The Shutterman has gone from strength to strength
By Muiris O’Gairbheith
DURING the recession and the bad old days of 2009, construction was the first type of work to dry up, destroying the industry and leaving thousands out of a job.
Tallaght carpenter Keith Brennan looked at the bleak terrain and decided to pivot to where he could still use his specific skills – moving fulltime into the shutters and blinds business.
Keith Brennan from The Shutterman
“My background is carpentry and when the recession began, work dried up and I had to look at other ways to use my skills, I had to earn a living,” said Keith.
“My friend owns a blind manufacturer and started seeing a rise in requests regarding shutters. So he suggested moving into that role as carpentry experience would really benefit with regard to fitting shutters, so that’s what I did and have kept going at it.”
Keith started his own business The Shutterman in 2009, and it has gone from strength to strength, albeit Covid has taken a toll on everything these days.
“There is just myself working away at The Shutterman as work is quite detailed,” said Keith.
“I have my own level of customer service and finish that I stand by and feel rightly or wrongly that another employee might not reach. Also, it helps that it is me from start to finish that the customer deals with and therefore there is a level of trust achieved that I feel other companies lack.”
The company supplies and fits shutters, blinds and awnings – mainly outdoor awning applications that offer protection from the unpredictable Irish weather.
“Challenges have been other companies undercutting prices, but I believe the discerning customer will always look at the complete package not only regarding value for money, but also quality, customer interaction and recommendation.”
Covid has presented particular challenges chiefly customers worrying about call outs to the home, but Keith assures that every precaution is taken namely facemasks and antibacterial handwash.
Looking ahead after the economy hopefully settles down, Keith wants to make The Shutterman a “go to brand” for people in Dublin and surrounding counties and also for the awning area of the business to develop over the next year or so.
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