Most people think about slowing down as they approach their golden years, but not Steve Williams. At 80 years young, he’s proving that age is just a number by continuing to grow Shades to Shutters, the thriving business he started two years ago, and offering unparalleled personal service to his customers.
His passion for design and helping others transform their homes inspired him to launch Shades to Shutters, a business that provides customized window treatments with a focus on quality and care. His energy and enthusiasm are evident in every aspect of the company, from the initial consultation to the final installation.
At an age when most are ready to relax, Williams is proving that ambition knows no expiration date. On his 80th birthday, he and his wife, Diane, celebrated the grand opening of their business’s new location in Syracuse, Indiana. It was a milestone moment, marking a fresh chapter in Williams’ lifelong journey of hard work, dedication and service to his community.
While the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked an exciting milestone for Shades to Shutters, it wasn’t the true beginning of their journey. In fact, the business had been operating successfully for a year before the grand opening of its official location. The event symbolized not just the start of a storefront, but also the culmination of a year of hard work, dedication and growth in the community.
Launched in March 2023, Shades to Shutters specializes in custom window treatments, including blinds, shades, plantation shutters and motorized exterior awnings. Williams has also expanded his offerings to include garage door screen installation, helping homeowners transform garages into functional spaces for entertainment, work or relaxation.
“Garage door screens are often overlooked, but they can make a huge difference in a home’s usability and curb appeal,” Williams explained. “Whether it’s for storage or creating an inviting space, a quality garage door screen can do wonders.”
With a showroom located at the front of Arrow Electric, the family business Williams founded decades ago, the new venture has quickly grown into a community favorite.
Williams’ career began in 1963 as an electrician working alongside his father. Over the years he built homes, apartments, and even iconic restaurants like Shoney’s and Applebee’s across the Midwest and the South. A natural entrepreneur, he pivoted to Shades to Shutters after noticing a need for personalized and affordable window treatment services.
“After retiring from electrical work and construction, I realized I wasn’t ready to slow down,” Williams said. “This business started as a way to stay busy, but it’s become so much more. Every week brings new clients, new challenges and new friendships.”
With Diane as administrative assistant, and Kirk Altimus and Jim Gibson handling installations, Shades to Shutters offers everything from interior blinds to motorized exterior screens. “We keep it simple; give people great value, treat them right, and they’ll keep coming back,” Williams explained.
Williams prides himself on delivering high-quality products at fair prices, ensuring clients receive the same level of care regardless of their budget. “Whether it’s a millionaire from Chicago or a local homeowner in Kosciusko County, they get the same price and the same attention,” he said. “That’s how you build trust.”
He also credits much of his success to word-of-mouth referrals. “I don’t spend much on advertising,” Williams said. “Our customers are our best promoters. They know we’ll take care of them.”
Sandy Speicher, one of Williams’ clients in Indianapolis, shared her experience.
“Steve Williams does all the blinds and shades for me as well as my clients here in the Indianapolis area,” Speicher said. “The quality of his products is the best. Also, he is so accurate with his measurements and his installations are flawless. His customer service skills and communication are great, and that is so important to me with my clients. He’s great in making sure the customer understands his plan, with all the different window configurations. I would highly recommend him to anyone interested in his services with his blinds and shades.”
“I’ve known Steve Williams since childhood,” says Ann Cavender, a Shades to Shutters customer. “I’m remodeling my home on Pappakeechie Lake, and adding an addition on the lake side with many windows and sliding doors. I chose Steve because I knew him personally and his work ethic. He had a wide variety of products and knew what was available on the market, and I trusted him to help guide me through the process. Steve again was very easy to work with. I’m extremely happy with my new blinds.”
Beyond business, Steve and Diane have created a legacy rooted in family and community. Together they raised five children. Their son, Steve, helped start Arrow Electric, and his son has joined the family business, representing a fourth generation at Arrow Electric.
Williams’ connection to Syracuse runs deep. A graduate of Syracuse High School, he spent his childhood summers on Lake Wawasee before his family made the area their permanent home. Today, Shades to Shutters serves clients from Syracuse to Noblesville, as well as travelers and lakefront property owners from Chicago.
Williams shows no signs of slowing down. His vision for Shades to Shutters includes expanding services while maintaining the personal touch that has defined his career. With a growing team and a commitment to excellence, he continues to prove that success is as much about building relationships as it is about business.
“I’ve worked my whole life,” Williams reflected. “This business is the next chapter, and it’s turning out to be a pretty good one. The best part is I’ve made some great friends along the way.”
For more information about Shades to Shutters, visit the showroom at 1101 South Huntington Street, Suite 1 in Syracuse, or call Williams at 574-527-2403.
