In the world of interior design and architectural planning, the right shading system does more than just block the sun; it controls ambient lighting, enhances energy efficiency, elevates privacy, and serves as a fundamental design element for both residential homes and commercial spaces. Achieving the perfect balance between style and functionality requires deep industry insight and a meticulous eye for detail.
On our blog, we aim to provide you with expert advice, design inspiration, and technical guidance to help you transform your spaces. Leading this educational mission is our Sales Director, Eric Auffant, a seasoned industry professional whose extensive background across every tier of the window coverings market brings invaluable depth to our team and our clients.
Hands-On Growth in the Shading Trade
While many professionals in the modern corporate world rely heavily on formal, institutionalized academic certifications, real-world mastery in specialized craftsmanship is often forged through direct, practical exposure. Eric Auffant frequently shares a straightforward perspective when asked about his formal schooling, noting that he doesn't have an academic background worth highlighting. Instead, he proudly explains to clients, partners, and colleagues alike that he truly learned the complexities of the trade straight from "the streets."
This practical, hands-on path has provided him with a comprehensive, tactile understanding of the window treatments market that cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom setting. Rather than studying abstract design theories or standardized business administration formulas on a whiteboard, Eric developed his skills directly on active job sites, in consultation rooms, and on the production floor. This foundational background ensures that every sales strategy he outlines and every recommendation he provides to our trade partners is grounded in functional reality, mechanical viability, and decades of firsthand problem-solving.
A Career Built From the Ground Up
Eric’s professional journey spans an impressive 26 years within the highly competitive window coverings industry. His career profile serves as a textbook example of organic progression and comprehensive operational mastery. He did not simply step into a high-level executive or sales role; rather, he systematically worked his way through every critical touchpoint of the business cycle, developing a deep appreciation for the unique challenges faced at each stage of a project.
He began his career on the front lines as an installer, acquiring a precise understanding of the physical, structural, and mechanical realities involved in mounting diverse shading systems. Working as an installer taught him how different materials react to varied architectural conditions, how structural framing affects hardware security, and what it takes to ensure a product operates flawlessly over a long lifespan.
Transitioning from the physical installation process, Eric expanded his reach into client relations as a design and product consultant. In this capacity, he mastered the art of translating a client's creative aesthetic goals and practical environmental needs into functional, cohesive hardware specifications.
His natural ability to connect with clients, combined with his deep technical knowledge, paved the way for his transition into dedicated sales roles, where he excelled at managing complex accounts and coordinating large-scale installations. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to deliver service without compromise, Eric eventually advanced to owning and operating his own window covering business.
This diverse path — moving from installer to consultant, into sales management, and ultimately running an independent enterprise — has given him a complete, 360-degree understanding of the industry. He approaches his work not just as a sales representative, but with the comprehensive perspective of an experienced business operator and craftsman.
Leading National Sales and Driving Project Excellence
In his current role as the Sales Director at Modern Shade, Eric spearheads the company’s client outreach, commercial partnerships, and account management strategies. He acts as a critical bridge between our advanced manufacturing capabilities and the diverse needs of our professional network, working directly alongside custom builders, architects, interior designers, and home automation integrators from initial concept to final project completion. Eric is responsible for guiding trade partners through the complex selection process, ensuring that the specified window treatments and exterior structures align perfectly with structural requirements, local building codes, and luxury design standards.
A significant highlight of Eric's current work and broader career footprint is his extensive national reach. Over his nearly three decades in the industry, he has successfully sold and installed window coverings in over a dozen states across the United States. This multi-state experience has exposed him to a wide array of regional architectural styles, diverse climate demands, and varying structural regulations.
Whether navigating the unique sun-exposure and heat-mitigation challenges of southwestern desert properties or addressing the distinct insulation and wind-load needs of other regions, Eric leverages a vast geographic track record to ensure every project succeeds, regardless of location.
Master of Interior Window Treatments and Exterior Shading Solutions
Eric’s core professional specializations sit at the intersection of architectural functionality and luxury design. His primary areas of expertise encompass the full spectrum of high-end window coverings and advanced outdoor shade structures. Having spent 26 years working closely with all of the market’s most popular, industry-leading brands, Eric possesses an exhaustive, encyclopedic knowledge of product lines, motorized hardware configurations, and fabric performance characteristics.
His interior expertise covers everything from premium manual draperies and custom blinds to highly sophisticated, automated interior shading systems. He specializes in integrating motorized window treatments into larger home automation ecosystems, ensuring that luxury window coverings operate seamlessly alongside lighting, climate control, and security systems.
On the exterior front, Eric is highly skilled in implementing advanced shade structures designed to optimize outdoor living spaces. His deep technical skill set allows him to identify potential installation challenges long before hardware arrives on-site, ensuring an effortless, precise fit down to the smallest fraction of an inch.
Family, Fellowship, and a Fondness for the Bench
Outside of his demanding professional responsibilities and his deep commitment to the growth of Modern Shade, Eric maintains a rich and fulfilling personal life centered around family and lighthearted personal interests. Above all else, Eric is a dedicated father. He has an amazing daughter whom he loves more than life itself, and spending quality time with her remains his absolute highest priority outside of the office. Balancing a busy professional schedule with active, present fatherhood provides him with a grounded perspective that influences his honest, relationship-first approach to business.
In addition to his family life, Eric has a few unique and entertaining characteristics that his friends and colleagues know well. Notably, he is a dedicated fan of courtroom television and makes it a personal rule to never miss an episode of Judge Judy. He frequently refers to Judge Judy herself as an absolute "national treasure," deeply appreciating her sharp wit, no-nonsense attitude, and direct, unfiltered approach to resolving conflicts — traits that, coincidentally, mirror Eric’s own straightforward, honest communication style in the professional world.
Experience the Modern Shade Difference
At Modern Shade, we operate as a luxury shading company built on a foundation of elite craftsmanship, deep industry experience, and a passion for turning outdoor and indoor spaces into year-round havens. Based in our expansive showroom in Scottsdale, Arizona, our team brings together a wealth of combined shading knowledge to serve our clients and trade partners with a white-glove, concierge-level experience.
We specialize in providing premier motorized and manual shading options for both interior and exterior applications, partnering directly with the world’s most acclaimed brands — including Lutron, Crestron, Somfy, Hartmann & Forbes, Hunter Douglas, Progressive Screens, and Renson Pergolas — to deliver uncompromised quality. Under the sales direction of Eric Auffant, we go above and beyond to make the window treatment selection straightforward, effortless, and perfectly tailored to your property's unique needs.
Are you ready to elevate your home or next building project with the finest custom shading solutions on the market? Contact our expert team at Modern Shade today to schedule a consultation, visit our Scottsdale showroom, or discuss your upcoming residential or commercial project.
