The $50 Job That Sparked a Million Dollar Business Partnership | Patrick Heffernan

Raising The Grade

In this episode of Raising the Grade, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Patrick Heffernan, co-owner of Southwest Sunscreens and one of the most meticulous and relationship-driven guys you'll ever meet. Patrick and I go way back, he’s been a power partner in my landscaping projects, saving countless yards from the Arizona sun with his innovative solar screens.
Patrick shared his story of humble beginnings, from handyman work to building a thriving business with his best friend and business partner, Brad. Their journey from Craigslist connections to a fully rebranded and growing company is nothing short of inspiring. We talked about the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of creating solid processes, and how a trip to a Nashville business conference completely changed their trajectory.
Patrick’s commitment to quality and customer experience shines through, whether he’s talking about designing a standout mascot, perfecting his team’s processes, or ensuring every window they touch exceeds expectations. If you're into stories about entrepreneurship, partnerships that actually work, and breaking industry molds, you don’t want to miss this one.
Key Moments:
0:30 Who is Patrick Heffernan?
3:50 The Beginnings of Southwest Sunscreens
11:00 How A Nashville Business Conference Changed Everything
17:00 A Bold Choice to Stand Out
25:30 The Dynamic Partnership with Brad
35:00 Sustainability and Innovation in Solar Screens
39:00 Debunking Myths About Solar Screens
48:00 The Need for Industry Standards