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Bartlett Brainard: 85 Years of Trust, Craftsmanship, and Community

By Irene O’Connor, Linked Media

For Cathy Davis, doing the right thing isn’t just at the heart of what they do – it’s a legacy. As the third-generation owner of Bartlett Brainard Products, Cathy Davis continues a proud family tradition that began 85 years ago when her grandfather founded the company. Her journey started 43 years ago, working alongside her father, learning every aspect of the business with customer care and integrity at the center of it all.

Today, Cathy leads Bartlett Brainard from their welcoming showroom in the Design District on Talcott Road in West Hartford. The company is a full-service exterior home improvement contractor, offering roofing, siding, windows, doors, porticos, and custom carpentry designed to enhance curb appeal and functionality. But Cathy is quick to point out that what sets them apart goes far beyond the services they offer.

“We’re different,” she says. “We’re not here to sell to somebody – we’re here to serve somebody.”

That distinction has guided the company through decades of change and continues to resonate with customers across generations. At a time when many homeowners feel overwhelmed by options, Bartlett Brainard stands out as a name associated with honesty, experience, and personal service.

A Trusted Name in Home Exteriors

Bartlett Brainard specializes in exterior home improvement projects that not only transform a home but also provide essential protection. Roofing and siding are a big part of their business and expertly crafted porticos – demonstrate their commitment to thoughtful, high-quality design.

Cathy says porticos have been especially popular this year. “People want an inviting entryway that also keeps guests dry in bad weather and protects package deliveries,” she says. It’s one of those features that’s both functional and beautiful. The demand has been strong enough that portico work has become a big offering for the company, showcasing the skill of their carpenters.

Bartlett Brainard has a tight-knit and highly experienced team, including a dedicated roofing crew and three full-time carpenters. This team approach allows them to maintain a high level of quality and attention to detail on every job.

Their work extends throughout the Greater Hartford area, particularly in West Hartford, where about 80% of their projects are located. They also serve homeowners in Simsbury, Avon, and Farmington. Cathy says many of today’s clients are downsizing – selling larger homes and buying smaller ones – but still want to invest in making those homes comfortable, stylish, and personalized. That’s where Cathy believes their consulting skills come in.

More Than a Contractor

What truly distinguishes Bartlett Brainard Products is their focus on relationships. Cathy believes deeply in customizing her meetings with clients. “Sometimes people get tired of the whole internet thing,” she says. “They want to walk into a business, see things, touch materials, and talk face to face. That personal interaction makes a big difference.”

Their showroom offers exactly that – a place where homeowners can explore options, ask questions, and work directly with a team that genuinely cares. Cathy sees her role as part contractor, part consultant. Her goal is to help customers make the best decisions for their homes, enhancing the visual appeal and value.

This commitment to care and details has earned Bartlett Brainard build a loyal following. Many clients return for multiple projects over the years, and word-of-mouth referrals remain one of the company’s strongest sources of business. That loyalty is also reflected in their recognition – they’ve been named Best of We-Ha for Home Improvement Contractor 10 times.

Serving the Community

Bartlett Brainard’s mission extends beyond their customers to the broader community. A few years ago, they organized a Day of Caring – a company-wide volunteer effort to help elderly homeowners with small projects free of charge. From patching leaky roofs to fixing broken railings, the team spent the day making a real difference for neighbors in need.

“Helping people – it’s what we’re about,” Cathy says.

A Busy Season – and a Bright Future

As spring and summer roll in, Cathy says the team is in “full-fledged prime mode,” with project requests flooding in. Despite the busy schedule, they work hard to accommodate as many homeowners as possible – with the consistent quality or care that defines their work.

With 85 years behind Bartlett Brainard,  Cathy takes great pride in continuing her family’s legacy and helping homeowners across the region improve the places they live. And while the tools and trends may change, one thing remains constant: their unwavering commitment to honesty, craftsmanship, and service.

“I really love what I do,” Cathy says. “Helping people, being honest with them, guiding them – it’s incredibly rewarding. And I’ve met the kindest people along the way. So many of our customers become friends.”

IN OTHER NEWS FROM THE DESIGN DISTRICT:

Tile America, on New Park Avenue in the Design District is a proud collaborator of this year’s Junior League of Hartford’s Show House event at 820 Prospect Avenue in Hartford. Tours of the home are going on until May 23, 2025, Funds raised from this event are used to fuel the League’s mission and charitable projects for the next 3 years. The primary focus in the community is addressing the impact of systemic poverty on women and families in Greater Hartford.