Scorpio Screens & Blinds was founded in 1980 by Cameron and Glenis Wood, and the company has grown considerably during that time. To this day Cameron and Glenis are still involved in the company along with their sons. So when you do business with Scorpio Screens & Blinds – you do business with a second generation family business.
We spoke to Sales Manager Rodney Southall for our latest Fashionline Member Profile.
Who makes up your team?
Scorpio is essentially like a big family business. Cameron & Glenis (Dad & Mum) were the founders of the business, over 30 years ago, and they are still an integral part of the business. Me, Dyson, the General Manager, overseeing the complete operation. My brother Joshua is responsible for our Commercial department. Joshua & his team look after a number of builders that we supply.
Scorpio have a Sales team, both on the road & indoors, as well as a large administrative staff.
When it comes to manufacturing, our experienced factory staff build our Security & Screen product, along with our comprehensive window furnishings department.
Once everything has been sold and made it’s up to the installation department to get the job finished off. We have an experienced team of installers, many who have been with us for a very long time.
In essence we are a family of approximately 70 people.
What’s special about your service?
What we do, we do well. Scorpio’s roots are in Security & Screens, and if we don’t know how to do it, it probably can’t be done. We started day one in screens, and over time we have now moved in to Stainless Steel Security. When we saw the need we moved into window furnishings. We manufacture most products on site. One of our greatest assets is that we have been established on the Gold Coast for over 30 years, with the same owners. That’s quite an achievement on the coast. The other advantage to the client is that we offer a full range of services to both the private homeowner through to the largest of home builders.
Which products do you specialise in?
By far our greatest specialty would be our ULTRA Stainless Steel security screens & doors. To compliment this we also offer 7mm diamond grille products.
Our window furnishings product range is quite comprehensive. We manufacture Roller Blinds, Panel Glides, Vertical blinds, Roman Blinds. We are pleased to be able to offer many exciting fabric ranges.
What do you forecast will be the new growing trends over the coming year?
Amongst the growth areas the new products for us are AUTOMATION, SHUTTERS & CURTAINS. We are experiencing huge growth in the area of blind automation. With the development of higher quality, reliable & inexpensive motors, along with the new command module systems, anyone can afford to operate their blinds at their fingertips. When I say new, Shutters have been growing for the last 3 years, but they have finally got to a point where they are the “norm” rather than the exception. Curtains are our other growth product. We offer a full range of Sheers & Blockouts. Also clients will often use blockout roller with sheer curtains. The finish is quite amazing.
Is there anything new that you’re working on or bringing in this year you can mention?
There’s always something new. Scorpio have learnt that getting it right the first time means a lot. Therefore we don’t jump into things lightly. We do have some developing stories… But not enough to tell you about yet. Watch this space.
What do you love most working in the window furnishing industry?
The fact is that Australians love the outdoors and they like to be part of it. We Aussies are also famous for grasping onto new ideas. I love the fact that Blind Automation has become so simple and affordable to everyone. I love that we have a huge range of products that suit the Gold Coast conditions, and it gives me lots of satisfaction seeing installations successfully completed. To bring a client’s home to life, with Scorpio blinds, is a reward in itself.
Is there anything else that you want us mention in the member profile?
We see many benefits of being part of the Fashionline group. Not the least being the opportunity to share ideas and trends with each other. I like the ability to freely talk to the industry without concern or fear of giving away confidences. I most enjoy that I am able to share with other about some of the things that we have found to make our business successful. On the other hand it’s good to be able to make people aware of pitfalls too. I think there is great merit in the Fashionline group as an asset to move the industry forward.
You can visit Scorpio’s website for more information here.