
No Strings Attached – Untangling Conversations About Shady Topics
🎙 No Strings Attached – Where Window Treatments Meet Real Talk
Welcome to No Strings Attached, a podcast designed to inform, inspire, and occasionally entertain anyone connected to the world of window coverings.
Whether you're a trade professional, a designer, a curious homeowner, or someone who simply enjoys honest stories about business and life and the pursuit of the American Dream, this show has something for you.
Each week, we rotate between four unique series—each one offering a different perspective on the industry and the experiences behind it.
Here’s what to expect:
🔧 Trading Secrets
For the pros out there: installers, dealers, and anyone in the trenches. This series delivers trade-specific tips, real-world insights, and lessons learned from over two decades in the field. Think of it as a masterclass for hands-on experts.
🪟 We Dress Naked Windows
This one’s for homeowners, decorators, and design lovers. We answer common questions, debunk myths, and offer straightforward advice to help you make smart, stylish, and functional choices for your space.
💥 Blind Audacity
Here, we pull back the curtain and go behind the business. These episodes share personal stories about risk, resilience, and the unpredictable path of entrepreneurship—from immigrant roots to industry recognition.
📘 Courage Attracts Luck
This brand-new series is inspired by my upcoming book of the same name. These episodes go deeper—sharing the wild, emotional, sometimes unbelievable stories that taught me the most. Think of it as the unplugged, unscripted audiobook with a Brazilian twist.
The voice behind the mic? That’s me—Roger Magalhães, founder of Shades In Place & Trading Up Consulting and a proud veteran of this industry. I’ve worn a lot of hats over the years—installer, trainer, speaker, business owner—and now, podcast host and author.
This show is my way of sharing what I’ve learned, what I’ve lived, and what I’m still figuring out. No fluff, no filters—just stories and strategies that might help you on your own path.
If you like your window wisdom with a Brazilian accent and the occasional bad pun... you’re definitely in the right place.
So whether you're tuning in from a job site, your morning commute, or a sunny porch with a cup of coffee—thank you for being here. Let’s get real, get inspired, and maybe even get a little wiser (with no strings attached).
No Strings Attached – Untangling Conversations About Shady Topics
Former Trading Secrets Podcast - 'Lobstah', shoe shine box and being fired for doing a good job!
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Welcome to the first episode of the Trading Secrets podcast. I’m your host Roger Magalhaes, and for today’s episode I want to introduce myself, let you know what this podcast is about, and why I decided to create this show.
Originally, I am from Brazil, but now I am based in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. I believe I was born an entrepreneur. When I was little, I would pull my shoe shine box around the neighborhood asking everyone I saw if they needed their shoes shined. I attended vocational school at 14, learned a profession, and would work and attend school at the same time. When I was 19, I went back to vocational school and learned robotics. My first job in the USA was washing cars, but I immediately knew it wasn’t enough for me.
After some training and searching, I was able to become a truck driver, which eventually led to becoming a vacation driver. That meant more money, but it also meant being on call 24/7. Four years later, I bought my house and renovated it by myself. Once the remodeling was finished, I realized I missed working with my hands. My cousin worked as a subcontractor installing window coverings, so I shadowed him for one day and knew it was for me.
Now, after working hard and learning everything I could, I own my own business, I’m a columnist for Window Fashion Vision Magazine, I am the installation instructor for the fast-track program at WFCP, and a board member of the WCAA. In September of last year, I started my second company: Trading Up Consulting. I hope that through this podcast I can raise awareness of my trade, educate newcomers, and build a strong community.
Helpful Links:
https://www.tradingupconsulting.com/
https://www.shadesinplace.com/
Connect with us:
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
LinkedIn
Don’t forget: Some services are free, some require a bit of investment—but every step you take with Trading Up will help you “install like a pro”! Stick around for hints about upcoming opportunities.
Let’s get untangled—together!