-5558
Email: info@pooltiledr.com
Website: www.pooltiledr.com
The SanTan Sun News would like to welcome new area businesses or existing ones that may be new to our readers.
Submit information about your business for a “Doing Business” minibusiness profile in an upcoming issue of our publication, which is distributed to 35,000 homes, racks and boxes on the first and third Saturdays of the month.
Please include all of the following items: Name of business, name of owner(s), how long the business has existed, unique features, hours of operation, address, telephone number, website and email address. Also include an at least 300 dpi photo of the business owner or logo.
Email this information to business@santansun.com or visit www.santansun. com and click on the “Doing Business” form to submit.
Tiburon @ Chandler Airport breaks ground
Officials from Chandler and DTZ, a commercial real estate service company, came together April 23 to break ground for Tiburon @ Chandler Airport.
Tiburon Companies executives Michael Burton, Robert Burton and
Dwayne Burton were joined by Mayor Jay Tibshraeny, Chandler City Council members Nora Ellen, Terry Roe and Jack Sellers along with their project team and other local leaders to celebrate the event.
The groundbreaking marks the start
Participating in Tiburon @ Chandler Airport’s groundbreaking ceremony were, from left, Jack Leonard, AIA, LEED-AP, Creo Architects; Bryan Francis, Brycor Builders; Councilwoman Nora Ellen; Councilman Terry Roe; Michael Burton, Tiburon Companies; Mayor Jay Tibshraeny; Councilman Jack Sellers and Robert Burton, Tiburon Companies. Submitted photo
of construction on the 81,050-squarefoot, three-building office/light industrial/flex project located on the southeast corner of Cooper and Germann roads. Phase I of Tiburon @ Chandler Airport is expected to complete construction in fall.
“We are very excited to kick-off construction on Tiburon @ Chandler Airport,” said Michael Burton.
“We believe that our location at the front door of the airport and onehalf mile from the Loop 202 provides businesses with excellent access to everything that Chandler and the Southeast Valley has to offer.”
He recognized and thanked the City and its planning and economic development departments, the chamber of commerce and the business community for all the support they have provided in the planning of Tiburon @ Chandler Airport.
Attending the groundbreaking ceremony were members of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce and business community, City planning officials and members of the project design, construction and leasing team that included Jack Leonard, AIA, LEEDAP, and his staff from Creo Architects; Bryan Francis, president of Brycor Builders and his team; and the DTZ leasing team of Jeff Hartland, Mike Haenel and Scott Boardman.
For additional information on Tiburon @ Chandler Airport contact DTZ leasing team at (602) 954-9000.
Development bringing 128 luxury villas to Fulton Ranch
Valley-based Serenity Development is set to build 128 luxury condominium villas as part of Serenity at Fulton Ranch, the final new-home neighborhood of the premier Fulton Ranch master plan.
Construction and sales are underway with first deliveries later this year. The project is expected to be completed in 2017.
“Being from the East Valley and knowing what’s important to our buyers, we set out to satisfy the demand for luxury condominiums and villas in the area and design a community that offers a premier level of luxury living in a highly desirable neighborhood at a truly accessible price point,” said developer Andrew Hickey.
“Offering a lifestyle that is equal parts luxury and low-maintenance, Serenity at Fulton Ranch is quickly attracting an array of affluent buyers ranging from young professionals to empty-nesters to winter visitors.”
Serenity at Fulton Ranch is an exclusive gated community featuring a collection of condominium-style villas with resort-style amenities and lake views. Four floor plans offer two- and three-bedroom options plus dens that range up to 1,900 square feet and boast
stately architecture, elegant finishes and luxurious upgrades to blend stylish living and modern convenience with the latest new home features. Pricing starts in the mid $200,000s.
As the newest member of the 520-acre Fulton Ranch Master Planned Community, Serenity at Fulton Ranch shares the world-class amenities of this awardwinning East Valley development. It features 28 acres of lakes, flowing streams and waterfalls, and access to miles of walking and biking trails.
Designed to foster a sense of community, Serenity’s amenities take socializing and entertaining to a whole new level. A stylish and modern clubhouse offers every creature comfort imaginable with multiple lounging areas and a full kitchen. Buyers can enjoy outdoor recreation year round with a
heated resort-style pool and spa, relaxing ramadas and restaurant-quality barbecue grills. The state-of-the-art fitness facility offers free weights, biometric work-out equipment, treadmills and televisions.
Located in the heart of Chandler, Serenity at Fulton Ranch is minutes from signature shopping, dining, arts and entertainment, the new Ocotillo Village Health Club and Spa, the rapidly growing Price Road employment district and freeway access.
Serenity at Fulton Ranch is located at 4777 S. Fulton Ranch Blvd. The Serenity at Fulton Ranch Sales Gallery is open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call (602) 682-4500 or visit www. serenityfultonranch.com.
Increase business by networking with Chandler chamber members
Throughout the year the Chandler Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of luncheons and meetings for its members and the community. Numerous lead groups are also offered to help business owners network with their community.
Events are held at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce office, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler, unless otherwise noted.
To register, call (480) 963-4571, visit www. chandlerchamber.com or www.meetup. com/ChandlerChamber, or email info@ chandlerchamber.com. No refunds are available within 72 hours of an event.
Chandler Chamber Monday Morning Leads Group
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Mondays
The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Allowed two free visits. Brunchie’s, 17 E. Boston St., Chandler.
Chandler Chamber Tuesday Morning Leads Group
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays
The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Allowed two free visits. BLD, 1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler.
Chandler Chamber Wednesday Morning Leads Group
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays, except for May 13
The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Allowed two free visits. SoZo Coffeehouse, 1982 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler.
Chandler Chamber Wednesday Lunch Leads Group
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays
The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Allowed two free visits. Stone and Vine Urban Italian, 1035 W. Queen Creek Rd., Suite 103, Chandler.
Chandler Chamber Thursday Morning Leads Group
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Thursdays
The Chandler Chamber Leads groups
help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Allowed two free visits. Rudy’s West Country Store and Barbecue, 7300 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler.
Chandler Chamber Thursday Lunch Leads Group
11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays
The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Allowed two free visits. Nabers Music Bar and Eats, 825 N. 54th St., Chandler.
Chandler Chamber Friday Morning Leads Group
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Fridays
The Chandler Chamber of Commerce Leads Groups have been created to help business members network and grow their businesses. Basically a leads group is a business referral network that helps businesses interact and network. Members of one of the chamber’s leads groups will have the opportunity to develop sources and contacts that can help generate sales. Allowed two free visits. Chompie’s Delicatessen Restaurant, 3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler.
Leadership Steering Committee
4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, May 4
Meeting of the Chandler Chamber Leadership Steering Committee at Chandler Chamber of Commerce.
Ambassadors Committee Meeting 11:55 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 5
The Ambassadors serve as hosts for the chamber events at Chandler Chamber of Commerce. This select group of individuals is the liaison between the chamber and the business community. If you have been a member of the chamber for more than three months and are interested in joining, call the chamber at (480) 963-4571.
Women in Business Committee Meeting
3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce
Ribbon Cutting at Holiday Inn at Ocotillo
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 Ribbon cutting and refreshments at Holiday Inn at Ocotillo, 1200 W. Ocotillo Rd., Chandler.
Business Golf
6:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 6
Join the chamber the first and third Wednesdays of each month until Aug. 19 for the Chandler Chamber of Commerce Business Golf Outing. Play nine holes on various chamber member golf courses. Eat breakfast and network as well. Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Dr., Phoenix.
Ribbon Cutting at Origami Owl
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6
Ribbon cutting and refreshments at Origami Owl, 450 N. 54th St., Chandler.
Technology Steering Committee
12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 7
The group plans and organizes the Technology Lunch Series and other Chandler Chamber Technology programs and events for 2015. Coach and Willie’s Restaurant, 1 E. Boston St., Chandler.
Ribbon Cutting at FORM Prosperity
4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7
Annual ribbon cutting at FORM Prosperity, 1490 S. Price Rd., Suite 113, Chandler.
Public Policy
8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Friday, May 8
The Chandler Chamber Public Policy Meeting is open to all members. The guest speaker is Pearl Chang Esau.
Small Business Counseling
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays May 8 and May 15
Experienced mentors provide help for your small business. Sessions at the Chandler Chamber are available the first, second and third Fridays of each
month. Call (480) 963-4571 or email info@ chandlerchamber.com to schedule an appointment.
Executive Committee of the Chamber Board of Directors
8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 12
The meeting of the Executive Committee of the Chandler Chamber Board of Directors at the chamber.
Wake-Up Chandler
7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 13
Wake-Up Chandler is a great way to start off the morning by networking with other businesses. Bring business cards and brochures, and be prepared to give a 30-second commercial about the business. Door prizes are welcome. $5 members; $15 general admission. Ocotillo Village Health Club and Spa, 4200 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler.
Ribbon Cutting @ Rinchem
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at Rinchem, 6805 W. Morelos Pl., Chandler.
Leadership Institute
7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 15
Monthly issue day for the Leadership Institute at the Chandler chamber.
Ribbon Cutting @ Ocotillo Village Health Club and Spa
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 15
Ocotillo Village Health Club and Spa is located at 4200 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler.
RubyRide expands transportation fleet to Chandler
Phoenix-based RubyRide, the sole extensive background checked car and driver service, has introduced “Passport to Chandler Communities” to emphasize community building and trust.
“Passport to Chandler Communities” allows Chandler residents the option to get around town for a low monthly rate. Whether one is going to the grocery store, salon, hit a round of golf, movies, or simply going to a doctor’s appointment, RubyRide’s service allows for community residents to get anywhere on time. An additional benefit of the service is that friends and family can ride free with the member who gets the subscription-based service for added company and that “community feel.”
RubyRide is the only service in the country that has a subscriptionbased model for which employees are extensively background checked, giving people the peace of mind and providing less stress wherever they want to go.
Founder Jeff Ericson spent four years conceptualizing the concept of Arizonabased RubyRide. An architect by training, he often was asked the question, “How do you reconnect low- to mid-density cities efficiently without having to build parking spots for every private car?”
That sparked the idea for RubyRide, which is considered a car service, not a taxi company. A recent study shows that 98 percent of Americans use a private car to move around and statistics have shown that if there was a true alternative
to car ownership, then Americans would opt into that option.
In addition, AAA indicates that the cost of car ownership a month on average is $740. For many, that expense is not practical. RubyRide makes it affordable for those that still need transportation but may not want to bear such a high expense.
“The Passport to Chandler Communities” benefits include:
• Unlimited rides in Chandler zone;
• Drivers who are background checked and substance screened;
• Ride share with other subscribers for a greener community;
• There are no tipping or per-trip fees.
One fixed monthly cost.
Due to RubyRide’s training, insurance and certifications, the car service also works for businesses, nonprofit organizations, families of school-aged children, millennials and commuters and seniors.
The cost of the service is $275 for one month or $10 per day for unlimited rides within the defined Chandler zone.
For the month of May, RubyRide is offering a $25 discount off the first month of service. If residents become a member before May 31, they can take advantage of the offer and redeem it with COUPON CODE: CHANDLERPASS15. For more information, visit www. rubyride.co.
MARKET NEWS
Last week, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their Existing Home Sales Report. The numbers shocked many analysts as they revealed a 10.4% increase over the same month last year. This is the highest number of sales since September 2013. Sales have increased year-over-year for six consecutive months and the 10.4% increase is the highest annual increase since August 2013. March’s sales increase was the largest monthly increase since December 2010.