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

Tony D'Amato

Executive Vice President of Business Development| T.DAMATO@DIRECTSHADESANDBLINDS.COM

Tony D’Amato is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in the corporate realm, specializing in leading marketing and sales teams to unparalleled success. As the Executive Vice President of Business Development, Tony’s leadership style is characterized by his hands-on approach and passion for finding innovative solutions to exceed customer expectations. With a proven track record of leading teams and programs globally, Tony thrives on the challenges of navigating diverse cultural landscapes while driving growth and fostering strategic partnerships. His commitment to personal and professional growth is evident in his continuous pursuit of excellence, making him a visionary leader who inspires his teams to reach new heights while cultivating innovation and collaboration at every opportunity.

Education: Vanguard University: BA Business Administration

Eastern University: MS Non Profit Management 

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

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