Today we’d like to introduce you to Gil Breef.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am Gil Breef, founder of Shades By Design, I moved to New York City from Israel in 2000 at the age of 18, arriving as an immigrant with broken English and no financial resources. My initial days in the U.S. were challenging yet transformative. My brother and I started a carpet cleaning business out of our two-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn. Our first office was our minivan, and we dried wet carpets in our living room—a humble yet ambitious beginning.
Our venture into the window treatments industry began somewhat unexpectedly when a client asked us to clean a shade. Unfortunately, we damaged the shade, which led us to open an account with Hunter Douglas to purchase a replacement. This incident marked our first step into the window treatment world. Motivated by this experience, we expanded our business, “NY Window Fashion,” and eventually opened a showroom in NYC. We started working with leading architects and designers, which helped us establish a strong reputation in the industry.
By 2012, we had completed multiple projects in Florida. Recognizing the need for expertise in the South Florida market, I decided to establish Shades By Design in Miami in 2014. This new venture catered to a high-end clientele across South Florida, the Caribbean, and Latin America, specializing in luxury window treatments and automated systems by brands like Lutron and Crestron.
Shades By Design quickly established itself as a market leader. In 2020, we expanded our offerings to include custom outdoor shading solutions such as pergolas, awnings, and umbrellas. Our growth continued, and in 2023, we opened an 11,000 sq ft facility in Miami, which includes a 4,000 sq ft showroom displaying our extensive range of products.
This journey as an immigrant moving to a new country with no language or means to leading a premier window treatment and outdoor shading company reflects my commitment to hard work, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Each step has been a building block in creating a business that meets and exceeds our discerning clientele’s expectations.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, the journey has not been smooth; it has been a path marked by significant challenges and valuable lessons. Initially, language and cultural barriers presented daily hurdles, as I arrived in the U.S. with limited English and had to adapt to a new business environment. Financial constraints also played a major role, requiring extreme resourcefulness and careful decision-making from the outset.
Entering the window treatments industry was an unexpected turn that came with its own set of challenges, especially when a mistake—a damaged shade—pushed us to quickly learn about this niche market. Expanding our business to South Florida involved understanding a distinct market with unique demands, which demanded strategic planning and effort.
Keeping pace with technological advances in automated window treatments and scaling the business while maintaining high service quality has required continuous learning and adaptation. Through all these challenges, my commitment to hard work, adaptability, and quality has remained steadfast, turning each obstacle into an opportunity for growth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Shades By Design, Inc., an Inc. 5000 recognized leader in providing innovative interior and exterior shading solutions. Our commitment to exceptional quality, functionality, style, and customer service has allowed us to expand our reach across North, Central, and South America, the Caribbean, and beyond.
Our extensive product line caters to homeowners, architects, and contractors worldwide. It includes a diverse range of roller shades, drapes, blinds, plantation shutters, and innovative outdoor systems such as bioclimatic pergolas, awnings, hurricane and insect screens, and umbrellas. Each product is designed with a focus on energy efficiency and durability, ensuring that we meet the unique needs of every space we touch.
At Shades By Design, we specialize in creating custom window treatments and outdoor shading systems that align perfectly with our clients’ individual preferences, lifestyles, and aspirations. We believe in the transformative power of our designs and solutions, striving to make every environment a harmonious blend of functionality, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory revolves around the family trips we took across the beautiful landscapes of Israel. After living far from my family for over 24 years, each of these memories holds a special place in my heart. These trips are cherished memories that continue to bring me joy and comfort, reminding me of the warmth and love of family and the beautiful country of Israel.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shadesbydesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadesbydesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShadesByDesign
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shadesbydesign/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShadesByDesign/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Shadesbydesign
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shades-by-design-miami-2
