Exciting Windows!  A Pivotal Step on Her Path to Success

Ten years ago Carol Tomassetti left a career in accounting to devote more time to her husband’s growing custom framing retail business, Frame Creations.  As the family business grew, so did their customer’s needs.  “Existing clients were asking for window coverings,”  Tomassetti recalled.  “We did picture framing, art, decorating walls and lobbies.  We wanted to do window treatments as well so I opened the Exciting Windows! business out of our existing shop so we could expand our services to our clients.” 

“I knew I needed to learn about window coverings so I went back to school at Window Coverings University and learned of Exciting Windows! while I was there,”  Tomassetti recounted.  Of the decision to join Exciting Windows!, she says “it was a no-brainer, I wasn’t going to do it on my own.”   Initially though, “I didn’t even consider buying a franchise.  I thought I could do it on my own and then I realized I had to take advantage of what they were offering.”    She also attended the required one-week course in Baltimore, MD. At Window Coverings University, Tomassetti learned “…how to sell, marketing, work rooms, and everything there is to know about this business.”

Frame Creations has been in business for 23 years.  Tomassetti has owned her Exciting Windows! franchise for two years. She is currently the Exciting Windows! by Frame Creations, Vice President. 

Enjoying the Advantages of Being Part of a Recognized Brand…
“Exciting Windows! is a recognized brand and I am part of that brand, so it gives me accountability.  I’m taking advantage of their logos and branding,“ Tomassetti described. Tomassetti works out of the retail store and office, but spends most of her time on the road at appointments.  She brings samples to customers’ homes or offices, measures and ultimately installs the window coverings.  The construction of the window coverings is performed by Exciting Windows’! network of preferred vendors.

“I use Exciting Windows! preferred vendors for construction, fabrics, everything.  The buying network makes it easy for me and more profitable.  Using a non-Exciting Windows! vendor would have cost me more.  I also receive special rebates and preferred pricing from Exciting Windows! vendors. “

The Freedom and Flexibility of Being Her Own Boss
After working as a Controller at a Marketing Consulting firm for 12 years, “I was ready for a change, ready to get out of the corporate world.“

Since leaving the corporate world, Tomassetti enjoys the freedom that owning her own business allows.  “It’s much better because I have flexibility.  For example, last summer my daughter was sick for one month and I missed about three weeks of work.  If I was at a corporate job I would’ve had to take a leave of absence, but I was able to work around my schedule.  It took the pressure off.”

“My children are grown up now but if I had this job when they were in school I would have been able to go to school assemblies and things I missed,“ she recalled.

What Does It Take to Become Part of the Exciting Windows! Brand?

Exciting Windows! offers franchise and licensing opportunities.

Prospective franchisees or licensees don’t need to have a college degree but they, “…need to be creative, self motivated, have good people skills, sales skills, have a passion for the business and have an eye for design,” explained Tomassetti.

“If you are disciplined--you still need to set work hours and separate home and work-- it’s a great business to own.”