Meet Brett & Nikki Rieber of Blind Builders, Inc.
by Linda Herman

Brett and Nikki Rieber are the husband and wife team behind Blind Builders, Inc. located on Maple Avenue in Langhorne. Brett is a bit more reticent. Nikki is more bubbly, serving as the head cheerleader for her husband and the services provided by their company. As she reviews and describes products and services, experience and capabilities, all the while she turns to Brett for a supportive smile. They are a real team. She’s also the manager of all that happens in operating their "work of love.”

This month I met with this dynamic husband and wife duo to learn more about what they do and how they “got there” to do it. I also met with their resident mascot, Dory Blue, a beautiful Weimariner. Calm, friendly and regal, Dory Blue is part of the Blind Builders team, often times meeting and greeting customers as they visit the showroom. She joined in this interview as a silent, but very visible contributor.

If you’re from Northeast Philadelphia, or are familiar with some of the stores that have made the area a mecca of fine shopping, you may remember Sissy’s Linen Closet. Located in the Krewstown Shopping Center, Sissy’s was a one-stop shop for the finest linens and towels around. This is where Brett Rieber “broke-in” to the industry he loves so much. “I was a stock boy then, maybe 14 or 15 years old. I started helping the window treatment installer. And after a while I could install blinds, shades, any treatment, on my own.”

“Eventually, I opened my own Shop-at-Home business selling all kinds of window treatments… I even started fabricating my own pieces. It came time to move the business out of the house and I opened up in Northeast Philadelphia near Tyson and Whitaker. Called Custom Design Interiors, we were a store that included carpet, window treatments, mirrors….. all the “stuff” that goes into making a home’s interior beautiful.”

“After some time I decided I wanted to sell what I was most familiar with. Blinds, shades, and back then, verticals…. So I closed the shop and opened a showroom and workroom in Huntingdon Valley. Around then we introduced our company name, ‘Blind Builders.’ Increasingly we fabricated our own blinds, to customer measurements. We carried a wide range of potential fabrics for verticals. Custom blinds, honey comb, roller and Roman shades were popular. And we did it all.

We fabricated all kinds of window dressings.”

And Nikki? Where was she while Brett was building the start of another Philadelphia home shopping attraction? According to Nikki, "I was still finishing school and then went to work for the Eagles organization. With a degree in communication and journalism, specializing in sports and entertainment, I found myself in the thick of things in the Eagles front office. I coordinated schedules, managed staffers, planned and implemented events. It was a frenetic livestyle, very demanding and, of course, exciting. But I was totally involved in work. I didn’t have many 'off' hours." (I’m certain my eyes were wide with envy….. Oh! the games. Oh! The players and the perks….)

"Brett and I got married, it’s about 5 years now, and I had an epiphany on our honeymoon. I decided I wanted to work alongside my husband. His passion became my passion. Together we‘ve created a retail environment that’s more personal, more friendly; very unlike my work with the Eagles. We’re committed to customer service. Blind Builders defines who we are. This is our life." I understood just how she feels. Exactly!

Nikki handles all the scheduling, works with people who visit their open, inviting showroom, and handles the shipping and receiving. She runs a tight ship so her husband is able to install, and consult clients on the best treatments for their window. He’s also able  to customize the best window treatment products available that suit their purposes.

So how different is today’s market from those days at Sissy’s? According to Brett, "Window treatments are unique to every window. I see the treatment as furniture for the specific window. Therefore, one needs to consider the total picture, the total room and environment as you fit the window. Verticals, while still available, have lost their popularity. Today’s consumers request shutters, wood blinds, honey comb shades, panel tracks and screen shades. They’re looking for clean, sleek lines. We don’t get many requests for 'frou, frou.' But we do get requests for toppers or cornices. They offer a good way to soften a sleek look."

Nikki piped in, "We’re very proud to be a Hunter Douglas Gallery Dealer. As such we offer a greater line of product that is not available elsewhere. And when clients come into our showroom they can select from a wide range of quality, specialty shapes, and on-fashion product. We stand behind everything we sell and guarantee it all, workmanship and product. We provide a level of service the 'box stores' cannot."

"I educate our customers," said Brett. "I need to listen to the customer, hear what they want and then advise them if what they want is the best way for accomplishing their goal. Not all treatments work for all rooms or for all windows. I need to see the space, the window, take the measurements and then I’ll advise accordingly."

"He knows his stuff," Nikki cheered proudly.

Anything new on the horizon, vis a vis products, etc.? According to Brett, "More and more window treatments reflect today’s concern with energy efficiency. Product used is green, recycled, some made from bamboo. Clearly, the consumer is concerned about energy, its loss and conservation. And with current Federal Tax credits available, it’s the smart customer that thinks about retrofitting their windows with energy minded product."

I needed to find out if there have been any crazy requests or customer incidents. "Nutty colors…. Lime green, orange. Yeh, color requests throw us for a loop every now and then."

So we know that windows and their decoration is a passion shared by these almost-newlyweds, Brett and Nikki Rieber. Any other passions away from the office? As Brett smiles, Nikki says "Brett loves roller coasters. In fact, he’s a bit of an afficionado." Brett responded, "When they were building the new coaster in Hershey Park, I watched it being built, online. Everyday I would check its progress, etc. I’m enthralled by the construction aspects…. Much like   the construction aspects of my installations." "And your favorite ride?" I asked. "In Great Adventure, 'Kingda Ka.' It’s a tremendous thrill ride. I’ve been elsewhere checking out roller coasters, but Great Adventure still has the best in my opinion."

According to Nikki, "We’re ardent Phillies fans and (no surprise) big Eagles fans. We also enjoy the Dave Matthews Band. We attend his concerts whenever and wherever we can. And of course we have a passion for our dogs. At home, Dory Blue is joined by two more Weimeraners, Sadie and Tika. We’re devoted to our dogs. They’re rescues and now part of an extended family!"

Both Nikki and Brett reminded me that their operation includes the expert assistance of Kirsten Houser. Kirsten handles the day-to-day details of the office and is Nikki’s right hand person. I could see how she’s become an integral part of the “team.” Andrew Gillman handles sales and installations. Altogether, the team provides authorized repair and service for Hunter Douglas product.

This may not sound businesslike, but… while I was speaking with Nikki and Brett, I really couldn’t help but think, "how sweet." How sweet it is to see a couple so devoted to each other and the business they are building together. Each partner brings their own strengths; Brett brings his insight regarding product and where and when it will do the best job. He also knows how to make that picture perfect installation. Nikki brings her skill as a communicator, a promoter and marketer to help their business grow. They really are a good match. And their collaboration is that much more of a benefit to the customers they serve.

Thanks guys! It was great meeting you both…. And a special hello to Dory Blue!

Blind Builders, Inc.
The Shops on Maple Avenue
2584 Maple Avenue
Langhorne/Feasterville, PA  19053
215-741-9900