From Chicago Tents To Sarasota Canopies
The company began in Chicago in 1870 as United States Awning and Tents. Its owners followed the Ringling Brothers circus to Sarasota, where the tent trade had a natural home, and stayed. That was roughly seventy years ago, and Sarasota has been our base ever since.
Ownership has been in the same family since 1935. That continuity is the reason we can still point at buildings around town and tell you who measured them, which is not something most companies in this trade can say.
For decades the work was strictly fabric: awnings, canopies, marine covers, tents. Today our shop runs metal fabrication alongside the fabric side, and the majority of our volume is engineered aluminum — large shade structures, pergolas, canopies, handrails and trellises. In 2026 we completed the largest project in company history, a custom bus canopy at the Marco Island Marriott.
What Sets Us Apart
Since 1870, and still family owned
The company was founded in Chicago in 1870 and has been under the same family’s ownership since 1935. Few companies in this trade have that kind of continuity.
A custom manufacturer, not a Reseller
We do not resell someone else’s stock sizes. Design, metal fabrication and fabric work all happen in our Sarasota shop, and our own crews install.
Commercial capacity
About 70% of our work is commercial: general contractors, restaurants, medical offices, retail and multi-family. In 2026 we completed a custom bus canopy for the Marco Island Marriott.
150+ powder-coat colors
More than 150 powder-coat options, including custom RAL finishes, so the structure matches the building instead of the catalog. Finish is quoted as its own line item, so you see what the color costs before anything is fabricated.
Permitting is our job, not yours
When a project requires a permit we handle the paperwork as part of the scope. For homeowners it removes a headache; for GCs it removes a line item that tends to slip.
Straightforward, and local
If what you are asking for is not the right solution, we will say so. We prefer work close to home because that is where we can respond quickly.
How A Project Runs
Residential projects usually start with a phone call or a form. Commercial work is coordinated through the general contractor or property manager.
1
First contact
Call, email or the website form. A salesperson reaches out to schedule a free consultation, usually on site.
2
Site visit
We measure the opening, check the mounting surface, and talk through how the space is actually used.
3
Proposal
A clear written quote covering size, fabric or finish, motorization and total investment. Typically 50% deposit to proceed.
4
Build & install
Fabricated in our Sarasota shop, permitted where required, and installed by our own crew.
5
Walkthrough
We demonstrate operation, confirm everything works, and cover first-year wear and tear on the labor.
Warranties And The Fine Print
Labor is warrantied for one year, and powder-coat finishes for five. Normal wear-and-tear service in that first year is on us — you should not have to think about it.
Custom color is available. We offer more than 150 powder-coat options, and we review finish selections with you in the proposal so the cost is clear before anything is fabricated.
Our Team
The People Behind The Work
Design, fabrication, project management and service all run through this office on 18th Street. When you call, one of these people picks up.
Mark Schwalm
President
Jordan Lawhorn
Vice President
Cengiz Nomer
General Manager
Steve Conolly
Sales Manager
Ali Nomer
Project Manager, Designer
Joey Tippen
Designer
Mishe Polubinski
Estimator
Let's talk about your space
Free on-site consultation across the Suncoast. No financing, no pressure — just a clear proposal.