Merle Domer, Founder of Sol Restoration

During the unprecedented challenges of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, my golden retriever, Soli, inadvertently inspired a new passion in me. After growing accustomed to my presence at home, Soli expressed his anxiety post-lockdown by shredding my wooden doors and trim. This prompted me to embark on a journey of restoration, discovering a love for fixing things along the way. As I delved into the world of wooden windows, I was fortunate to connect with Erica Simbro, a talented preservationist and sole proprietor of a window restoration business in my city. Under her guidance, I was introduced to the vibrant community within the Preservation Trades and began working part-time in her shop, where I developed a deep appreciation for old-growth wood and the importance of preserving wooden windows.To further hone my skills in window restoration, I traveled to Hannibal, Missouri, to participate in two intensive boot camps at the esteemed Belvedere School for Hands-On Preservation. I spent a summer practicing my craft at the Emma Buck Homestead, restoring windows in a historic 1870s log cabin. With newfound confidence, I relocated to Madison, Wisconsin, where I successfully completed full and partial restorations for over 200 windows. As of September 2024, I have had the privilege of working on several of Madison's beautiful historic homes across the Isthmus and the greater Madison area. With three years of experience and a diverse portfolio of unique windows, I am excited to offer my restoration services to the Madison community. At Sol Restoration, we are not just restoring windows; we are also committed to fostering values of female empowerment through business ownership, environmental stewardship, and the preservation of our cultural heritage. I look forward to the opportunity to connect and collaborate with you.