CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Ask a local why they choose to live in Southern Utah, and most will say it’s because they love being outside. However, many houses in the area are designed with the outdoor living space as an afterthought. The Awning Company transforms ordinary backyards into comfortable, functional and aesthetically pleasing extensions of the home.
Owner Collins Stuart has been building patio covers in St. George and surrounding areas for almost 30 years. He started The Awning Company 12 years ago and initially built a reputation for creating custom, high-end patio covers. As the business grew, he expanded into full-service shade products to suit any home with an emphasis on superior quality and workmanship.
Everyone at The Awning Company, from the management team to the installers, is driven toward a common goal: making the customer happy no matter what. Stuart and his team refuse to settle for an end result that’s anything less than exceptional.
“That’s been my business philosophy from the very beginning,” he said. “That’s not to say we don’t make mistakes or encounter difficult circumstances, but I’ve never, ever come across anyone else willing to go to the lengths that we are to make sure we exceed every customer’s expectations.”
And the community has spoken, with Best of Southern Utah voters awarding The Awning Company a gold ribbon for awning company in this year’s contest.
Other companies cut corners to lower their expenses and frequently market entry-level awnings as premium, Stuart said. The products look virtually identical to the average customer, but the difference is obvious over time.
The Awning Company only uses aluminum products that have been painted with both primer and color to minimize fading. Even after five or more years beneath the blazing Southwestern sun, they still look brand new. There are plenty of cheaper materials available, but he refuses to buy them because putting customer satisfaction first starts with not sacrificing product quality.
If a customer is chasing the cheapest price, Stuart said they’re not placing value on function and durability. The Awning Company sells louvered awnings with 6-inch blades, which allow much more light to filter through than the 4-inch blades offered by most competitors. They also use a heavy extruded aluminum support frame and gutter system.
“It’s little things like that, from the beginning of the awning to the end, that I do which are different from anybody else,” he added. “To me, it’s about upholding a standard.”
Every customer meets with their installer and sales rep to run through a pre-construction checklist. From the first to the last screw, this helps illustrate the build to make sure they feel comfortable with the entire process and can openly discuss their expectations and questions. There’s also a similar checklist after the project is done.
“We take the time to do them because it’s important to us to give a five-star experience,” said Davin Stuart, a salesman and part of the management team. “There’s no better way to show the customer they’re the priority than that checklist.”
Thoughtfully designed patio covers invite homeowners and their guests to spend just as much time outside as inside. Customers often marvel at how much more comfortable and appealing their backyard has become – even before the installation is complete.
“People discover a new side of their house that they’ve never been able to use before,” construction manager Jonathan Salinas said.
Patio covers are only one piece of the puzzle, however. Stuart created Outdoor Living in 2015 to provide a “total package” experience to his awning customers, many of whom told him they had to travel outside of St. George to buy quality products. The store carries premium patio furniture and accessories designed to enhance any backyard and help homeowners look at their exterior spaces in a new light.
Outdoor Living offers a selection of top brands including Castelle, Brown Jordan, Woodard, Mallin, Lane Venture, Ratana, Jensen Leisure and many more. Customers can design the patio of their dreams with furnishings from a single product line or several different collections, adjusting the colors and details to suit their unique style.
Owing to his installation background, Stuart understands the process and the products from every angle. From knowledgeable salespeople and quality products to highly trained installers and industry-leading warranties, he has built The Awning Company to stand head and shoulders above the competition.
Call 435-922-5472 or visit TheAwningCo.com to schedule your free estimate.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
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- The Awning Company | Address: 735 S. Bluff St., St. George | Telephone: 435-922-5472 | Website.
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