Specialty Fabrics Review’s Cover Girl: Amy Huett, Owner and CFO of Liberty Awnings and Shades
In the Valley of the Sun, finding shade isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. But for Amy Huette, owner and CFO of Liberty Awnings and Shades, the journey to becoming Phoenix’s go-to shade expert started with a simple question from her father nearly 25 years ago: “Do you want to sell shade in the desert?”
Amy recently shared the story of Liberty’s growth and her top business tips with Specialty Fabrics Review. Here’s a look at the heart behind our company and why we do things differently to keep you cool.
A Family Legacy Built on Trust
While Liberty Awnings and Shades officially launched in Phoenix in 2001, our roots go back to 1979 when Amy’s father, Richard “Dick” Mahon, founded the original family business in Denver.
When Amy and her husband Frank moved to Phoenix just days after their honeymoon, they started small. Their first “office” was a rented condo, and Amy even conducted employee interviews in a storage shed. Since those early days, the mission has remained the same: providing sun protection that is built to last.
The Liberty Difference: Why In-House Matters
One of the biggest tips Amy shares for business success is “carving out a niche.” For us, that means keeping everything under one roof.
While many companies outsource their manufacturing or installation, we sell, manufacture, and install our own products.
- Quality Control: Because we make our awnings and shades in-house, we control every stitch and weld.
- Speed: Doing everything ourselves allows for significantly faster lead times.
- Customization: Arizona homes are unique. Whether it’s a custom bracket for a stucco wall or a complex angle on a backyard patio, our in-house team can design a solution that fits perfectly.
Listening to the Numbers and the Customers
Amy lives by a piece of advice from her father: “What gets measured can get changed.” By constantly looking at what our customers need, we’ve learned to pivot.
For example, when the team first arrived in Phoenix, they expected retractable awnings to be the top seller. However, they quickly realized that drop shades were what Valley homeowners truly needed to block that intense afternoon sun. Being nimble and responsive to the local market is why we continue to thrive.
Taking Care of the Team (And You!)
Today, Liberty Awnings and Shades employs 35 local specialists, from sewing room experts to professional installers. Many of our team members have been with us for over 10 or 20 years.
“We have an amazing workforce,” Amy says. By taking care of our employees, we ensure that they take world-class care of you. Whether it’s a massive commercial project like our recent work at The Wigwam Resort or a single window shade for your home, that expertise shines through in every installation.
Looking Toward the Future
From our “Choice of Vampires” commercials to investing in the latest Autometrix cutting technology, Liberty is always looking for ways to innovate. But at the end of the day, we are a family business proud to help our neighbors enjoy their outdoor spaces again.
As Amy puts it, “I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
Ready to beat the heat with a team that cares? Contact us today for a free estimate!
Original Article by Darcy Maulsby. Cover photograph by Matt Young Photography.