Budget Blinds® Celebrates a 20th Anniversary and the Power of the American Dream

Every company has a story. But rarely does one beginning from extremely modest means emerge as an industry leader with sustainable growth year after year.

Orange, CA (I-Newswire) September 24, 2012 - Every company has a story. But rarely does one beginning from extremely modest means emerge as an industry leader with sustainable growth year after year.

An iconic American tale, the story of Budget Blinds stars five young entrepreneurs, a white Jeep, and a commitment to the old-fashioned hard work necessary to take their business to the top of the multi-billion dollar window coverings industry. Still operating with these same five original entrepreneurs that founded the business 20 years ago, Budget Blinds has now made achieving the American dream possible for over 800 franchise owners across North America.

The Early Days

1992: At age 19, Budget Blinds’ Co-Founder and CEO, Chad Hallock, had already learned some hard life lessons after a childhood where he and his twin brother worked at a very young age to support their single mother’s ability to pay rent and keep food on the table. Driven to live a better life, Chad worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, including an unpaid apprenticeship for a start-up blinds business in exchange for the promise of a stake in the company. After a verbal agreement fell apart during that company’s potential sale, Hallock was left with nothing but a 15-year-old white jeep to his name. Chad was no stranger to the level of adversity that necessitates hard work, and it’s been a continuing driving force every day since.

Convincing his brother and three close friends to invest $5,000 each, Hallock and the rest of the co-founders set out to create their own window coverings company. Working out of a small apartment, they spent their days and nights “pounding the pavement,” driving up and down economically-challenged Orange County streets, handing out flyers and talking with neighbors. In 4 months, their hard work finally paid off as they achieved an astonishing $120,000 in sales. This dynamic team was on to something great, thus Budget Blinds was born.

Hallock has always known that the key to Budget Blinds’ success is delivering an exceptional level of service by passionate people using a proven methodology that hasn’t changed for 20 years when the very first group of franchisees were trained.

A Window To The Future

“Franchises not only provide a great avenue to business ownership for anyone with a thirsty entrepreneurial spirit, they also serve as a key role in our nation’s economy. Our future relies on our ability to work hard and deliver the service, quality and value that every single customer deserves,” said Hallock. “Your home should be a special retreat and its evolution should be a hassle-free and enjoyable process. We are proud that we’ve been able to make that happen for millions of customers over 20 great years.”

In May 2012, Hallock was featured on CBS’ hit show, Undercover Boss. Chad jumped at this unique opportunity to go “undercover” and learn directly from franchisees and employees about where improvements can be made that would help Budget Blinds grow and achieve future its goals.

“It was refreshing to be on the front lines again. It felt like it was only yesterday when the founders and I were canvassing streets and installing window coverings,” said Hallock of his Undercover Boss experience. He added that most importantly, the raw feedback he received truly helped shape his plans for the company’s future, and inspired him to become a better leader.

After 20 years, Hallock considers the business a success, but not yet a victory. “All five co-founders could retire today but we truly love what we do and are dedicated to lead this company to even greater heights.” Hallock says the window coverings market is estimated to be a $6.9 billion industry, with an expected growth of about 6% each year. What does Hallock see? A larger window of opportunity of course.


About Budget Blinds:
Based in Orange, California, Budget Blinds, Inc. was founded in 1992 and currently boasts over 800 franchise territories serving nearly 4,000 cities throughout the United States and Canada. Budget Blinds has been recognized as a leader in the franchise industry by organizations such as Entrepreneur, AllBusiness, Inc. and Franchise Business Review. Their vendor alliances and product portfolio continue to grow in line with consumer’s home improvement aspirations, positioning Budget Blinds to be the leader in the multi-billion dollar window coverings market.

About Budget Blinds Franchising:
With twenty years of experience in the field, Budget Blinds offers franchise business opportunities that are backed by a successful brand and ever-expanding window coverings industry. Budget Blinds franchisees are given extensive franchise training and the tools needed to get their business started. With locations throughout the US and Canada, Budget Blinds offers an excellent investment opportunity within the home improvement industry. For more information on Budget Blinds franchising or services please visit www.budgetblinds.com or call 714-637-2100.