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Tom Rhodes: Covering the Bases

By Matt Solis, Editor

Tom Rhodes started working in the window covering industry as a favor to a friend, but it didn’t take long for him to realize he had found his professional forte. “In 2004, I started helping a friend who owns a company in the East Bay called Window-ology,” he recalls. “I learned the ropes by manufacturing window coverings for them. About a decade later, I moved to Mendocino County and started looking for a window covering company to work for, and that’s when I met Duane Vos [owner of Creative Window Fashions, Inc]. Initially, I came on board to handle his installations, but my role has expanded quite a bit since then.”

Today, as Creative Window Fashions’ general manager, Tom enjoys the variety and human connection his work offers. “My favorite part of the job is meeting different customers,” he says. “Everyone has their own story, so it’s rewarding to help people find solutions that fit their needs.”

A proud resident of Ukiah, Tom appreciates the contrast between city work and his home life. “I love living in a smaller town,” he affirms. “My commute home feels like a mini-vacation every day. I mostly work in Rohnert Park, which almost feels like the countryside compared to some of the bigger cities I visit, but nothing beats coming home to the quiet of Ukiah.”

As a single father of three children, Tom stays busy with a variety of family activities. “Most of my time with the kids is spent outdoors, as they’re all involved in sports,” he details. “When I’m not working, I’m usually taking them to practices and games. I also help coach my son’s basketball team, which I really enjoy.” 

When he’s not spending time with his kids, Tom makes room for personal hobbies like golfing, fishing, swimming and boating. “I also love to cook,” he adds. “I’m Italian and I grew up cooking with my Nonni, so I’ve always enjoyed being in the kitchen.”

In terms of a personal or professional philosophy, Tom believes in the importance of the Golden Rule. “I try to treat people the way I want to be treated,” he offers. “I’m also big on the environment, so I believe in leaving things better than they were when I found them.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What are your favorite sports teams?
A: The San Francisco 49ers and the Golden State Warriors.

Q: Are you a dog person or a cat person?
A: A dog person. We recently adopted a pit bull puppy.

Q: What’s your favorite type of food?
A: I love Asian food, whether it’s Japanese, Chinese or Vietnamese.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Crack the windows, eat a bowl of soup and just smell the rain. 

Q: If you were a pro athlete, what number would you wear on your jersey?
A: Seven. That’s our family number—two of my kids wear number seven on their teams as well.