How Home Franchise Concepts’ Referral Program Drives Growth Across Brands

Adam Russo is a proud Budget Blinds franchisee who owns three Ohio locations of this 1,300-plus-unit-strong industry leader in window coverings. Recently, he was delighted to refer two fellow entrepreneurs, Alan and Laura Goldenstein, to be part of the Home Franchise Concepts (HFC) family of brands, Budget Blinds’ parent company.

These types of personal referrals are at the heart of HFC’s referral incentive programs because they drive franchise growth and bring in highly qualified and successful franchise owners.

Based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the Goldensteins are new owners of a Concrete Craft franchise, another HFC brand that specializes in decorative concrete overlays for anything from patios, pool decks, driveways to interior floors for homes and businesses.

But, Russo says, he didn’t do it for the $10,000 referral fee. “Don’t get me wrong, I'll certainly welcome it!” he said. “But it’s honestly not my motivation to refer people to this company. I have nothing but good things to say about Home Franchise Concepts’ leadership team. They really support new franchisees.”

A Second Generation Budget Blinds Franchisee

Russo had a personal referral as his introduction to Budget Blinds as well: His father, Bob, started a Budget Blinds franchise in the early 2000s. After working for his dad as a part-time installer while he finished college, he pursued a career in real estate sales. One subprime mortgage lending crisis later, the younger Russo began exploring the idea of owning his own Budget Blinds franchise in 2012. He hasn’t looked back since. 

Russo met the Goldensteins through one of his clients, who introduced him to a pair of entrepreneurially-minded friends who were considering starting their own food truck business, though they were also thinking about starting a franchise. After talking to the couple, Russo knew the couple was right for HFC. 

“They struck me as super-bright, sharp and smart business people,” said Russo. “They would definitely thrive in a Concrete Craft or a Budget Blinds franchise.”

How HFC Brands Work Together to Grow

Home Franchise Concepts is more than just a collection of brands, said Russo. It’s a strategic alliance of related home-service businesses that make each other stronger. In addition to Budget Blinds and Concrete Craft, the company owns four other brands concerned with home improvement, allowing franchisees to refer not only clients but also potential franchisees.

Existing HFC franchisees like Russo have the opportunity to refer qualified candidates for any one of the HFC brands and receive a lump sum payment for each franchise sale. HFC’s referral program increases each of its concepts’ footprints and builds a stronger sense of brand awareness, benefitting all partner brands.

Beyond the dollar incentive, there is an opportunity to join the HFC traveling team on one of its referral rewards trips, where roundtrip airline expenses, hotel accommodations, events and activities, and gratuities are covered for the referring franchisee and one guest. 

Jonathan Thiessen, HFC’s chief development officer, believes that when a current franchisee like Russo goes out to help others achieve the kind of success he’s had, it’s a true endorsement of the work the company has done to support franchisees.

“We’re proud that our franchisees are out there telling their success stories,” says Thiessen. “There really is no stronger validation than that we’re helping them create a lasting, meaningful business, as well as a network of support,” he said.

For more information on franchising with Budget Blinds, please visit https://franchise.budgetblinds.com/.