3 minute read
Transform Your Home with Southern Shutters
When Mark Edmondson and Chris Lovell started a window coverings business over 30 years ago, they quickly realized that shutters were the only kind of covering that did not need repairs. “When we sold other coverings, we would have to fix them all the time. With shutters we don’t get calls for repairs,” Mark says.
For the last three decades, the two have been building Southern Shutters into a local success story, offering custom, locally made shutters, unmatched in quality and craftsmanship, with a lifetime transferable warranty. That story began when Mark made his way to Austin from Richardson, Texas, where he had worked closely with his father in the family shutter business. After various career detours, he found himself returning to his true calling: the shutters industry. Employing a small handful of skilled craftsmen, Mark discovered success and stability in providing shutters to homeowners seeking style, functionality, and quality.
A Georgetown native now living near Lake Travis, Chris found himself drawn into the world of shutters through a chance encounter with his next-door neighbor, Mark. Chris owned a delivery/ logistics company in downtown Austin at the time and after tiring of his career path, he began assisting Mark with his shutter business. Over the years, Chris’ expertise in design and implementation proved invaluable to Southern Shutters, leading to a partnership that has endured for 25 years.
When they decided to produce shutter panels themselves, Mark and Chris built a factory and began manufacturing shutters designed to look like they were built with the home. Utilizing technology and craftsmanship, the team developed a process to easily apply detailed information related to each individual job, including shutter specifications, custom trim using local suppliers, and exact paint matching. Additionally, Southern Shutters employs a team of skilled workers who have been with the company from 10 to 26 years. “Everyone who works for us is a uniquely skilled laborer and craftsman. Nothing about what we do involves a shortcut. That’s not only rare, it doesn’t exist anymore. We’re dinosaurs,” Chris says.
MODERN DAY SHUTTERS
Twenty years ago, if you wanted to protect yourself from the Texas heat by adding shutters to your home, you would have to settle for something that would block the sun but also the view outdoors. “Modern-day shutters allow you to have your sunlight and privacy while giving you insulation from the heat,” Mark says.
Many customers have told him that after installing shutters, their electricity bills were significantly reduced.
“I had a customer who bought a house in 2022 and went through the summer with no window coverings, then installed them in the winter. The electricity bills were cut in half.”
In addition, shutters are the only window coverings that add value to your house, and they are not taxable since they are considered home improvements,” Mark says. “People will buy a house and replace other window coverings like curtains or shades that might be the wrong color, but not shutters. When done properly, they look like they were part of the house when it was built.”
FROM SHOWROOM TO HOME
Prospective clients are welcome to check out samples at Southern Shutters’ showroom; however, the best place to discuss a shutter installation is the home. “Architecturally, these are doors. We’re building them to look like they were built with the house,” Mark says. Chris adds,
“Once we install it, it will last as long as your house does. We sell a product that lasts forever."
3415 Williams Dr #140, Georgetown 512-982-9565
