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1851: Tell us about the history of the brand.Jonathan Thiessen: In 1993, <a href="https://franchise.budgetblinds.com/?utm_source=1851franchise&amp%3Butm_medium=referral&amp%3Butm_campaign=bbfd-1851&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=executive-qa-budget-blinds-cdo-jonathan-thiessen-2714012" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Budget Blinds</a> was founded in Orange County, California when five friends who were waiting tables decided to invest $5,000 each in starting a window covering company. Budget Blinds started off with the idea of creating a custom window covering business that offered convenient shop-at-home service for window coverings and home décor accessories.The original Budget Blinds owners started to franchise the company two years later, and, over the next decade, the brand signed over 80 franchisees. Now, with over 1,100 territories, Budget Blinds is the number-one provider of custom window coverings in North America.&nbsp;1851: What are the brand’s key differentiators that make it stand out in the industry?Jonathan Thiessen: From a consumer standpoint, <a href="https://franchise.budgetblinds.com/?utm_source=1851franchise&amp%3Butm_medium=referral&amp%3Butm_campaign=bbfd-1851&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=executive-qa-budget-blinds-cdo-jonathan-thiessen-2714012" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Budget Blinds’ breadth of product selection</a> is unmatched in the industry, and the brand offers a consultation-style approach in which customers are able to find whatever they are looking for at the best price.Our depth and breadth of product offerings span multiple categories from more traditional window coverings like blinds, shutters and shades, to our exclusive collection of designer drapes and shades, to rugs, pillows and bedding. We also provide home automation solutions for window coverings as well as smart lighting and more.1851: What are the milestones in the brand’s history that have led to its success?Jonathan Thiessen: The original five partners sold the company back in 2015 and helped provide expertise and capital. Now, as part of parent company <a href="https://www.homefranchiseconcepts.com/?utm_source=1851franchise&amp%3Butm_medium=referral&amp%3Butm_campaign=bbfd-1851&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=executive-qa-budget-blinds-cdo-jonathan-thiessen-2714012" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Home Franchise Concepts</a>, Budget Blinds has the leadership and backing to take the brand to the next level.Although Budget Blinds has gone through many ownership changes, the business model has been consistent. For more than 25 years, Budget Blinds has continued to deliver strong growth while continuously optimizing our business model and aligning ourselves further with consumer needs and industry trends to provide the best products, pricing and support for our franchisees. For example, in recent years, we’ve added a smart home division to the business model that’s becoming a huge differentiator for franchisees.&nbsp;In 2020, <a href="https://budgetblinds.com/extreme-makeover-home-edition/?utm_source=1851franchise&amp%3Butm_medium=referral&amp%3Butm_campaign=bbfd-1851&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=executive-qa-budget-blinds-cdo-jonathan-thiessen-2714012" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">we partnered with HGTV’s Extreme Home Makeover,</a> in which Budget Blinds and our sister brands participated in the transformation of two homes for two incredible families.&nbsp;1851: Why is the brand a good investment for franchisees?Jonathan Thiessen: When it comes to franchising,<a href="https://franchise.budgetblinds.com/investment/?utm_source=1851franchise&amp%3Butm_medium=referral&amp%3Butm_campaign=bbfd-1851&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=executive-qa-budget-blinds-cdo-jonathan-thiessen-2714012" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Budget Blinds’ home-based business model</a> offers a quick return on investment, with high margins, low overhead costs and minimal staffing requirements. Franchisees have continued to see strong sales and profit margins, including a 54% gross profit average, as well as an industry-leading closing rates average. The brand also offers franchisees family-business benefits, a flexible work schedule and greater overall career security. Our expert training staff provides highly personalized and informative training from immersive product knowledge and sales, to comprehensive local area marketing programs and installation support. The commercial aspect of the business is also growing, allowing franchise owners to create additional revenue streams by servicing restaurants and other businesses.As the top provider of customer window coverings in North America, Budget Blinds is a widely recognized brand in the growing home improvement franchise industry. Franchisees can capitalize on our powerful brand name with national recognition, our amazing network of Alliance vendors, a dedicated team at Budget Blinds Home Office and our marketing power in order to realize their dreams of owning a business franchise.Lastly, franchise owners get the opportunity to become a positive part of their community and help people overcome challenges in the home. Plus, Budget Blinds allows franchise owners to join an incredible community and network of fellow franchisees that help and support each other. Budget Blind franchisees are not just joining a business — they are joining a family.&nbsp;For more information, visit: <a href="https://franchise.budgetblinds.com/?utm_source=1851franchise&amp%3Butm_medium=referral&amp%3Butm_campaign=bbfd-1851&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=executive-qa-budget-blinds-cdo-jonathan-thiessen-2714012" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://franchise.budgetblinds.com/</a>

Executive Q&A: Budget Blinds CDO Jonathan Thiessen

1851 Franchise

Thiessen discussed the brand with 1851 Franchise. 

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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