In 1926, on Kinnickinnic Avenue in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood, a small window shade business opened its doors with a simple purpose: do honest work, treat people right, and build something that lasts.
One hundred years later, Bay View Shade & Blind is still doing exactly that – just on a much bigger canvas.
A Century of Change – and Consistency
Bay View Shade & Blind has truly seen it all – from the Great Depression and World Wars to Y2K and the digital revolution. Through economic uncertainty, cultural shifts, and technological change, one thing has remained constant: a commitment to quality, integrity, and service.
Where It All Began
Bay View Shade & Blind was born in the Bay View neighborhood at a time when craftsmanship mattered and relationships were everything. For decades, the business served local homes and businesses, becoming a trusted name in the community.
By the mid-1950s, the future of the company was uncertain. In 1956, Conrad Pacholski stepped in and purchased Bay View Shade from a family friend, Dennis Yunk, just as the business was on the brink of closing its doors. Conrad wasn’t new to the industry – he also owned Milwaukee Shade Company and AAA Venetian Blinds on S. Howell Avenue – but he believed deeply in the legacy and potential of Bay View Shade.
That belief changed everything.
Growing Through Generations
In 1976, the second generation of the Pacholski family – Mike, Dave, and Thomas – took over day-to-day operations. Two years later, in 1978, the company moved to Forest Home Avenue in Greenfield and merged all three businesses under one name: Bay View Shade Inc. It was a defining moment that unified the brand and set the foundation for long-term growth.
As the years went on, the company continued to evolve while staying rooted in its values. In 2007, Bay View Shade & Blind expanded beyond its original footprint with the opening of a second location in Menomonee Falls.
In 2018, the third generation – brothers Daniel, Tim, and Brian Pacholski – took the reins. With fresh perspectives and deep respect for the past, they began guiding the company into its next chapter.
A New Era, Same Values
The past decade has been one of momentum and intention. In 2021, Bay View Shade & Blind moved into its current headquarters in Waukesha, creating space to better serve customers, support employees, and plan for the future.
Growth followed:
2025: Opening of the third location in Oconomowoc
2026: Opening of the fourth location in Madison
Each milestone represents more than just expansion – it reflects a continued commitment to service, quality, and community.
Looking Ahead to the Next 100 Years
While a lot has changed since 1926, what matters most hasn’t. We’re still family-owned. We still believe in craftsmanship. We still put relationships first – whether it’s with our customers, our team, or the communities we serve.
As we look toward the next 100 years, our focus is clear: sustainable growth, innovation, and honoring the values that brought us here. That means embracing new technology and opportunities while never losing sight of the trust that generations of customers have placed in us.
This anniversary isn’t just about celebrating the past – it’s about carrying one story forward.
From a single storefront on Kinnickinnic Avenue to multiple locations across Wisconsin, Bay View Shade & Blind’s journey has always been about people, perseverance, and pride in doing things the right way.
Thank you for being part of our story.
