Why Budget Blinds of Southeast Manitoba
Meet your local, neighborhood experts.
Introducing the team of committed professionals that proudly serve rural Manitoba!
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Sue and Gord Swarbrick, Co-Owners
We love this crazy world of window coverings. Never did we ever imagine we would move to Manitoba and travel the province providing finishing touches in thousands of homes and businesses. But here we are 13 years in, with a wonderful team of humans that care like we do and so many relationships made with the people we serve. And we are grateful!
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Sue Swarbrick
Owner & Product Specialist
Lutron Certified Smart Home Expert
Inspired Drapes Certification
Sue began her adventure with Budget Blinds in Regina where her eldest son Joey was hired as an installer. Sue joined the dynamic Regina team as a Style Consultant after leaving management with Reitmans. After experiencing the Budget Blinds model, it was not long after that she and Gord decided they would like to try their hand at owning their own franchise.
Since opening their doors in 2011, they’ve thrived in rural Manitoba. Not only emphasized by their reputation in the area, but internationally with the corporate side of Budget Blinds. Sue has been asked many times to speak on panels, assist new franchise owners, and has been awarded for their specific contributions to the Budget Blinds brand.
You just need to see Sue in action to know that she has been crafted to do this kind of work. Having a diverse background in a multitude of service industry positions, Sue is masterful when it comes to providing an exceptional customer experience.
If she’s the one who comes to your door to consult on window treatments, you know you’re in good hands!
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Gord Swarbrick
Owner & Professional Installer
Lutron Certified Smart Home Expert
Inspired Drapes Certification
Having spent his youth in and around his family-owned lumber yard and construction company, Gord is well-versed in the practical skills this trade demands. In his adult life, he spent many years in accounting, both private and public practice, before performing many management and advisory functions within the Co-op Retailing system. Combine the two, and you have an exceptionally competent blend of hands-on practical, and behind-the-scenes attention to detail.
Gord’s recognition has also expanded into international territory where he’s been asked to sit on committees within the Budget Blinds family to lend his expertise on the nuances of their business. Gord rarely lets details slip by him and is incredibly industrious in the way he approaches problem-solving.
The man knows his window coverings!
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Shane Swarbrick
Product Specialist
Lutron Certified Smart Home Expert
Shane is the youngest son of Gord and Sue, but don't let that fool you, he's a seasoned 6-year veteran in this business!
Shane joined the team in June 2018 as a Style Consultant and has developed into a key team member. Having explored different areas of sales throughout his adult life, Shane is well-versed in the art of customer service. The energy he brings to his consultations married with his customer service skills are infectious. It is not unusual to hear feedback from customers who have solely decided to do business with us due to Shane’s ability to connect and demonstrate his professional knowledge. Shane exhibits a strong get ‘er done attitude and continues to bring his best to the table day in and day out!
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Tara Woolgar
Administrative Support and Service- Brandon, MB
Tara joined the team in August 2021 and honestly settled into our family life as if she’s always been here. She brings years of administrative skills to the business along with a genuine care and compassion for those she serves. She is the constant in the showroom as the rest of us come and go, we are beyond grateful for her organization and support.
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Riley Swarbrick
Product Specialist
Lutron Certified Smart Home Expert
Smart Home Certified
***Update***
Riley has moved on to explore other career options, but we have left his pic on the page as you will see him out on installs with Gord from time to time. Let's call him "casual support".
Riley joined the team in January 2019 when Gord and Sue expanded their business into Southeast Manitoba. He originally was trained to provide both consultations and installation. Over the years he has also spent time in Admin, therefore Riley has immense product knowledge and a broad understanding of the business. He is such a valuable asset with his sharp wit, attention to detail and authentic customer reviews you will find many where customers rave about Riley and we are grateful.
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Laurie Smitzniuk
Professional Installer
Smart Home Certified
Laurie has been a part of the Budget Blinds team since November 2015 and is a valued veteran. He is moving towards retirement but we left his picture here as he works casually, helping with larger installs, and is still considered part of the team.
He has a steady and methodical approach to installation which ensures the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed. When Laurie goes out on installs he’s quick to send back e-mails with a picture and a quippy phrase letting the team hear the feedback of the customer or how the job itself went: "looking good, customer very happy."
If Laurie is the one installing your product, you can count on a job well done. If something is amiss, he ensures the communication goes to the people who will help correct the issue. Not only that, he's got a great sense of humor and is an all-around lovely human.