Steve’s Screens Company
Quality Screen Doors and Windows Since 1975
2680 State Street
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760.729.0790
The workshop was that of an old world craftsman. Tools on the walls, an oversized workbench, parts and signs of projects large and small. Lots of supplies; each in their places. Everyone greets me and smiles when I walk into the workshop, which oddly feels more like a home. I’m told a story of when a new face walked into the shop with a request:
“I need a 50-inch screen door for my house. Can you do that?”
“No problem,” is the reply.
“So we’re clear; not 48-inches, not 52-inches, I need 50-inches.”
“No problem,” the proprietor repeats. “You live somewhere near Turnbull. I can have that ready for you by next week.”
“Turnbull! How did you know that? I live on Turnbull!”
“Well,” the craftsman replies, “there are only about ten houses anywhere near here that have 50-inch screen doors, and they’re all in the same neighborhood. I’ve designed screens for most all of them; but it seems I haven’t done yours.”
Steve Cannady is the owner and designer of Steve’s Screens in Carlsbad. He’s owned and operated the business since venturing out on his own in 1975; this year being their 35 anniversary in business. Over that timeframe, if you live in Carlsbad, odds are he’s built quality and custom screens for many of the houses in your neighborhood. Steve can proudly say that he has built his business on two basic principles – quality and integrity. I asked Steve why he thought these two things were so important.
“It’s simple,” he replied, “as a business owner and resident of Carlsbad, I’m going to see you at the grocery store, gas station, or a community event. If you’ve purchased one of my screens, I’d rather say hello to you, hear some positive feedback (hopefully within earshot of a few other potential customers), rather than have to duck out.” Guess I can’t argue with that!
I spent about an hour with Steve, his wife Cyndi, and their daughter Christy, all of which work in the business (which may explain the feeling of home). We discussed everything from screen doors to social media; child raising to window screens; a bit about the interesting times in which we’re living; and a bit more about screens. In leaving his workshop, I walked away with three important realizations. 1) Steve is a true, old-world craftsman. He’s honest, ethical, and will only produce products of high quality. 2) There’s more to screen doors than metal framing and screen. The type of metal, the way the corners are designed, the sizing – all of these have a major impact on the quality and durability of your screens. 3) Steve is a fantastic resource for all things Carlsbad. Living here for 35-years, he has seen change. He knows the history, the people, the stories. Hopefully he’ll consider documenting many of these in the next phase of his “work.”
It has become very uncommon to have access to a true craftsman in any trade. Before today, I didn’t know anything about window screens, screen doors, or clocking screws. After spending time with Steve, his passion rubbed off – who knew that screens are interesting, fun, and exciting?! Passion makes for quality work. Steve is passionate about his work; and when you purchase one of his screens, you’ll know it too. - RyP To learn more about Steve's Screens click here.
**Ryan Ponsford, Jason Barney and Cody Haworth are members of a Strategic Advisory Team in San Diego, CA. Their efforts are to connect communities, understand business owners, and to introduce and oversee a strategic team of professionals to help business owners and their families succeed.
