Our People

Frank Lin

Director

Email | 021-675-999

Frank Lin purchased SP Blinds in June 2018. It didn’t take Frank long to decide to buy the business once he looked into it. He saw a well-run business with a history of over 40 years and a talented team of staff, so he knew he could add value and take the business through its next stage of growth.

Frank is skilled at improving efficiencies by introducing the most effective management systems to release staff from repetitive, time-sapping paperwork. He has 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 their clients. He enjoys developing the skills of his team, so they are confident to take on different work, leading to an agile, flexible workforce able to deal with innovations, changes and challenges.

Frank and his wife Sharon, previously having run other successful businesses in New Zealand and overseas have an extremely good understanding of their clients’ expectations for excellent quality product and prompt back up service. They also own and run Northcom Communications Group Ltd.

Penny Shiffner

Executive Assistant

Email | 021-777-509‬

Penny is a highly experienced business manager and has worked in marketing roles and roles responsible for implementing H&S standards, new operating systems and organisational change. She enjoys being part of a hard working, talented and friendly team who value professional company standards.

Penny has 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 and more recently business administration. During her 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.

Philip van de Merwe

Commercial Sales Manager

Email | 027-547-7459

I have had an extensive career in the blind industry in South Africa where I’ve worked for 24 years for a blind manufacturing company. My roles varied between production management, sales, sales development, and project management.

I have started a new chapter in New Zealand where I find myself fortunate to have joined a company which prides itself on exceptional service and quality products which meet and exceed industry standards.

I qualified as an “Electro Mechanical” technician followed by a “Production and Inventory” control qualification.

In March 2017, after close to two years of working as production manager at SP Blinds, I took the role of Commercial Sales Manager covering Auckland and the top half of the North Island. I trust that the wealth of product knowledge I acquired, shall enable me to provide the most professional advice on the correct use of blinds in small or large projects.

My interests include mountain biking, wildlife, football and music and enjoy an occasional game of chess.

Andrea Courtney

Wellington Branch Manager

Email | 021-856-701

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

Christchurch Branch Manager

Email | 0277-599-988

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.

Wayne Erasmus

Installation Project Manager

Email | 027-700-4084

In 2008 I moved to New Zealand from South Africa. While working in a range of different roles in automotive, building and hospitality, I have always been drawn to the roles that have challenged my constructive and creative capabilities. I’ve spent 12 years in the hospitality industry, 6 of those being part owner of a bar in South Africa which promoted local bands.

My hobbies include fishing, playing the guitar, which I am currently still learning to do and exploring this majestic country on my motorcycle. My time is also well spent satisfying my technical curiosity, whether it be rebuilding an engine or rewiring a vehicle. I enjoy the challenges such tasks bring.

In 2016 I joined the window furnishing industry where I worked as a production manager which led me to my current position as installer here at SP Blinds.

My true passion is raising my 6-year-old daughter while teaching her the importance of having good moral values and ethics.

Danielle West

Accounts Administrator

Email

After spending a majority 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 their customers and the environment, being CarboNZero certified they work very hard to limit their 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 like to keep fit by going to the gym, I play netball several times a week and enjoy hiking with my partner and dog. Music is also very close to my heart, where words fail, music speaks.