3 Generations Of Shade Fabrication.

Our Story.

Crown Shade Co. was founded by Milton & Marilyn Grodnitzky (parents of the current President, Steven Grodnitzky) in the mid 1950's in the basement of Grody’s Department Store, a small independent mom & pop retailer in the eastern section of Baltimore City, Maryland. At first the company supplied vinyl & paper window shades to the local merchants of Baltimore City.

As business grew, a small warehouse was purchased behind the department store to supply some of the major chain stores that flourished in the 1960's. In 1969 The Grodnitzky’s incorporated “Crown Shade Company” as the new name to dawn a new beginning in manufacturing/distribution and their exit from retail. New products began to emerge, the department store was closed, and a larger 4 story facility was purchased in 1970 to begin fabricating more stylish custom window shades, woven woods, 2" venetian blinds & vertical blinds. A few years later, as business continued to grow, the adjoining building was purchased to begin fabricating 1" horizontal aluminum blinds and warehouse the enormous amount of inventory required.

In 1977, the Grodnitzky’s son, Steve (current President), entered the business after graduating from the University of Maryland at College Park.

In the mid 80's, Crown added pleated shades to its mix and began fabricating its own line of wood window shade spring rollers. It had become apparent that a larger more efficient facility was needed to house the operation and in 1989, Crown Shade Co. moved to its current location at 775 Chesaco Avenue, a 75,000 square foot 1-story building on the east side of Baltimore County. Since the move, Crown has added cellular shades, window shadings, many types of 2 inch blinds including wood and fauxwood, and custom shutters. 

Crown continues to be one of the only manufacturers of wood spring rollers in North America. In order to be more cost effective, Crown now dowels and sands their own rollers.

In January of 2005, Steve’s son Jared (3 rd generation) entered the business after graduating from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and spending 1 ½ years as an industrial designer in Pennsylvania. Jared will head up Sales & Marketing for the company.

By 2006 the company has successfully introduced Somfy motorized components within its existing and ever growing roller shade line up. Within only a few years these components have also helped to form a solid yet unique line of tension skylight shading systems as well as exterior shading products to add to the companies repertoire.

Our Facility.

Chesaco Avenue

In 1988 Milton, Marilyn and Steve Grodnitzky purchased a 20 acre plot of land in North East Baltimore County to build our current 75,000 sq.ft. facility.

Our Previous Facilities.