About Us
Let us introduce to you, local residents Robert and Tina Henderson – owners of The Windfall. Here is their success story!
In 2007, compliments of an unstable economy and downward spiraling real estate market, the Henderson’s found themselves unemployed. Sound familiar? Robert, a Realtor and Tina, a Sr. Escrow Officer, were quickly labeled as ‘displaced workers’. With their bills piling up and facing foreclosure of their home, the Henderson’s needed a miracle. In February of 2009, thanks to fate and necessity, the mother of invention, an opportunity presented itself. Little did they know, they were about to get a “windfall”.
The name for this new opportunity was chosen thanks to a popular search engine. No kidding! Robert sat at his laptop late one evening and typed the word “money” – the response? Windfall… which by definition is a sudden and unexpected gain or advantage. Something every one of us could use, right? Tina came up with their slogan which is easy to relate to: “Everyone needs a Windfall”. Combining their years of experience in business management and having previously owned a small business that depended heavily on advertising, Robert and Tina got busy learning what it would take to design, promote and publish a weekly paper. Together they possess a nonstop determination to succeed and a passion to help others do the same. Oh and patience, lots and lots of patience! Tina states, “We knew we did not need to ‘re-invent the wheel’. We just wanted to create a publication that was fun, organized and user friendly. In addition to local business, it was important for us to promote the local arts and events within our community. Our primary focus is affordability for everyone. Robert and I relate to the struggles of many of our clients, friends and neighbors. Keeping food on the table and a roof over our heads can be challenging at best. When you factor in the number of unemployed and self employed we have among us, even the necessary expenses can be overwhelming.”
The first edition of The Windfall was printed in March of 2009. This “humble beginning” was printed in black and white and included just 12 pages of advertisers! Many of which Robert and Tina gratefully acknowledge are still in the publication today! “We are very fortunate to have such loyal clients, family and friends who believed in us when most everyone else told us ‘You will never make it’,” states Robert. Since that first issue they have more than doubled the size of the paper, increased their distribution and developed a strong following due to their active presence in the community and on the internet. The Windfall is delivered each Friday to over 430 locations in El Dorado County and has grown to include parts of Amador and Sacramento Counties as well. In 2011, The Windfall was presented with the Start Up Business of the Year Award, presented to Robert and Tina by the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce.
The publication is printed on recycled newsprint using soy-based ink and each edition can be read online for free at www.shopthewindfall.com. So go ahead, put your feet up and relax! If you miss it in print you can always find your Windfall online anytime in the comfort of your home or office! The Windfall is considered by many to be the Community Resource Guide and depend on it to keep them informed of current events. Windfall has become the “People’s Paper!”
Their own experience of financially losing everything due to unemployment, has truly inspired the Henderson’s to reach out and give back to their community. Robert, Tina and their two daughters, Caitlin and Savannah, volunteer countless hours in support of local non-profits and fundraisers in the County. Their publication includes dedicated ad space for non-profit events and local fundraisers at deeply discounted rates. Tina states, “This economy has forced so many of us to sell household items and collectibles to make ends meet. We can really empathize with that struggle, so we give back every week in the form of free classified ads to residents selling their personal items.”
Tina is the Editor and handles all daily operations at The Windfall including administration, design and layout of the paper. Robert handles sales, marketing and customer care. Robert is the current President of the El Dorado County Chapter Habitat for Humanity. In addition, he’s on the board of the Cameron Park/Shingle Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Pollock Pines/Camino Chamber of Commerce. He is the current Vice President of Network El Dorado, the largest networking group in El Dorado County. The Windfall is a member of the El Dorado County and Georgetown/Divide Chambers of Commerce as well. Robert states, “In The Windfall, you are more than just an ad in print. We promote all of our clients on a daily basis through our networking relationships.”
“Are you in need of a Windfall?” Robert and Tina Henderson are available to assist you in promoting your business through affordable and effective advertising. Call us at (530) 621-1698 or send us an email at info@shopthewindfall.com and thank you for your readership!
