About
Our Team
At The Superior Finish, our work is only as strong as the people behind it. From design consultations to fabrication and installation, our team brings skill, care, and pride to every project we touch.
Founder
Sue Smith
Sue Smith was born and raised in Windsor, England, where early exposure to historic castles, manor homes, fine art, architecture, and gardens shaped her lifelong appreciation for quality and detail. Influenced by both her surroundings and her mother’s discerning eye, Sue developed a deep respect for craftsmanship that continues to define The Superior Finish today.
After emigrating to Western North Carolina in 1982, Sue managed Howick and Howick Interior Design on Church Street in Waynesville. Eager to expand her technical skills, she enrolled in upholstery courses at Haywood Community College, where she learned to restore and reimagine both antique and contemporary furniture.
Sue converted the basement of her home into her first drapery workshop, later expanding into a converted garage as demand grew. Through several expansions and relocations, The Superior Finish ultimately found its permanent home at 145 Broadview Road, where Sue refined her niche—combining custom window treatments with premium blinds, shades, and shutters from the world’s leading manufacturers.
Today, her studio of skilled artisans, seamstresses, and craftsmen continues to breathe life into antique furniture, modern interiors, and exterior living spaces. The Superior Finish proudly partners with Hunter Douglas, Fenetex, and Sunsetter Shades, relying on professional installation to ensure exceptional results every time.
Sue’s sons, Nathaniel and Jason, now lead the company into its next chapter—carrying forward her unwavering commitment to quality, durability, and timeless beauty.
Robin
With over 30 years of experience managing operations and client communication, Robin is never too busy to help you choose a solution that best fits your vision. Whether she’s working with a designer on the correct fabric that will endure for your sunroom curtains, or determining whether full automated blinds are right for the entire house, her attention to detail and dedication to service help ensure a seamless experience for every client.
Paul
An avid SCUBA diver and volunteer EMT & Firefighter, Paul is our Master Upholsterer with over 40 years of breathing new life into well loved furniture. His work with antique and modern furniture designs will leave you speechless – and likely a bit more comfortable – than you thought possible.
Nathaniel
‘Brother Nat’ is our Installation Lead and has been worrying about things to the 1/8th inch for nearly 30 years. Although we believe Nat is happiest when he’s 20 feet up in the air, hanging a custom retractable awning, he tells us he is just as happy being a cheer-dad and fan of tinkering with cars.
Carol
Carol is a native North Carolinanian whose passion for quality is only surpassed by the love and pride in her family. A seamstress with well over 30 years of sewing and upholstery experience, she is delighted to help you accent your space with heritage quality workmanship.
Deanna
Deanna is a digital creator who brings her multi-faceted talents to the drapery workshop. Dedicated to her family and her passions, she’s been helping the Superior Finish maintain its generational reputation for nearly 15 years. Taking pride in every project she undertakes, she’s looking to bring her decades long experience and ideas into your home.
Erik
Eric is a Western North Carolina Native who loves the outdoors and brings years of installation experience to the salesroom and his hands-on experience to your project. His commitment to accuracy and craftsmanship ensures that each finished product performs as beautifully as it loo
Susie
Susie is one of our artisan seamstresses in the draperies workshop who loves coordinating fabrics, finishes, and project details. She loves the variety of new projects and is excited to take on new challenges, turning them into timeless creations.
Bessie
Bessie is an artisan seamstress who enjoys a technical challenge. Her attention to detail and dedication to her craft is one of the Superior Finish’ superpowers. Our designers love working with Bessie, and we bet you will too!
Rowena
Rowena is a Florida Girl who has come to love the mountains and is passionate about her animals. While Rowena has been a lifelong seamstress, she has discovered a passion for upholstery. Rowena has never met a project she can’t tackle with her team. Her sidekick Sasha Fierce occasionally drops by to ensure the Upholstery Workshop has a regulation number of paws.
Coey
Coey is an outdoorsman who loves live music and working on cars. Coey has been installing with Nat for a few years now and is starting to lead his own teams of professional installers. He’s excited to help you take your ideas to the final product.
Julian
Julian Is an NC State engineering student and the third generation of the family working for The Superior Finish. When he’s not at school he’s a passionate conversationalist and always eager to see the project across the finish line.
Gabriel
Gabriel is a radiology student at South Western Community College and the newest member of our staff. When he’s not installing blinds, shutters, awnings, or drapes he likes to spend time with his girlfriend or playing video games.
Jason
Jason is a Navy veteran and our Business Manager and IT technical support. He returned to WNC to work with his brother and to take The Superior Finish into the next generation. He’s motivated to ensure your experience working with us is as positive and frictionless as it possibly can be, and ensure you come back to us again when your next idea for your home comes to life.