Bloomin' Blinds' Growth Journey - With Kristopher Stuart Artwork

The Franchise Hot Seat Podcast with Dr. John P. Hayes - Director, Titus Center for Franchising

Internationally recognized speaker, personal business coach and Amazon best-selling franchise author Dr. John Hayes offers an honest look at everything involved in researching, evaluating and purchasing a franchise business. On this podcast, Dr. John P Hayes interviews Franchisors, Franchisees, and has solo episodes giving valuable advice in the Franchise Industry. Since 1979, John Hayes has worked in the franchise community as a consultant, franchisee and franchisor. He’s one of an elite group worldwide that has actually owned and operated franchises, including serving as CEO of a major American franchisor company, and advised franchisors and franchisees. He is the author of several franchise-related books and countless articles that have appeared in media worldwide. Dr. Hayes has served for many years as an advisor to franchisors, franchisees and small business owners internationally. His areas of expertise include management development, marketing, customer service, training and strategic planning. He is the author or co-author of 18 non-fiction books including Franchising: The Inside Story, Start Small, Finish Big, You Can’t Teach A Kid To Ride A Bike At A Seminar, and most recently Buy “Hot” Franchises Without Getting Burned. Keywords: franchise tax board , chick fil a franchise , the franchise guy , best franchise to own , franchise business , buying a franchise , franchise opportunities , opening a franchise , owning a franchise

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The Franchise Hot Seat Podcast with Dr. John P. Hayes - Director, Titus Center for Franchising

Bloomin' Blinds' Growth Journey - With Kristopher Stuart

September 08, 2025 • Dr. John P Hayes • Season 1 • Episode 68

DESCRIPTION:

John Hayes interviews Kristopher Stuart, Chief Information Officer of Blooming

Blinds, on the Franchise Hot Seat Podcast. Stuart shares his accidental entry into

franchising while seeking improved business opportunities. He traces the growth of

Blooming Blinds from a family-owned retail business to a thriving franchise with 86

franchisees across 158 territories. Stuart discusses the pros and cons of running a

family business, the critical role of selecting the right franchisees, and the

continuous learning process that has helped refine their business model. He

emphasizes the need for franchisees to engage in self-reflection, describes their

comprehensive training and support program, and underscores the significant

impact of technology, including AI, in enhancing operations and efficiency. The

discussion also covers company culture, the benefits of collaborating with Franchise

Fastlane for accelerated growth, and the typical day-to-day activities of successful

franchisees. The podcast offers valuable perspectives for those interested in

franchising or contemplating a Blooming Blinds franchise.

- With Kristopher Stuart.

TIMESTAMP

00:00 Intro

00:18 How did you discover franchising?

02:19 Managing family business dynamics?

03:43 Best franchise growth strategies?

13:35 Franchisee training best practices?

21:18 Tech innovations helping franchising?

26:46 Building strong franchise culture?

35:34 Day in successful franchisee life?

37:34 Final franchising advice

LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast