Living in Europe leads to purchase of Rolladens

Margaret McGowan poses in the back of her home, which includes Rolladen Rolling Shutters

Arthur and Margaret McGowan didn’t need to be informed about Rolladen Rolling Shutters when they moved to Las Vegas five years ago.

Considering that Mrs. McGowan grew up with the rolling shutters in Berlin, Germany and Mr. McGowan became familiar with the product after spending two U.S. Army tours there, all they needed was the phone number for the local company which supplied them.

“They are a way of life in Germany,” said Mrs. McGowan. “I was really disappointed when I saw they didn’t have them (included in construction) in the United States.”

In most parts of Europe, Rolladens are such a way of life that they are included during construction of homes and businesses. In fact, Fran Minnozzi, who founded the company in 1984 in Las Vegas, first discovered the product while working as a flight attendant in Europe.

The McGowan have a single-story west-face home near Sunrise Mountain. They now have a total of 18 shutters to not only keep the home warmer in the winter but cooler in the summer. Industry experts estimate that rolling shutters save as much as 64 percent on energy costs.

“They also help keep your windows cleaner,” added Mrs. McGowan.

Added Mr. McGowan, “To me, they have a three-fold purpose. They keep the home cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter and give you a sense of security.”

The McGowans have children in Oregon and in Indiana, so they now travel with extra peace of mind knowing that the home will be protected against burglaries while they are away. Mr. McGowan said “We just set our alarm, lower our shutters and away we go.”

“I love my shutters,” added Mrs. McGowan, who added that the neighborhood has had a pair of recent burglaries.

The McGowans said their neighbors have mentioned the addition of the Rolladens and some are planning to also have them installed.

Each residence or business is custom-measured by Rolladen personnel before the rolling shutters are built locally.

Rolladen Rolling Shutters now has two outlets in Southern Nevada. The first was opened at 6168 W. Charleston Blvd., while the latest state-of-the-art complex at 4405 Wagon Trail Ave. near Arville and Sunset roads in the southwest valley.

Both locations are open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Further information may be obtained by calling 878-1072 or by visiting www.rolladenlv.com.