The World 122221

Bill McQuiggan to Retire after 30 Years at
True Colors Blinds & Designs
Longtime Working Associate Jordan Bushey Will Take Over
On January 28, 1986, Bill McQuiggan drove with his wife,
Maureen and two children, Michael and Mary Teresa to Vermont
from the Boston area. Although still feeling the sting of
the Patriots loss to the Chicago Bears in the Superbowl the
previous day, they were filled with optimism and ecitement.
Nothing compares to the beauty of Vermont in winter and the
drive on 89 North was spectacular.
The McQuiggans arrived at their new home in Montpelier
and marveled at the four feet of plowed snow flanking the
driveway. And then ... about halfway up the hill it became
clear that they would not be making it to the top. As a matter
of fact, they started skidding down the hill backwards, somehow
avoiding the numerous pine trees on either side of the
driveway. “Snow tires eally ho knew” And thus began
a 35-year love affair with Vermont.
Bill began working at ubel Home Decorating in Barre
bringing with him 12 years of retail eperience in the paint
business. He soon became known for his uncanny ability to
match colors and for his decorating abilities. From Alan Rubel
and his father, Ben, he learned the art of doing business in
ermont which for the first time included bartering From
Butch Ford, a fellow employee, he learned how to survive in
ermont. He schooled Bill on how to dry out your wood, how
to rescue a truck from ael-deep mud, how to ensure your ungaraged
car starts in 30 below zero weather by using embers
from the wood stove. Plus how and when to use “eh” and “geeum
crow” and what a door yard is.
ith the knowledge he gained at ubel’s, Bill was ready to
open his own business, True Colors Home Decorating, and did
so in 19. His first location was behind the House of Tang on
iver Street in Montpelier. He was lucky enough to befriend
the late Doug wasnik, a kind and wonderful man who owned
the plumbing store across the street, and when Doug offered to
sell Bill the building, he jumped at the chance.
Bill worked hand in hand with his good friend, ath Natke,
and for more than 0 years they offered the community
custom colored paint, wallpaper and flooring. He could not
have done this without the faithful athy Thurston, his bookkeeper.
During his years in business, Bill hired many young
men and women, including his four children, and was a role
model to them as they were to him. These young folks are
L-R: Soon to be new owner Jordan Bushey, sales/designer Suzie Silva, Moz, and Bill McQuiggan
now working as entrepreneurs, social workers, accountants,
two physicians, musicians, and a deacon about to be ordained
a Catholic priest.
Now Bill is ready to retire to Florida and is confident that
his protg, Jordan Bushey, can take True Colors Blinds and
Designs to a new level. Jordan has nine years of eperience
working with Bill and along with Suie Silva will continue
to provide the high level of service and quality products that
the central Vermont community is accustomed to. Professional
installation is also available.
Bill knows he will miss all the people who he has met over
the years like the above mentioned people. Then there is Attorney
David Blythe, City Councilor Alan eiss, State Legislator
Bill Doyle, Tim Ayer and aren Blosser for insurance,
and Dick Agney, who gave Bill his first loan. The list goes on
and on.
And who knows, you just might see him during the summer
months
One big change new owner Bushey has announced is the
hours at True Colors are being epanded to be more accessible:
Monday-Friday 9-5 and Saturday 9-2.
Plan on stopping soon at 141 River Street, Montpelier or
call 02-22-11 for more information, The store’s email is
truecolorshs@gmail.com.
page 2 The WORLD December 22, 2021