Partners In Blinds

By CHRISTIE NORTHRUP

The Progress

Longevity is the hallmark of a successful small business, especially in a small town like Mesquite. Longevity also describes C&J Blinds.

The “C” in the business name stands for Charlie Cox. He lived in Colorado and worked in the construction industry. Window blinds and flooring appealed to him, so he opened a store to supply these components.

In 2000, he moved to Mesquite, and in 2004 he opened a window blind store, forgoing flooring. The store was in the business district just west of the Mesquite City Hall. His was one of seven window blind businesses in town at the time.

The “J” in the business stands for Jackie Burton. She is an entrepreneur at heart and has a heart for people. Prior to moving to Mesquite from Montana, she was a program director for homeless veterans.

Creating programs to help them get back on their feet was her expertise. Jackie was also HR Director for a mental health center and simultaneously owned a seasonal RV rental business.

Once established in Mesquite, Jackie became a retail flooring specialist. All this past experience set her up to become a partner and owner of C&J.

Jackie and Charlie met at the Kokopelli ATV Club. When Jackie heard that he was selling the business to prepare for future retirement, the two worked out a three-year plan for Jackie to purchase the business while Charlie continued to work with and mentor her.

This unique transfer-of-business arrangement has resulted in steady growth; so much that they’ve had to move the business three times in the last year. The current location is at 550 W Pioneer Blvd, Ste 112 (near the DMV).

C&J partners with high-quality brands. They are a Hunter Douglas gallery dealer which means that they must be able to repair or return blinds that need service if they were purchased at C&J or not.

Jackie brought flooring into the business. She also brought her son, Sam, who Charlie has taught how to measure and install custom blinds.
Jackie leads a top-notch staff of customer service associates and expert installers.

When Charlie was asked what he will do after he exits the business for good, he replied, “I spent 30 years in snow, 20 years in desert, and will spend the rest of my years on the water.”