Our customers will enjoy working with one of the most diverse and talented teams in the drapery and custom window treatments industry. Some team members have been recognized for their accomplishments in local and national publications for their award-winning designs. Our work on a variety of single family homes and large commercial projects can be found in Santa Barbara Magazine, Ventana Magazine, Window Covering News, and Draperies & Window Covering Magazines. Contact us today!
Our Team in California
John Edwards / Principal
John has been in the window covering and window industry for over 25 years and has a unique background as it relates to energy and glass. He has written a series of articles on the topic of fenestration that have been published in several trade journals and contributed to a number of training projects where energy and heat gain / loss are being considered. He has consulted to Architects, Building Engineers, various utility companies, and developed a training program for the Department of Energy. An Arizona native, John was Chairman of the Arizona Energy Management Council for three years and was President of a shading consulting and manufacturing company in Arizona. John also served as Vice President of a national window treatment manufacturer in California, which supplied national chains in every state of the country. John now resides in Ojai with his wife and children and serves on a committee with the Consortium for Energy Efficiency. He has certifications from the Building Performance Institute, Lutron, MechoShade, , Somfy Systems, and others.
Russ Elinson / Principal
Russ is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration (BBA). He has nearly 20 years of experience in the window treatment industry, working his way up to Vice President of one of the largest window treatment manufacturers in the Western States. In his role as V.P., Russ managed a national sales team, marketing and operations, and was personally responsible for developing the company’s motorization / automation programs. He also supervised the manufacturing of complex government and commercial window treatment projects that were installed all across the country. His prior work on the manufacturing side of the window treatment industry provides Russ with a keen understanding of the mechanics and details required to successfully complete residential and commercial automated projects. He is involved in the design and management of nearly all of Arjay’s commercial and automated projects. Russ has certifications in Somfy, Lutron, Qmotion, and MechoShade systems. Russ resides in Agoura Hills, CA, with his wife and sons.
Donna Buice / Vice President
Donna is a former owner and co-founder of the company. She supervises day-to-day operations that include the supervision of office staff for California and Arizona. In addition, Donna oversees the company’s Human Resources, Accounting, Contracts, and Costco operations. Donna earned a Master of Arts Degree in Global Leadership (MAGL) from Fuller Theological Seminary. Her extensive background with Arjay’s and her leadership development training make her an integral part of the management team. Donna is also a talented interior designer and shares her own insights on color, trends, and ideas. She is a published author and an avid reader and writer. When able, Donna devotes her spare time to working on national and international humanitarian projects and enjoys spending time with her family. Donna currently resides in Simi Valley, CA.
Frank Tafuri
Frank has been in the window covering industry for over 17 years and is Arjay’s lead field technician in California. He is a project manager and installation supervisor with experience in all types of motorization and automation. Frank can install shutters, drapery, blinds, shades, and retractable awnings. He is involved in designing and installing both residential and commercial window covering projects and is certified in Lutron, MechoShade, and Somfy Systems. Frank has not only supervised, but has personally installed, some of the largest motorized shade projects in Southern California and routinely works with building automation integrators to connect our motorized window treatments to systems such as Crestron, Lutron, Control4, AMX, Vantage, Savant, and others. In addition to his technical acumen, Frank can install and hand-dress elaborate drapery and top treatments. Frank lives in Moorpark with his wife and two daughters.
Evelyne Saul
Evelyne is a Certified Interior Designer. She has extensive training, which included a four-year program where she specialized in color theory and interned with a number of high-profile design firms working with computer aided drafting, lighting, and space planning. She enjoys using her considerable imagination to design beautiful treatments that are also functional in everyday use by her clients. She also takes pride in staying involved with all aspects of a project from conception to completion – and seeing her designs improve the living spaces where they were applied.
Larry Mesa
Larry is our Drapery Project Manager and Supervisor. Formally a drapery workroom owner, Larry brings his years of high-end installation and design expertise to Arjay’s Window Fashions, which makes him a talented and valuable member to the Arjay’s Design Team. Larry has extensive training and experience in window treatment motorization. He has earned motorized window treatment certificates from Somfy, Lutron, and MechoShade. Outside of work, Larry lives in Ventura County with his wife and son. They have four children and two grandchildren.
Lorelei Korn
Lorelei studied Architecture, Interior Design and Fine Arts at the Otis Parsons School of Design. She is also the former co-owner of a construction and design company that built, remodeled, and designed both residential & commercial projects. She made the career shift five years ago to the home decor industry. Lorelei enjoys problem solving and creativity where she can apply her expertise and design skills to help her clients realize their visions. In her spare time, Lorelei enjoys a number of athletic activities and spending time with her daughter.
George Victoria
George has been with Arjay’s Window Fashions for over 14 years and his responsibilities include warranty and warehouse management. He examines and assures the overall product quality for our clients and consistently engages in continued product education through seminars and workshops. He resides in Oxnard, CA, with his wife and two dogs.
Todd Sangster
Todd Sangster is a veteran window treatment specialist and has served clients in Nashville and Southern California since 2007. Prior to owning his own window treatment company, Todd worked as a CPA and CFO in various capacities since 1986. In his free time, Todd enjoys surfing, biking, and spending time outdoors with his wife and 3 grown children.
Danny Sanchez
Danny has over 35 years of construction experience. With 27 years spent in the carpenter’s union, and the past 9 years specializing in motorized window treatments, you can be rest assured that your installation is in good hands. Danny’s value to the Arjay’s Installation Team doesn’t stop at technical skill! He holds an extremely high standard of work and ethic, and takes pride in every single one of his projects. Outside of work, he loves to vacation with his wife in Peru and Miami Beach, but always come back to their home in Canoga Park, CA.
Steve Crownover
Steve has more than 15 years of window treatment experience and 10 years of construction experience. His prior experience as a business owner and licensed contractor contributes to his vast understanding of window treatment products and how to install them. Steve’s vast knowledge in the industry and interest in helping clients understand which window products make best sense for their particular situation. Steve loves the ocean and sailing and camping or fishing with his family. He has four children, two who are currently in the armed services. Steve and his family make their home in Ventura, CA.
Ben Boyko
Ben has been a field technician for eight years specializing in custom shading, motorization, exterior shades and awnings for both commercial and residential projects. Ben is also a licensed contractor who has worked throughout Ventura and Los Angeles counties. His knowledge and experience make him a key part of the Arjay’s Installation team. Ben holds certifications from Somfy and Lutron; and continues to keep current with the latest technology and innovations. He and his son live in Ventura County.
Our Team in Arizona
Angela Saks
Angela Saks studied Interior Architecture & Design at UCLA and is accredited through the National Council for Interior Design Qualification [NCIDQ]. Angela is a commercial & residential window covering professional with 15 years’ experience. While working with various firms designing commercial & residential spaces she also examined; space planning, lighting design, cabinetry and furniture selection & layout. She also has experience preparing CAD drawings for her clients. Angela joined the Arjay’s Team in 2013 after taking some time off to be a stay at home mom, and she delights in utilizing her skills once again and working with clients to create functional and beautiful homes & commercial buildings. Angela lives in Ventura with her two beautiful children, her husband, and a pug dog named Donut.
Lorrie Waldron
Lorrie holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of St. Thomas. This academic background gives him a thoughtful approach in planning your design to incorporate budget, design, and function. Lorrie also is able to work closely with the Arjay’s Installation Team thanks to over 35 years in commercial construction. Outside of work, he and his wife enjoy visiting their sons in San Diego, CA, and enjoy hiking, traveling, and babysitting their grand dog Libby.
Debbie Wescott
Debbie has a background in retail management and merchandising as well as home décor and design. Her creative talent and window treatment knowledge, along with her passion for meeting the needs of each of our clients makes her an integral part of the Arjay’s Design Team. Debbie’s interests include blogging, spending time with her family, and serving others with church leadership.
Jenny Tucker
Jenny has an impressive background in the window treatment industry and is an extremely valuable member of the Arjay’s Window Fashions team. She currently utilizes her background in business to provide exceptional service to our clients in Arizona, as the Arizona Territory Manager. Jenny has a unique understanding of both interior and exterior window coverings and provides excellent product options that will perfectly balance budget, aesthetic, and function. Outside of work she enjoys traveling and spending time with her children and grandchildren!
Tonya Rasmussen
Tonya has worked in the interior design industry for over 18 years. She is an expert in custom drapery and has a careful eye for blending beautiful aesthetic and function, all while considering the client’s budget. When working with Tonya, you will enjoy her dedication to your design and prompt customer service. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, teaching and painting art, and staying active at her children’s school.
Scott Jacobson
Scott is an accomplished interior designer. Before he joined the Arjay’s Design Team, Scott owned an interior design business in Los Angeles, California where he developed a deep understanding of all window treatment types and how their design and function could be leveraged to create a truly beautiful home-living space. His great customer service has earned him many word-of-mouth referrals and happy clients and he is an extremely valuable member of the team here in Arizona. Outside of work, Scott enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and good food. He is a husband of 34 years and has two grown sons.
Marcus Tucker
Marcus grew up working for his family’s landscaping company and previously owned his own mobile detailing business in California and Arizona. Marcus has transferred his detailing expertise and work ethic into his new profession as a window treatment installer. Marcus has become an integral part of the team and we receive many positive comments from customers about his attention to detail and pleasant demeanor. Marcus enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his daughter.
Anthony O’Connell
Anthony is Arjay’s Installation and Quality Manager in Arizona. He has been in the window coverings industry for over 16 years. Previously, he handled thousands of installations for a major installation company and continuously achieved high customer service satisfaction scores. His experience includes installation of all types of window treatments, including shutters, draperies, blinds, shades, and motorized products. Anthony maintains his certifications on a number of different window products . He enjoys road trips on his motorcycle, camping, riding his ATV, and target shooting. Anthony lives in Maricopa, AZ, with his wife, two dogs and two cats.
Trevor Newport
Trevor has 8 years of experience in the window treatment industry and is one of Arjay’s installation technicians who specializes in motorization. His previous experience in the manufacturing of blinds, shades, and shutters has given him a distinct advantage as an installer. He continually strives to improve his product knowledge to satisfy clients. His attention to detail makes him an essential part of Arjay’s Installation team. Trevor is ACE certified and is an experienced welder. He lives in Phoenix with his wife and new son.
