This year, Otter Creek Awnings  will celebrate fifty years in business, and it’s a pretty amazing story to celebrate. What began in 1976 in Middlebury has grown into the largest awning company in Vermont, serving customers across Vermont, Upstate New York, and New Hampshire, and the company’s reputation has been built one project at a time.

Kristopher and Sarah Larson have been leading the company since 2018. Kristopher joined the business in 2013 in a sales role, then moved into sales management. Later, he was presented with the opportunity to purchase the company, which he did. Then Sarah, who was a hospital administrator, became CFO.

“At the time, I didn’t know a lot about awnings,” Sarah says. “But there was ample room for me to learn and grow. I was able to transfer my skills to this field, and since then, there’s been no looking back. It’s been a great change.”

A COMMITMENT TO SERVICE

So what has helped sustain this company for the last five years? Sarah is quick to provide an answer. “People know us because of the service we provide. We’re always trying to do what’s right. We want people to love their awnings. And we want them to be as proud to work with us as we are to work with them.”

The products offered by Otter Creek Awnings are not limited to retractable awnings, however. They’ve expanded their offerings over the years to include deck canopies, window awnings, solar shades, specialty curtains, and screen enclosures.

They also have a strong presence in the commercial market. Fashionable solutions include entry and walkway awnings, restaurant canopies, and Gennius pergola-style systems, with custom widths designed to span large outdoor patio spaces. These pergola-inspired systems are an excellent choice for venues with outdoor dining and come with built-in gutters and weather protection. They provide a polished architectural look for outdoor business spaces.

“Our awnings are very high-quality products,” Sarah explains. “When you combine great quality and great customer service, it’s not hard to see why we’re still in business.”

But the company’s focus is not only on selling a product, but also on building lasting relationships with their clientele. Sarah emphasizes that customers speak directly to real people when they reach out, not automated systems. That personal connection has helped generate a strong mix of repeat customers and new referrals. “Word of mouth travels fast here,” Sarah says. “If it weren’t for our customers, we wouldn’t be here celebrating fifty years. Our focus with this anniversary is on gratitude to our community and our customers.”

RETRACTABLE AWNINGS RULE

The retractable patio awning remains the company’s best-selling product and  the majority of its residential work. “The tried-and-true retractable patio awning is great because it is motorized and gives you the shade you need when you want it,” Sarah says. “But awnings have evolved over the years.” Today’s systems include technologically advanced pergola-style designs, hurricane-rated options, even models with built-in gutters that provide rain protection. Plus, installation is often faster than people expect. “People think that installing an awning is a multiple-day project,” Sarah explains. “But installation is fast, sometimes as fast as two hours. We show up in the morning, and they can be using their awning by the afternoon.”

RETURNING TO ITS ROOTS

Retractable awnings continue to be manufactured in Chester, New York, with a typical turnaround time of four to six weeks. Stationary and fixed awnings, however, are bringing the company back to its roots. “We’re returning to how we got started,” Sarah says. “By manufacturing our own stationary awnings in our own weld shop and sew shop, we’re providing customers with an in-house option.”

These fixed awnings can include custom graphics, making them especially popular for commercial storefronts and restaurants. Because they are produced locally, customers often enjoy a quicker turnaround, typically around eight weeks, depending on the season.

This focus on in-house production provides a variety of benefits. First, it allows the team to maintain close oversight of production. But perhaps even better, it adds local jobs and develops skills for workers hoping to learn and grow.

But that’s not all. For Sarah, being a Vermont-owned company carries weight. “Being a Vermont-owned company is huge,” Sarah says. “It makes us proud as owners. Our customers get to support a local company.”

Now, with the fiftieth anniversary taking place in 2026, the team at Otter Creek Awnings is all about appreciation and optimism. “It is so easy to be enthusiastic about selling a product that will last and that our customers can enjoy for years to come,” Sarah says.

Otter Creek Awnings is well-positioned to carry its legacy forward. And it’s not just because of its deep roots in Vermont. It’s the commitment to serving customers, and creating relationships.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF OTTER CREEK AWNINGS

Otter Creek Awnings

19 Echo Place

Williston, VT

www.ottercreekawnings.com