T.R. Mann started Mann Shade Company in 1950, specializing in window shades. The business became MannKidwell Shade Corporation in 1967 when Andrew Kidwell, Jr. purchased it.  The current owner, Andrew Kidwell III, worked alongside his father after graduating from college and learned the business from the ground up.  Andrew purchased the business from his father in 1997 and has maintained the high level of customer service that has become synonymous with the name MannKidwell.  In January 2005, MannKidwell expanded its product lines and moved into a larger 4,000 sq ft showroom located at 6011 West Broad Street.