Our People
To create great things you must love what you do
SP Blinds is comprised of a small but ultra-talented and experienced group of friendly people, eager to help you get the job done.
Jenny Sneddon
Auckland – Upper North Island Commercial Manager
My role is to work with architects and designers, commercial fitout and construction companies for supply and installation of our roller blinds. I discuss the fixing/finishing details, and I quantify, price and quote commercial tenders. This includes carrying out site visits/inspections with our technical installation team and the Project/Site Managers to work through the details and processes required for the project. If you require assistance with completing a project using manual or automated roller blinds, I am happy to discuss your needs.
Please feel free to contact me by email or on the mobile above.
My History:
I have been in the construction industry for over 20 years dealing with residential and commercial interiors. I have an eye for detail, design and colour and I am very practical. Prior to SP Blinds, I was employed in technical sales roles by leading flooring manufacturers and retailers in NZ for approximately 15 years. As an Architectural Rep, I have promoted pre-finished interior wall linings for the purpose of sound reduction and passive fire protection in high rise apartments and also a wardrobe storage solutions product.
Personally:
I am a born and raised New Zealander. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and my 15-year-old son. We all enjoy playing touch rugby together, jet skiing, hiking or just walking along the beach and spending time with our besties. I like widening my network of friends, as I believe new people are good for the soul. My claim to fame is that I represented New Zealand in Artistic Gymnastics – competing in two World Championships, qualifying for the Olympics and was a NZ Champion in 1991.
Andrea Courtney
Wellington - Lower North Island Branch Manager
I started my career in the Interiors industry after studying Textile Design for 3 years at the Wellington Polytechnic. I worked as a frame maker for a fine arts gallery and then started my path in the textile industry as a Regional Account Manager for a Commercial Fabric wholesaler.
My passion for textiles and interiors started very early on when my Grandmother taught me to sew on an old black Singer Sewing Machine when I was six, before that I used to sit under her old treadle sewing machine playing with all the fabrics, buttons and cotton on wooden reels from the drawers.
Following a few years travelling and living overseas, (it’s amazing how many beautiful fabrics you can fit in a suitcase), I returned to NZ and have been working as a consultant for curtains and blinds for the last 5 years.
In all my roles I have loved working with and building great relationships with my clients and it is important to me to provide the best service I can, supporting my clients from the beginning to the end of their projects.
I am very excited to be working for SP Blinds, with their passion for quality product and a genuine care for the environment.
Nina Baillie
South Island Branch Manager
After studying Interior Design at Christchurch Polytechnic I began my design career over twenty years ago as a soft furnishings consultant for a small interior design shop and studio in Christchurch. Since then a variety of roles has given me experience in almost every discipline of the industry including soft furnishings, floor coverings, bespoke joinery and furniture design, project management, residential, commercial and education projects. I have owned my own interior design business and specified SP Blinds’ products for many of my clients.
I have always placed great value on providing excellent service and design specifications that don’t compromise on quality, regardless of the budget or size of the project. I enjoy the challenge of coming up with creative yet practical solutions for difficult or unusual situations and am passionate about minimising the negative impact design and product choices can have on our environment. Bearing this in mind I am extremely pleased to have the opportunity to join the team at SP Blinds, a company that shares these same values. I am looking forward to strengthening existing relationships with designers and architects and developing new connections.
Most of my life has been spent in Christchurch, but I travelled and lived overseas for several years, working with horses, and met my husband in the UK. Our first child was born in the UK before we returned ‘home’ to Christchurch in 2006.
Sadly I don’t get the opportunity to horse ride as much as I would like to now but I am an avid sports fan and when I am not busy working I can usually be found on the sidelines supporting and managing my two boys’ cricket and rugby teams.
Danielle West
Office Manager
After spending most of my working life in the automotive industry, I decided it was time to move forward with my career. I joined SP Blinds to focus on what I enjoy doing most, accounts and administration, while at the same time exploring an interest in interior design. I have quickly grown to love the environment I am a part of, in particular, the quality of service and attention to detail of those around me. SP Blinds also has a passion for our customers and the environment, being Toitū carbonzero certified we work very hard to limit our carbon footprint which I really appreciate as this is something I am also passionate about in my personal life.
I enjoy working with numbers, no matter what language you’re fluent in, numbers are universal. I also enjoy tracking how the business is growing and developing, using these figures to create an overall picture of the health of the company. I enjoy the variety in my role and look forward to growing and developing in my career.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my fiancé, our daughter and cheeky dog. Music is also very close to my heart, where words fail, music speaks.
Wesley March
Blind Technician and Installer
Frank Lin
Director
After studying for a computer science degree, I was a computer engineer for a couple of years. Since then I have been a general manager and director, managing different types of businesses for nearly 30 years.
My wife Sharon and I, previously having run other successful businesses in New Zealand and overseas, have an extremely good understanding of our clients’ expectations for excellent quality product and a prompt backup service.
I strive to improve efficiencies by introducing the most effective management systems to release staff from repetitive, time-sapping paperwork, as well as purchasing new technology and reliable tools and equipment.
In my experience I have seen how simplification of systems and processes improves the working environment, allowing staff to get on with their jobs without unnecessary pressure and to have more time for our clients.
I enjoy developing the skills of our team, so they are confident to take on different work, leading to an agile, flexible workforce able to deal with innovations, changes and challenges.
Penny Shiffner
Executive Assistant
I have extensive experience as a business manager and have worked in marketing roles and roles responsible for implementing H&S standards, new operating systems and organisational change. I enjoy being part of a hard-working, talented and friendly team who value professional company standards.
With over 15 years experience working in the interior decorating industry ranging from early days working as a painter to regional management of home decorating stores, I am very familiar with the importance of the support of reliable suppliers to ensure the completion of projects to clients’ satisfaction. During my career, there has been plenty of time spent advising clients on the most effective window furnishings for their project and unsurprisingly roller blinds were a top recommendation for commercial applications as well as for architecturally designed homes.