Keeping the Sun Out and the Rain Off Generates Rapid Shade Business Growth

The economic downturn may well effect a lot of businesses, but as long as the building of new, refitted, or renovated structures goes on (and especially with renovation now in a boom market) there will be a thriving demand for shades. Walkways, hotels, restaurants, office and apartment buildings, shopping malls, resorts, and car dealerships, car washes, and car parks all need this amenity to provide customers and potential customers a positive experience. With championship golfer Greg Norman at the helm of this profitable franchise enterprise, SKYshades is destined to be a winner in the world of construction industry franchise opportunities.

Peter Casey, Financial Consultant

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SKYShades Franchisee Nears $1 Million in 2009 Sales with Latest Shade Structure Deal



March 24, 2009 - Longwood, Fla – Even in tough economic times the tension-membrane shade structure industry continues to boom as SKYShades’ Southwest Florida franchisee nears $1 million in sales for 2009 with its latest contract at the Sarasota Yacht Club.

Working alongside a team of architects and designers, Dale Campion, Naples-based franchise owner of SKYShades of Southwest Florida, secured the contract to build numerous shades, including a barrel roof structure, covered walkway, cabanas and a 5,000 square foot sail shade structure on the club property. The 22,000 square foot building, designed by DSDG Inc. of Sarasota, will incorporate high standards for energy efficiency and utilize sustainable resources and building materials.

“Using SKYShades was a perfect fit for the project because of its utilitarian structure and aesthetic appeal,” said Thomas C. Denslow, A.I.A. of DSDG Inc., lead architect of the project. “I love the look of the fabric roofs, and with the large sail structure echoing the yachts in the harbor, it all comes together.”

After three successful years of operation in the U.S. – in which the leading tension membrane shade company generated $2 million in revenue in 2006 alone operating from its Orlando headquarters – SKYShades announced plans in mid-2007 to expand its reach across North America, gaining eight franchises in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.

“SKYShades franchisees are each supported with the skills and expertise of the very best in the business, which one couldn’t have access to anywhere else,” said Joe McKenna, executive vice president of SKYShades. “The SKYShades structures incorporated into the Sarasota Yacht Club plan were designed through a joint effort from our engineers, our franchisee, and all of the architect partners involved.”

About SKYShades

Founded in Australia and recognized as a world leader in creating tension-membrane shade fabric structures, Longwood, Florida-based SKYShades is using cutting-edge technology to reduce sun exposure and develop clean green energy sources. The company is the first in its industry to offer franchise opportunities, and through a partnership with Konarka Technologies is incorporating thin film solar energy cells into its shade structures. SKYShades’ visually attractive structures create an identity and offer an attractive and less expensive alternative to brick and mortar shading in applications from resorts, playgrounds and schools to malls and recreation spaces. For more information, visit www.skyshades.com.