Welcome to Made in the Shade, Rob & Kathy!
We are thrilled to introduce Rob and Kathy as the newest franchisees of Made in the Shade Central DuPage! After years of raising a family, remodeling homes, and diving into the world of design, Rob and Kathy bring a unique blend of experience, passion, and creativity to the Made in the Shade family.
A Dynamic Duo with Diverse Backgrounds
Rob and Kathy’s journey has been anything but ordinary, and it’s this rich experience that makes them the perfect fit for Made in the Shade. Rob has spent many years in the corporate world before retiring and deciding to dive into something more fulfilling. His knack for business operations and strategy is complemented perfectly by Kathy’s creative spirit and background in design.
Before launching their Made in the Shade franchise, Kathy’s career started in estate planning and insurance, where she helped manage client pension plans and ran operations for a family-run business. After a successful 15-year career in this field, Kathy took on the role of a stay-at-home mom, where she raised four children and was deeply involved in volunteer work—serving as President of several organizations, including the Lions Club and the PTA. She also became a special education aide before pursuing her passion for interior design and earning certifications along the way. Kathy is particularly excited to use her design expertise to help others create beautiful and functional spaces.
Together, Rob and Kathy have a shared love for home improvement, having remodeled six homes (including their current one, which they stripped down to the studs!). They’ve not only honed their skills in design but have truly made it their mission to help clients make their homes feel like their dream spaces.
A Focus on Community and Family
Family is everything to Rob and Kathy. They’ve raised four children, ranging from 21 to 34, and have one son-in-law, Dan. Their family has always been active, and Rob and Kathy are officially “empty nesters” now—although they are still very involved in their kids’ lives. From hiking and cycling to their love for movies, the couple enjoys spending time together and cherishing the memories they’ve built along the way.
The Gotter family is also passionate about their hometown sports teams—Rob and Kathy are both huge Chicago Cubs and Bears fans, and it’s clear that their enthusiasm for family extends into all areas of life, from sports to home improvement.
Excited to Serve the Central DuPage Area
As new Made in the Shade franchisees, Rob and Kathy are eager to serve Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, and the surrounding areas.
Join Us in Welcoming Rob & Kathy!
We’re excited to see the impact that Rob and Kathy will make within the Made in the Shade network. Please join us in welcoming them to the team! They’re eager to get started and are looking forward to connecting with fellow franchisees, sharing insights, and building lasting relationships with everyone.
We’re confident they will bring fresh energy, great ideas, and an unwavering commitment to quality to the MITS family!
