Tuesday, July 30, 2013

What's in a name?

Last week millions watched as Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, introduced their firstborn son, George, to a waiting world. In a day and age when celebrities choose to name their children everything from Cocoa, Apple, and North, the traditional name George stands out as a one that goes against the grain of the ever-changing fads of fame. In naming their son George, William and Kate chose a name that communicates legacy, tradition, and stability.

What's in a name? A lot actually. Names are more than a calling card. They communicate personality, character, and conviction. This reality should cause us to pause and consider, not only the names of people, but the names of the businesses, companies, and organizations we encounter on a daily basis.

What does the name Phantom Screens communicate? What are the values that undergird the Phantom name and product, and therefore Midwest Screens?

To Speak the Truth
We believe every person has intrinsic worth, potential and value which can be expressed through genuine relationships. Relationships rely on trust and in turn, trust is only created if the truth is spoken, and what needs to be said, is said. This value challenges us to have commitment to truth and to deliver what we promise. It is not an expression of a particular religious belief, or a basis for exclusion. Rather, it is a mandate for inclusion and a constant reminder for us to think and do the right thing in the right way and requires mutual accountability. We strive for a corporate culture wherein all decision-making is surrounded by honesty, integrity and morality.
     
To Serve our People
We believe that every person - regardless of personal beliefs or differences - has been created in the image and likeness of God. Phantom strives to ensure our corporate culture fosters a spirit of satisfaction, mutual respect and recognition. Phantom believes in not only empowering people, but also enabling them to succeed. By giving people the tools and training to develop, we increase their productivity and earnings, and enhance the dignity, self-respect and worth of each individual. It provides the basis for our belief in servant leadership. Our people's personal lives are important and not to be ignored. We will strive to be a faith friendly company.
     
To Pursue Excellence
We continually seek better methods of delivering service and believe that every time we touch a customer's life, we should provide added value for that customer. Pursuing excellence means that we must know our customers, understand their needs and expectations, regularly listen to them and adjust our processes and procedures to more effectively serve them.
      
To Practice Stewardship
We believe stewardship is an attitude of caring past ourselves. Being responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us to achieve economic success, gives us the ability to positively affect the lives of all of our stakeholders being our people, our customers and our shareholders. We understand our social responsibility to help our surrounding community and world. Since profit is merely the applause for doing the right things in the right way, we have an obligation to give back. This will be not only in financial means but in our time and efforts as well.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Chicagoland real estate market is recovering

There's good news for Chicagoland homeowners, builders, and designers; foreclosures and short sales are down and home values are on the rise! According to a recent report, produced by Midwest Real Estate Data LLC, in the first six months of 2013, the Chicago-area real estate market finally began to recover effectively.

This is good news for everyone - allowing sellers, buyers, builders, and designers to capitalize on the attractive homes and lifestyle of the Midwest.

For more information on the market's recovery, click here.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Midwest Screens featured on Houzz


Midwest Screens, LLC is proud to now be featured on Houzz!

"Houzz is the leading online platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish - online or from a mobile device. From decorating a room to building a custom home, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community powered by social tools, Houzz is the easiest way for people to get the design inspiration, project advice, product information and professional reviews they need to help turn ideas into reality."

We are thrilled to be part of a quality, online community that provides exceptional service for professionals, homeowners, and designers. Browse our Houzz page, and then go find everything you need for your home design and remodeling projects.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

How do I add value to my home?

Owning a house is more than owning a place to call home. It's an investment. Every discretionary homeowner wants to see the value of their property increase, bringing with it financial security or potential stability. From new paint to a new roof, adding a sunroom, or remodeling the kitchen, homeowners can increase the value and curb appeal of their home.

One highly effect way of adding value to your house is to have Phantom Screens installed on your doors, windows, and large outdoor living openings. Phantom Screens give your house the comfort and dependability of fixed screens without the unwanted hassle and eye sore fixed screens inevitably bring. Because Phantom Screens blend seamlessly with the frame of your doors and windows, retracting out of sight when not in use, they add to your home's comfort, beauty, and value. With this in mind, you could say Phantom Screens aren't just a valuable commodity, they're a necessity.


For more helpful ideas on how to increase the value of your home, visit HGTV.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Keep cool this summer

Keeping cool during Midwest summers can be a challenge. Thankfully, there are a number of easy-to-implement, green steps that can help you stay cool as the temperatures rise.

Sustainable Baby Steps has a detailed list of cooling tips for both indoor and outdoor living (we especially liked the awning and screen suggestions). Visit their site to see how you can begin to live greener and cooler, then let us help you implement their tips with Phantom Retractable Screens and Sunesta Awnings!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Chicago suburbs claim 7 of 10 best Illinois towns

According to a recent article at Nerd Wallet, the Chicago suburbs can boast they hold 7 out of the 10 best towns in Illinois for young families. The findings were based on three questions:
  1. Does the town have good public schools?
  2. Can you afford to live there? 
  3. Is the town growing and prospering? 
With two towns near St. Louis and one in central Illinois, the Chicago area dominated the rankings, claiming spots #4-10.

This is just one more reason we are proud to serve Chicagoland families, bringing quality service and functionality to their homes.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Is a Sunesta Retractable Awning right for my home?


Sunesta Retractable awnings enable you to enjoy shade or sun on demand. Extend your awning when you need sun protection and keep it retracted when not in use or during inclement weather. Unlike a fixed-frame awning, retractable awnings require minimal maintenance. You will not need to constantly remove and re-install your awning with the changing seasons.  
 
Sunesta Awnings are more durable, shade larger areas, and are custom designed according to the unique features of your home. While standard umbrellas are very susceptible to strong winds, which can damage them easily, Sunesta Awnings are designed to withstand winds up to 30 mph and can be retracted when the wind is strong.
 
Visit our website, or call our office at 847.557.5015 to schedule a complimentary in-home estimate.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Midwest Screens provides Sunesta Retractable Awnings


As our valued customers know, Midwest Screens takes pride in providing the very best in retractable screening solutions for homeowners in the Chicagoland area. Did you also know that Midwest Screens is a leading provider for Sunesta Retractable awnings, bringing shade and relief from the sun to outdoor living areas?

Sunesta Awnings
Patio awnings are Sunesta’s flagship product line and are designed to fit your specific style, budget, and need. Each product offers a variety of fabric colors, styles, frame colors, control options, and accessories to meet your décor and shading requirements.






Sunesta Shelters
Providing sun protection to existing structures, such as sunrooms, pergolas, and skylights, Sunesta Shelters are uniquely designed to provide you with the shade you need when you need it most. Sunesta Shelters are custom made to fit the needs of you and your home.




To better serve our customers, we have created a website dedicated solely to providing discerning homeowners with product information and support for Sunesta Retractable Awnings. Visit the Chicagoland Retractable Awnings website to learn how we can provide you with the shade you need for the home you love.