Carda Looks To Pass The Torch As Retirement From Sidney Paint & Glass Approaches

After more than 35 years in business, owners of Sidney Paint & Glass, Duane Carda and his wife Judy, have decided it is time to sell the company. It was a difficult decision, and one Carda has mixed emotions about.

"I'm going to miss the people the most. I'm a talker and I love to visit," he explains. "I would love to see someone take over as I know there's a need for a business like this in Sidney."

Sidney Paint & Glass has been supplying paint, flooring, windows, window treatments, installation supplies and professional installation since before Carda bought the business in 1986.

Growing up on a farm, he went to school in Lambert, and then went into business management, graduating from Miles Community College, Miles City, MT. He became the manager of the men's department at the Yellowstone Merc. where he met then General Manager Harve Pavek.

"I learned a lot from Harve; he was an excellent teacher," Carda remembers.

After managing Decorator's World for a few years, he didn't hesitate to buy the business when the opportunity arose, returning its name back to the former and more recognizable Sidney Paint & Glass.

Over the years, he has seen plenty of changes within the business. For instance, the company picked up the Benjamin Moore Paint line after Great Plains closed over a decade ago. There's been a recent shift to luxury plank vinyl flooring as more and more people look for DIY products and carpet materials have switched from nylon and wool to synthetic fibers, as carpet distributors have consolidated. And some of their best-selling window coverings are now motorized.

"I enjoy helping and assisting customers through their redecorating process," he says, adding, "We have a very solid customer base and in 35 years we've had a lot of repeat business. Families have come back, so really we've had generations of customers."

Carda also credits the experienced installers he's worked with, noting that installation is key.

"Flooring installation is really a craft; everything has to line up perfectly. That was probably my biggest learning curve and those installers really taught me a lot."

The business is currently listed with Nick Jones Real Estate and Carda is more than willing to stay on and assist with training to help with a smooth transition of ownership. The leaseholder has agreed to make the current space available to whoever buys the business.

"The opportunity is here; it just needs the right person. Someone who is self-motivated and willing to put forth the effort and take a chance," Carda states. "Sidney is a great community to be part of and has everything you need to raise a family. The main thing is to provide excellent and courteous customer service and the customers will support you."

Carda is hoping that there is someone out there with drive and a sense of entrepreneurship that will want to take a chance; the same chance that he took over 35 years ago that left him with a lifetime of friends, memories and the opportunity to pass it on. Anyone interested in owning and operating this downtown fixture of Sidney should contact Nick Jones Real Estate at 406-433-4445.