“Everyone has these beautiful, big backyards but we find so many people are unable to enjoy them because it’s simply too hot outside,” Natalia Crofut said. “Peterson Canvas & Awning is here to give you shade so you can finally utilize your backyard. We help people enjoy their lives – including their yards and patios. With Peterson, you can be outside, comfortably.”

 

Natalia Crofut is the Owner and Lead Designer at Peterson Canvas & Awning, the oldest and most established custom awning and solar screen company in Colorado and Wyoming. Founded in 1957, Peterson has installed thousands of custom retractable awnings, solar screens, and custom canvases at homes and businesses across the region.

 

Natalia and her family moved to Northern Colorado in 2005. Several years ago, she began looking for entrepreneurial opportunities. She and her husband came across Peterson Canvas & Awning. “It just fit,” she said. “From that very first call, I knew this was the kind of business I wanted to lead. The values, the team, the reputation, and the client satisfaction… it was all there.”

 

Eighteen months ago, Natalia and her husband purchased the company from its previous owners, Jim and Tim. Tim has since retired while Jim has stayed with the company, serving in a sales, technical expert, and design role.

 

Despite the change in ownership, Natalia’s goal was to maintain Peterson’s reputation. The business has remained locally owned and customer service is their top priority. “We work hard to make every customer feel like our only customer,” she said. “From the first time someone contacts us all the way through installation, we focus on communication and doing the job right. We provide high-end products and high-end service.”

 

With a deep background in construction and design, Natalia brings an interior decoration approach to your backyard. “I make sure every detail is right,” she said. “My goal is always to help people get shade solutions that are also beautiful and fit with the home. I get up on the ladder to measure and I go over all the colors with the homeowners. We always work hard so that our customers love the awning's look and function. We want this to be an extension of their house and to open up a new living space that they love.”

 

Natalia is very hands-on; she works closely with the team and their customers. She and Jim handle all the sales calls, and she also oversees the business operations. “We made the right decision,” she said. “This team is incredible, and we feel so fortunate to work with people who share our values. We all work great as a team. We have a positive atmosphere, and all the team members are very committed. Our customers are simply the best people.”

 

After the measurements are made and the fabrics are chosen, the retractable awnings and solar screens are fabricated by Eclipse Shading Systems right here in America. Rachael and James are the lead installers, ensuring that each awning and solar screen will do its job. “People just love them,” Natalia said. “They are very respectful and knowledgeable. Rachael and James get rave reviews.”

 

If you’ve ever taken a stroll down the streets of Old Town Fort Collins, you’ve likely seen the awnings over many businesses. The majority of them have been custom created by the Peterson team. Carrie, a local seamstress with over 25 years of experience, designs and sews all custom awnings including many main-street storefronts. “She’s amazing,” Natalia said. “She can sew anything, and it looks great every time.”

 

The team is rounded out by the friendly voice on the phone, Cyndi. “She’s so knowledgeable and she really helps customers on the phone,” Natalia said. “We are like a small family here at Peterson. Our customers and our team, we really take care of each other.”

 

Peterson Canvas & Awning serves all of the Colorado Front Range and parts of Wyoming. They install between 250-400 awnings, solar screens, sail shades, and pergola canopies a year. These products block up to 98% of UV rays and can reduce the heat on the patio by up to 20°F, making it more comfortable to spend time outside. It’s also worth noting that awnings and screens reduce the temperature inside the home as well, saving air conditioning costs.

 

The Peterson team is here to provide guidance to improve your outside space, including free quotes at different price points. The Eclipse warranties are robust and demonstrate these are high-quality products that the Peterson team is proud to stand by.

 

“Unfortunately, the weather is going to get hotter and hotter,” she said. “We want people to enjoy their lives and the outdoors. We’re here to make your patio comfortable and enjoyable. Get outside! It’s beautiful here. Don’t miss it.”

 

Learn more about Peterson and its products at www.petersoncanvas.com.