Interview with Shane Lewis, store manager
How did you get involved in this business?
When I first moved to the Denver area, Guiry’s was recommended by friends and family as a good fit for my skill set. I was looking for work at a family-owned company. I’ve always found it more fulfilling to work for a company where the owners know the employees’ names and care about the individual employee.
What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
What immediately sets us apart are the premium products we sell and know we can stand behind, such as Benjamin Moore, Hunter Douglas and numerous fine art supplies. We also offer specialty services such as at-home color consultations and picture framing. Because Guiry’s is family-owned, I feel that it helps to create a happy and productive work environment. I know our customers appreciate the fact that we can have fun while also giving them our undivided attention. It also helps that we can resolve our customers’ problems to their complete satisfaction without going through multiple levels of bureaucracy.
What do you like best about your line of work?
My favorite part of the job, hands down, is the customers. It’s exciting to have a customer come in and tell us he or she wants help with a remodel. We help pick colors for your walls, blinds or shades for your windows, furniture and even artwork. There’s nothing more rewarding than a customer bringing us pictures to show off how great his or her spaces look after everything’s done.
What is your business’ biggest challenge?
Educating customers can be a bit of a challenge. The paint and art industries are constantly changing or releasing new products, and this requires us to develop a constant familiarity with all our merchandise. We may sell the products, but our expertise is free, and being experts in our industry is something in which we take a lot of pride.
Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
New customers are always surprised when they come into the store and see the variety of products we carry. Our decorating department stocks all kinds of furniture and other home decorating accessories, from mirrors and artwork to candles and vases. We also have decorators on staff to help you pick colors or wallpaper for your walls.
Business:Guiry’s
Address:9046 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton
Hours:7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
Founded:1899
Contact:303-972-9393; www.guirys.com; @guirys
Employees:10
To suggest a business for us to profile, e-mail soelrich@denverpost.com.
