Launch Your Career with WCAA
When Tracie Bresnahan first heard about the Window Coverings Association of America, she had no idea that fifteen years later she would be the president of the Association.
In early 2003, when she started her business, Custom Creations, Tracie was looking for a place to network with people in the window coverings industry. Access to resources and educational opportunities were important. When she heard about WCAA — and the $165 membership fee — she was sold on the idea.
“It felt like before, I was an at-home, do-it-yourself business. But, WCAA helped me launch my business into a professional career and I was able to start networking with professional people,” she said.
Almost instantly, she felt the benefits from the Association.
National Lunch & Learns gave her a chance to gain important educational opportunities — and the recordings helped Tracie fit the programming into her schedule when she couldn’t make the live broadcasts.
On top of that, she began seeing returns from the Industry Partner discounts offered through WCAA.
“It’s so funny to me to hear people say that $165 is a lot. If your sales are in the mid to upper $200,000s a year, your savings are going to be in the thousands. You have educational opportunities and all the other things that you can glean from WCAA: it’s a no-brainer!”
But it’s not just discounts Tracie receives from WCAA’s Industry Partners.
She’s established relationships with them; relationships that come in handy when she’s working on a time crunch.
“I was working on a motorized Roman Shade and United Supply Company supplied me with a motor set-up. It didn’t work for my project, but they were quick to get me all the new stuff I needed to suit my deadline and my client’s deadline,” she said. “Had I not had a relationship with that IP and my rep, that would’ve never happened. I wouldn’t have met my deadline. It makes a huge difference when you’re doing a really big project.”
Located in Cartersville, Georgia, Tracie decided to join the local WCAA Atlanta Chapter to supplement her National Membership.
To this day, it’s from her chapter that she gets tons of added value from her membership. She’s able to learn from other local members and connect with local suppliers — whether they’re Industry Partners, or not.
Her local chapter is where she met her business coach, who has pushed Custom Creations to the next level. These connections have made a huge difference in her business and without WCAA, it might not have been possible.
Still on the fence? Tracie has this to say if you’re considering joining the WCAA:
“Networking with other people inside your industry is invaluable as well as the educational opportunities and industry resources to support your business.”
Don’t delay – renew your membership or join WCAA today and take advantage of these incredible education and networking opportunities.
WCAA – where you’re never in business alone!
About Tracie
Tracie Bresnahan, WCAA National’s Board President, holds a Bachelor's degree in Apparel Engineering and a Master's degree in Quality Assurance Technology from Southern Polytechnic State University. She worked in the apparel and the consumer products industries for 12 years.
Tracie opened Custom Creations in 1996, fabricating custom window treatments and accessories . With her engineering background she has built a business specializing in one of a kind and challenging design solutions for clients; such as custom cornice boards, headboards, ottomans, draperies, valances, bedding, pillows, etc.
Tracie's work has been seen in publications such as Southern Living, Jezebel, Better Homes and Gardens and Kid's Rooms. Collaborating with her on some of her projects is her husband Brian, who has a degree in Architectural Engineering. He is a huge asset in designing and building custom projects with her for clients.