Team

Gene Goble

CEO, CFO, & OWNER | GENE@DIRECTSHADESANDBLINDS.COM

Possessing over 50 years of management and executive leadership experience, Mr. Goble spent 18 years as a Division Manager with an Aerospace Defense Contractor. For 32 years, Gene has been an entrepreneur starting, acquiring, buying and selling corporations. Having been a licensed contractor for 32 years he has guided Direct Shades and Blinds into a market leader. While annually tripling the organizations revenue and project involvement since he bought DSB 8 years ago, the company is poised to expand its portfolio significantly in the upcoming years.

Education: UOP BA Business Administration

Branden Goble

VP & GENERAL MANAGER | BGOBLE@DIRECTSHADESANDBLINDS.COM

With over 20 years’ experience in fabrication, installation, project coordination, and general managerial duties, Branden Goble joins the DSB team as the General Manager where his skill set will be utilized in the day to day operations focusing on efficiencies and communications to help growth and streamline DSB operations.

Education: Saddleback College Business Management

Alex Key

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKETING | AKEY@DIRECTSHADESANDBLINDS.COM

A seasoned sales and marketing professional with over 20 years in the construction industry, Ms. Key’s commitment and drive for success has earned her a solid reputation in retail, multi-family, hospitality and senior living. Alex insists on taking an active role by working closely with estimating, project management and senior management to ensure quality control and client satisfaction, always aiming to exceed expectations. Over the years, she has successfully developed long-term relationships and obtained multi-million dollar accounts with regional and national clients. With her knowledge and industry expertise, Alex will prove to be a valuable asset to the Direct Shades & Blinds team.

Education: Chapman University – BA in Marketing with an emphasis in Communications

David Cathers

Chief Estimator | david@directshadesandblinds.com

After a successful four years teaching English in Japan Mr. Cathers headed back to the states where he began his career with Direct Shades and Blinds over five years ago. Closely partnering with our mill Vertilux David works regularly in construction software programs such as PlanSwift, Construct Connect, Building Connected and Procore to ensure a smooth transfer of information.

Education:  LUT B.A. Theology/Theological Studies

ANDRE LABONTE

FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER — SOUTHERN REGION | ANDRE@DIRECTSHADESANDBLINDS.COM

With over 15 years of experience in the window coverings industry Mr. Labonte oversees DSB’s purchasing department. His direct involvement in the day to day operations of the organization is a significant asset to this role. Solidifying the connection between our mill and customers leads the pathway to the company’s growth goals.

Education: UOP BA Business Management

JOSH ESTES

FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER — EASTERN REGION | JESTES@DIRECTSHADESANDBLINDS.COM

ANDREAS RUPPIN

FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER - WESTERN REGION | BGOBLE@DIRECTSHADESANDBLINDS.COM

Hailing from the General Contractors realm with a strong history of high-rise experience,  he is originally from Lunebery, Germany where he received a Master-Craftsman certificate. With his 18+ years of construction and management experience plus formal training, Andreas will be an integral part of DSB’s continued growth and success.

Education: UC Berkeley GC B-License/Construction Management Certificate