Sky Windows Celebrates 35 Years in Business

This year, Cork-based Sky Windows is celebrating 35 years in business. To celebrate this incredible milestone, we spoke to Robert Kennedy about the company’s beginnings, the ups and downs of running a business and the advice he has for someone starting their own business.

Can you tell us how Sky Windows started? (Gap in the market, etc.) 

Back in 1988, I worked in sales for a company called Weatherglaze. It was a tough job. A commission-based role, the culture was money; it was all about sales and numbers and the products and service I was working with didn’t exactly make my job easy. At the end of 1989, I was disillusioned with the job, so I left and started Sky Windows with a partner. He departed the business after about a year and from then on, Sky Windows was my sole responsibility. We started in a small yard in Douglas, Co. Cork and slowly grew from there. We moved to a larger unit in St. Patrick’s Woolen Mills in 1995 and on to our present location in Little Island in 2008. My wife Mary and my son Aidan joined the business in 2009 as we battled to get through the financial crisis. They have both been a great asset to the business, bringing fresh perspectives, new ideas and more efficient ways of operating. Mary now works in showroom sales and scheduling our work. Aidan is our Operations Manager, looking after installations and our after-sales service.  

 

Have you seen a major change in windows and doors regarding their design, build and price?  

When we started Sky Windows, the products were primarily aluminium windows and doors. In time, PVC and ALUCLAD windows and doors came to the market. Thirty-five years ago, there was no such thing as “energy ratings” or “BER Certs”. People were conscious about saving money and enhancing their homes, but today’s customer is really clued in to the benefits of changing their windows and doors and are looking for the best possible value for money to suit their budget. Of course, price has always been a consideration, but we’ve never prioritised a cheap price over quality. I’m happy to say we’re not the cheapest on the market, but if a customer wants great choice, peace of mind and quality in the product and installation, they get it all with Sky Windows. We prioritise quality and customer service first and try to build that culture into all the team members at Sky Windows. 

 

How have homeowners’ wants and needs changed, e.g., types of glazing, more ambitious housing designs, etc? 

Homeowners have definitely become more discerning as the years go on. TV shows like Grand Designs and Room to Improve have opened householders’ eyes to bigger and more ambitious projects. Large span glazing is very common now with people looking to maximise the light and views in their homes. On some jobs nowadays, we’re using glazing robots to lift very large glass panels into place. Some could weigh up to 250kgs. Colour choices are vast, and we can provide windows and doors in virtually any colour combination. Triple glazing is now a standard request from customers, too. 

 

What’s the biggest challenge Sky Windows has faced, e.g., supplier issues, COVID-19, etc., in its 35 years. 

To be honest, every week, month and year is different and challenging for Sky Windows. The financial crisis in 2010/2011 was very tough, but we came through it. That said, we still had to let staff go, rationalise and cut back. We were lucky that we weren’t carrying huge debt and that allowed us to trade through what was a very tough period for everyone. The COVID-19 period was very difficult, too, primarily because it was unknown. We had never seen times like that before. We thought business was going to be decimated by COVID, but the opposite happened. Our business took off during and after COVID as people had more time in their homes. During COVID, even though we were closed for a period, Aidan was doing virtual showroom tours and still maintaining contact and getting quotes out to customers. Post-COVID, our lead time for work went out to 6-7 months but to be fair, our fantastic customers persevered and stayed with us. Nowadays, hiring staff is an issue but we have a great team, from our office staff and sales right through to our installation crews. One of the biggest challenges is simply the cost of being in business. Absorbing all the additional costs that the government has piled onto businesses; increased energy charges, rates are going up soon, and businesses are paying for sick days, bank holidays and other stealth taxes hidden in levies. 

 

What advice would you offer someone starting their own business?  

I would say to have and maintain a vision of what you want to do and believe in yourself. Be prepared for the many knocks, setbacks and put-downs that will come your way and have the courage and strength to get up and fight again. Determination and belief in yourself and what you’re doing will take you a long way.