Skip to content
MarketScale
Demo
Creator Hubs›Draper
Draper logo

Real perspectives on quality and value in US manufacturing

Draper is a US manufacturer focused on delivering quality and value in industrial and commercial products, with thought leadership centered on the realities of domestic production. Their MarketScale channel covers practical strategies for succeeding in US manufacturing, including supply chain decisions, quality control, and value-driven product development. The content speaks directly to procurement professionals, distributors, and operations leaders.

32 episodes
Channel Brief·Draper · 32 episodes
Updated Jun 12, 2024

Integrated shading and control systems drive space value, not cost alone

Draper's channel argues that thoughtful design of shading, automation, and projection solutions creates measurable comfort and efficiency gains. Evidence comes from product partnerships, facility case studies, and direct guidance on selecting the right components.

Draper's thesis is that intelligent space design rests on matching the right shading, control, or projection technology to a client's specific functional and aesthetic goals, not on lowest bid. The channel proves this by walking through real partnerships (Phifer fabrics for solar control, Josh.ai for home intelligence), product launches (Acumen projection screens, motorized roller shades), and the business logic behind custom solutions, arguing that a formulaic "race to the bottom" in construction budgets masks hidden costs.

Drawn from Draper Adds Commercial Sales Account Represent… and 3 more →

“Only 30% of family-owned businesses make it to the second generation.”

Chris Broome, fifth-generation President, Draper

By the numbers

30%

family-owned businesses that survive to second generation

118

years Draper has operated as family-owned business

100+

countries Phifer ships insect screening to

What the channel argues

InsightMotorized and automated roller shades improve occupant comfort by controlling lighting, ensuring thermal comfort, and minimizing glare.→
InsightPhifer, a third-generation textile weaver based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, partners with Draper on performance fabrics for sun-control solutions.→
InsightHome intelligence and automated shading solutions together improve how spaces function and are designed.→
InsightOlder surface-mounted projection screens stand out visually; Acumen screens address the gap between large-scale and aesthetically pleasing options.→
InsightModern gymnasiums require control systems beyond key switches for collegiate and club-level facilities transitioning between multiple daily events.→
InsightUsing pre-formulated cost spreadsheets without project-specific context produces inaccurate budgets and masks true total cost of ownership.→

What you'll learn

•Motorized shading reduces manual adjustment burden and integrates with home automation systems to optimize comfort continuously.
•Projection screen performance depends on both the projector and screen surface; ambient light sources degrade image quality if components are mismatched.
•Custom solar control design requires understanding the client's goals first, then selecting fabrics and systems tailored to specific project needs.
•Modern multi-use facilities need centralized control systems to transition between different events efficiently without relying on manual switches.
•Budget-driven "lowest cost" procurement often ignores maintenance, lead times, customer service quality, and long-term operational value that integrated solutions provide.

What to do about it

→Map your building's specific solar exposure, thermal load, and occupant comfort priorities before selecting shading or control systems; avoid templated specifications.
→Consider motorized or automated shading for spaces where manual adjustment creates friction or where integration with building management systems adds measurable value.
→Partner with suppliers that understand your project's design intent and constraints, not just cost benchmarks, to avoid hidden rework and commissioning delays.

Who and what shows up

Chris Broome

Fifth-generation President, Draper

Highlighted that only 30% of family-owned businesses survive to second generation, framing Draper's 118-year family tenure as exceptional.

Scotty Allen

Chief Operating Officer, Josh.ai

Discussed how home intelligence and automated shading solutions change the way spaces are designed and function, including Josh.ai headquarters as case study.

Maryellen Oswald

Custom Integration & Partnerships Channel Manager, Somfy USA

Participated in dialogue on home intelligence and automated shading integration for residential and commercial comfort.

Tyson McDonald

Director of Business Development, Motorized Solar Solutions, Draper

Explained how motorized automation makes work environments more comfortable and outlined benefits of putting motorization into practice across settings.

Bill Strickland

National Market Manager for Sun Control Products, Phifer Incorporated

Described Phifer's partnership with Draper on performance fabrics; noted Phifer is world's largest insect screening weaver, shipping to over 100 countries.

Questions this channel answers

Q

How do shading systems improve building efficiency and occupant comfort?

Motorized and automated shades control lighting levels, ensure thermal comfort, and minimize glare. Home intelligence systems can automate these adjustments based on occupancy and solar conditions.

Breaking News: New TecVision Viewing Surfaces Get ISF Ce… →
Q

What factors matter when choosing a shading or solar control solution?

Understanding the project's design goals and unique constraints comes first, then selecting the right fabric performance and control system to match those objectives.

New Fixed Frame Projection Screen Now Available →
Q

Why does formulaic project budgeting often fail?

Pre-set percentage allocations for components ignore project-specific scope, lead time risks, quality variability, and the true cost of change and rework.

CEDIA 2022: Which Technologies & Trends are Shaping Pro … →
Q

What is ambient light rejection and why does it matter for projectors?

Ambient light from surrounding sources degrades projected image brightness. Choosing the right screen surface and projector pairing is critical to maintaining image quality in non-dark environments.

Draper Names New Pro AV Regional Sales Manager – Western… →
Q

How have gymnasium control systems evolved?

Older facilities rely on key switches; modern collegiate and club facilities use centralized control systems that allow rapid transitions between different events and equipment configurations.

Draper At Home Promotes Quick to National Director of CI →
Topics:Motorized and automated shading systemsSolar control and thermal managementProjection screens and ambient light rejectionHome intelligence integrationGymnasium and multi-use facility controls
Themes:Integrated design beats modular cost-cuttingPartnership and customization create durable solutionsSpace function and human comfort drive technology choice

Industry context

The global automated blinds and shades market is projected to grow from USD 2.39 billion in 2025 to USD 7.53 billion by 2035, reflecting strong industry momentum toward motorized and integrated window control systems.