My Story
My name is Robert Cardona. I began my career in 1996 as an assistant drapery installer for a company called La Regence. At the time, I was hired primarily because I was handy with tools, had a clean driver’s license, and presented myself well. My main responsibility was to bring in and lay out materials, boxes, and tools for the installers.
Curious to learn more, I saved every set of instructions that came with products like drapery tracks and shades, put them in a binder, and studied them at night. I also asked questions and observed closely during the day. After about a year, while working in a large home, I decided to install two window treatments on my own—a valance board with traverse tracks, drapes, and sheers—without telling anyone. When the lead installer eventually saw my work, he was surprised to discover that I had completed the installation myself, especially since it was done perfectly and met all professional standards. That moment confirmed my passion and aptitude for the craft..
After a few more months, I realized I had learned all I could in that position, especially after hitting a wage ceiling of $15 per hour. I contacted another workroom, negotiated a rate of $17 per hour, and spent about a year there, learning all I could. I repeated this process a few more times, eventually earning up to $25 per hour. When it became clear that $25 was the maximum any drapery workroom would pay, I decided to start my own independent drapery installation service, R.A.C Installations Inc.
When I first launched R.A.C Installations, I handled my own marketing. My initial campaign consisted of a simple flyer mailing that I created myself. I found potential workroom addresses online, copied them into a Word document, and sent out my flyers. In direct mail marketing, a 1% to 5% response rate is generally considered a success, and my campaigns hit those numbers. Though it was hard work, I found it incredibly rewarding to be running my own business. Over time, I grew to become one of the top installation companies in New York City.
Everything was going smoothly until September 11, 2001—a dark day in history. All work came to a standstill, and the economy took a major hit. I had a client I’d built a great rapport with, Ronald Jonas Interiors, and they offered me a full-time position. I became a lead installer, working alongside three other drapery installers. Because Ronald Jonas Interiors was a large company with projects booked for years, I felt secure there.
One day, the owner asked me to start doing wall upholstery. Having no idea what that was, I refused—I wanted to stick to what I was already skilled at. But they persisted, and when the owner finally said, “If you want to keep working here, you’re going to learn wall upholstery,” I realized I had no choice. The economy was in bad shape, so I agreed. Under the guidance of a master wall upholsterer, I learned the traditional method and became quite adept at it.
I stayed with Ronald Jonas Interiors for a couple more years, traveling nationwide for projects. While it was a great experience, the constant travel was tough, especially since my daughter, born in 1998, was growing up without me. Once the economy picked up, I decided to go back out on my own—but I was able to keep Ronald Jonas Interiors as a valued client.
MY story
In 2005, I launched NY Drapery Guy, specializing in high-end drapery and shades. I managed my own projects, selling both the window treatments and the installation services to luxury interior designers. I also took on a few wall upholstery jobs during those years. Overall, business went well, despite occasional ups and downs.
Over time, I became an effective project manager, working closely with designers, creating work orders for seamstresses, and overseeing shade orders and installations. Then, in 2020, COVID-19 hit. As a husband and father of two daughters, I found it especially challenging to work in New York City; building access became difficult, and the uncertainty took a toll on me. During this period, I gravitated toward more wall upholstery projects, realizing how much I enjoyed them.
By 2024, I decided to fully embrace that passion and launched Fabric Wall Pro.
I’ve carried the same passion for learning throughout my career, constantly refining my skills in both traditional and contemporary upholstery methods. As more designers request sleek, clean-edge wall upholstery, I’ve invested significant time in mastering these newer track systems, ensuring precise measurement and meticulous planning for every project. By combining time-honored craftsmanship with innovative techniques, we achieve a seamless look that elevates even the most luxurious interiors.
Our team is well-versed in working with premium fabrics—such as De Gournay—and understands the level of care and expertise these materials demand. Over the years, I’ve assembled a group of the finest tradespeople in New York City, each dedicated to delivering superior quality and flawless execution. When you partner with us, you can expect exceptional craftsmanship, unwavering attention to detail, and results that exceed your highest expectations.