The U.S. Small Business Administration North Florida District will honor Window Interiors President and Founder, Sandra Saft as its 2015 SBA Small Business Person of the Year.
Saft, who used part of her life savings to start a business in her garage 25 years ago, has grown Altamonte Springs-based Window Interiors into a multimillion dollar enterprise that works with companies across the United States. Window Interiors is a leading provider of commercial window treatment solutions and energy-efficient window shades.
Sandra Saft, named 2015 North Florida District Small Business Person of the Year
"The growth and development of Window Interiors is due to the fine work of every single employee, installer and project manager that we've had the pleasure of working with. The dedication of our team to provide beautiful and efficient window treatments is what drives our business every day,'' Saft said.
A quarter of a century ago, Saft turned to the Small Business Administration for coaching on how to effectively start her business. In 2014, the staff at the Orlando office of the SBA returned the favor by nominating Saft for Business Person of the Year.
Saft has a track record of investing in people and making sure she has as much experience around her as possible. During the economic downturn five years ago, Saft absorbed losses to make sure she could keep her prized team of project managers together.
"I knew the only way we were going to rebound was with our experienced team, so keeping our employees was a strong investment in the future,'' Saft said.
Saft competed in the overwhelmingly male-dominated environment of commercial construction in 1989, when she began. She has worked tirelessly to promote and mentor other women-owned businesses in all types of fields.
Pauline Davis, assistant director with the Small Business Development Center in Orlando said in her nomination letter, “Early on, before it was fashionable, Window Interiors pioneered energy-saving window treatments and began manufacturing solar shades from its Altamonte Springs headquarters. When you look at Sandra Saft’s remarkable record of achievement as a small business owner, it becomes very clear why we are honored to nominate her for Small Business Person of the Year.”
North Florida District Director Wilfredo J. Gonzalez said, "Once a year, I have the privilege of acknowledging and celebrating the accomplishments of small business owners in Florida. The nominations this year were very competitive, and all the winners are highly deserving of their respective awards,” said Saft, along with other Central Florida winners, will be honored at a private reception hosted by Eunice Choi, regional director of the Small Business Development Center on May 19, 2015, at the Citrus Club.
