WindowDressers: Insulating Window Inserts
A Business Case Study for Building a Wellbeing Economy
Our first business case study, WindowDressers, is a shining example of what a thriving business world can look like in an economy designed to prioritize universal wellbeing.
WindowDressers is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization dedicated to helping Northern New England residents reduce heating costs, fossil fuel consumption, and CO-2 emissions by lowering the amount of heat loss through windows. Their product is a low-tech, affordable and effective insulating window insert that is custom-measured and built to fit any window. They sell their window inserts at between $40 to $100 per window depending on window size. And if a household’s income is so low that they can’t afford the inserts at those prices, WindowDressers offers up to 10 of them for free as part of their Special Rate program.
What makes WindowDressers unique is their Community Build production process. Customers assemble the product together at a nearby pop-up workshop with other locals in their area. For every one to five window inserts ordered, WindowDressers asks that you devote a four-hour shift at a community build (or recruit friends or family to stand in for you). Not only does this radically minimize the cost of labor, allowing them to sell their product at such a low price, it also strengthens community bonds. As one of their customer's puts it, Community Builds help build community.
With an approach to growth centered on mission and purpose, rather than profit maximization or growth-at-all-costs, this case study is an inspiration for all businesses seeking to succeed without causing harm to people or the environment.
