Bloomin’ Blinds

A New Era of Technology-Driven Home Services

 

A journey of strategic evolution and innovation through vertical integration

Bloomin’ Blinds’, a dominant franchise specializing in window coverings, stands as a prime example of what happens when a multifaceted strategy harmonizes high-level vision with meticulous operational execution.

The franchise has gained an edge over competitors for several reasons. For one, it continually refines its franchisee support and training processes.

The company has also significantly invested in improving its operation’s technological quality and training methodologies, empowering franchisees with cutting-edge tools and deep product knowledge.

This forward-thinking approach enhances operational efficiency and reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional service.

Additionally, strengthening its vertical supply chain with new, integrated services ensures consistent quality and reliable support for franchisees, setting the stage for scalable success.

Bloomin’ Blinds focuses on refined franchisor fundamentals like building robust relationships with franchisees and maintaining a clear, cohesive brand message across all channels.

However, this franchise also carries an extra operational goal that involves a dedicated effort to streamline processes, provide comprehensive post-launch support, and continually engage with industry standards and credentials to uphold professional excellence.

Success for Bloomin’ Blinds has manifested as a flourishing network of well-supported franchisees, a secured standing as an industry authority, and a seamless mix of clever technology with exceptional service delivery.

As it achieves these goals, Bloomin’ Blinds will not only enhance its market position but also create a lasting impact on the window coverings industry in a way that nobody will see coming.

 

Enhancing Franchise Training and Support with Technology

Bloomin’ Blinds has traditionally thrived in the residential market, catering to a demographic that blends the blue-collar work ethic with a refined taste for quality and style.

This clientele often includes successful individuals who, despite their busy lives, appreciate the finer details of their home environment. The company’s unique positioning in the market is enhanced by its ability to seamlessly transition from residential to commercial projects.

Fortunately, this strategic flexibility has allowed Bloomin’ Blinds to penetrate commercial spaces through existing residential relationships.

Bloomin’ Blinds has set itself at the forefront of innovation by leveraging a comprehensive approach to vertical integration and franchisee support.

This strategy not only differentiates the company from its competitors but also underscores its commitment to both its franchisees and its customers.

Drastic improvements to its technology stack have allowed it to improve its franchisee experience to the point of affecting its standing in the overall market itself.

“Beyond just the products we offer, we’re creating our niche with a technological lean that stands apart from the rest of the industry,” says Chief Operations Officer (COO) Kris Stuart.

The emergence of certain technologies, like AI, has been a game changer to the larger market, which is fantastic, as it allows companies to positively niche and differentiate themselves against competitors.

In this case, Bloomin Blinds is one of the few companies that understands this and is capitalizing on it now.

To continue to provide value for its franchisees, the company has adapted its service model around this improved technology stack that features proprietary AI software that helps franchisees immensely in their day-to-day operations.

“We’re actually able to reduce their monthly technology fee. Because we now own this software and are managing maintenance and updating on our own without having to pay or wait for support from external providers,” Stuart explains, highlighting the increased total capacity the AI puts back into any given operation.

Initially, the company rented multiple software platforms, integrating them all into a single process via delicate APIs that needed constant maintenance and updates.

This prompted the company to take more ownership of its operation, which led to the birth of its AI software, which is quite secure and well-trained, relative to many other AIs on the market.

“Our data is air-gapped from the larger internet by a function of its infrastructure design so the system, the internet, cannot access our data or our AI unless we allow it and at this point, we’re not allowing any external influence to the training of our AI. So, it only gives outputs as we define them,” Stuart says.

This tool further solidifies franchisees’ understanding of product offerings and operational procedures and represents a leap forward in the company’s commitment to technological integration.

Commitment to Brand Continuity and Franchisee Success

One of the cornerstones of Bloomin’ Blinds’ expansion strategy is its robust training and support framework for franchisees.

The company has recently overhauled its training program to include a comprehensive blend of digital onboarding and in-person instruction.

New franchisees now undergo four weeks of intensive digital training, followed by two weeks of hands-on, in-person training led by a team of industry experts. This approach ensures that franchisees arrive at their training sessions with solid foundational knowledge.

The addition of virtual and augmented reality training tools, such as Apple Vision Pro goggles, significantly improves the franchisee learning experience.

Maintaining brand continuity and ensuring a coherent brand message across all franchisees is another critical focus for Bloomin’ Blinds. The company has strategically partnered with Franchise Fast Lane to manage franchise sales and candidate screening.

Kelly Mach, the director at Franchise Fast Lane, plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of the Bloomin’ Blinds brand.

“Having her in the system gives us the freedom to not micromanage. We know she’s talking about us correctly…I have zero concerns about how Bloomin Blinds is viewed in the open market because she gets us so well,” Stuart explains.

Bloomin’ Blinds has also streamlined its partnerships and technology integrations to enhance its service offerings. This has reduced the number of technology partners, allowing for a more concentrated effort on expanding product offerings and enhancing franchisee support.

This shift has resulted in a broader range of products, including motorized louvered pergolas and aluminum shutters, further solidifying Bloomin’ Blinds’ position as a leader in the window covering industry.

 

Vertical Integration and Manufacturing Expansions Signal a Bright Road Ahead

A significant development in Bloomin’ Blinds’ strategy is its foray into manufacturing.

By managing the facility of one of its key partners, Somfy, the company has positioned itself as a unique player in the industry, differentiating itself from competitors who rely on private-label products.

“We’re the only franchise in the space with a manufacturing element. The others just do private labels. They just purchase a sticker from the manufacturer and they call it their product. We’re actually manufacturing products,” Stuart states.

This move allows Bloomin’ Blinds to control product quality and supply chain efficiency, providing a significant advantage to its franchisees.

The manufacturing facility not only supports the company’s product offerings but also enhances its ability to serve franchisees by streamlining product restocks and support.

Bloomin’ Blinds’ approach to supply chain management focuses on providing benefits rather than driving profits, ensuring that franchisees receive high-quality products and support at competitive prices.

“We already know our profit comes from royalty management… the rest of our job is to provide benefits. One of those ways we know we can provide that direct benefit now that we have a manufacturing warehouse distribution operation is to layer on that supply chain management,  and it becomes another arrow in the quiver for our franchisees to be more successful on the local level,” Stuart says.

Looking ahead, Bloomin’ Blinds is focused on expanding its franchise network and driving innovation in the home services sector.

With plans to add three to four new franchisee teams per month, the company is on track to significantly increase its presence across the United States. Currently operating in 32 states with approximately 80 franchisees, Bloomin’ Blinds envisions a future with up to 800 territories nationwide.

In addition to its expansion efforts, the company is actively involved in professionalizing the window-covering industry.

Bloomin’ Blinds’ collaboration with the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) aims to elevate industry standards through education and certification. By participating in the development of industry credentials, Bloomin’ Blinds is committed to raising the bar for professionalism and ensuring that customers receive exceptional value and service.

As part of its forward-looking strategy, Bloomin’ Blinds is also exploring the integration of robotics into home services.

Project Green Lights, an ambitious initiative within the company, seeks to revolutionize the industry by combining robotic technology with human expertise. This approach aims to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining the personal touch that is essential in home services.

Ultimately, Bloomin’ Blinds is charting a path of innovation and growth that positions it as a leader in the home services industry.

Through strategic vertical integration, advanced training programs, and a commitment to industry leadership, the company is not only expanding its footprint but also setting new standards for excellence.

As it continues to evolve, Bloomin’ Blinds remains focused on delivering exceptional value to its franchisees and customers, ensuring its place at the forefront of the industry.

AT A GLANCE

Bloomin’ Blinds

What: Innovative window coverings franchise with a focus on technology and vertical integration

Where: Operating across 32 states, with plans to expand to up to 800 territories nationwide

Website: bloominblinds.com