Jeff Wharton, the newly appointed CEO of Bloomin’ Blinds, brings over 25 years of experience across manufacturing, distribution, and retail, with more than a decade focused on the window covering industry. As a hands-on leader, Jeff is pivotal in advancing the company through strategic growth initiatives, supporting franchise owners, and building key partnerships. His leadership is dedicated to establishing Bloomin’ Blinds as the leading franchise organization in the window coverings sector.
Company: Bloomin’ Blinds
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company
Jeff Wharton: I recently had the privilege of stepping into the role of CEO at Bloomin’ Blinds, a company where my passion for the home improvement industry and custom window coverings truly aligns with its core mission. My career has been rooted in this sector, offering a blend of creativity and practicality that enhances people’s homes and lives.
Bloomin’ Blinds, founded in 2001 by the Stuart brothers—Kelsey, Kris, and Kevin—has grown from a small family-operated business into a thriving franchise network with over 80 units spanning more than 150 territories in 35 states. Despite this remarkable growth, the company has remained true to its foundational values of family, integrity, and a commitment to putting people first.
In my new role as CEO, I am eager to build on the strong foundation established over the past two decades. My goal is to guide Bloomin’ Blinds through its next chapter of innovation and expansion while upholding the values that have driven our success. This is an exciting time for the company, and I am privileged to be part of this journey.
What specific areas of your business have been most impacted by AI, and how?
Jeff Wharton: AI has made a remarkable difference in our business, especially in how we interact with customers and run our operations.
First, let’s talk about customer service. Originally our process relied heavily on manual inputs and personal interactions, which, while essential, were difficult to scale consistently. Now, we are testing an AI-powered call center that will take care of many routine tasks using advanced language models and avatars. This will not only deliver precise and consistent responses but also helps our technicians and franchisees excel by allowing them to focus on more complex issues instead of wading through manuals.
On the operational side, AI will streamline our processes significantly. With our BloomScale platform, sales tasks will be automated, reducing manual effort and minimizing errors in order entry. This will directly boost our same-store margins and helps our franchisees manage their time and resources more effectively.
Ultimately, AI is all about enhancing our franchisees’ success. The real-time KPI tracking will give them valuable insights into performance metrics, enabling faster, more informed decisions and smoother operations.
How are you ensuring ethical considerations are taken into account in your use of AI?
Jeff Wharton: As someone who embraced AI early on, we are committed to handling it with ethical care. For us, transparency is key—whether we’re talking to employees, franchisees, or customers. We believe in being open about how we use AI and ensuring our actions reflect our high ethical standards.
We’re also thoughtful about how AI affects our team. Our goal is not to replace people but to complement their skills.
What advice would you give to other CEOs looking to integrate AI into their business?
Jeff Wharton: Bringing AI into your business is a big step, but with the right approach, it can pay off in an impactful way. As someone who is currently going through this process, I’d like to share a few key pieces of advice for other CEOs considering the same journey.
First and foremost, start with a clear vision. AI isn’t a magic bullet; it’s a tool that needs to be aligned with your broader business strategy. Before diving into AI, take the time to identify the specific challenges or opportunities that AI can address within your organization.
Secondly, collaborate with experts. AI is a complex and rapidly evolving field, and it’s essential to partner with people who have deep expertise and align with your goals.
Another important consideration is embracing a culture of experimentation and learning. AI is not a one-and-done solution. It requires continuous learning and improvement. Be prepared to test, learn, and adapt as you integrate AI into your business.
How do you see AI evolving in your industry over the next 5 years?
Jeff Wharton: The next five years will be crucial for AI as it continues to evolve. Just five years ago, AI was not a wide known topic, but its potential is becoming increasingly clear.
AI’s capacity to enhance customer experiences is growing, with trends pointing toward even more personalized and immersive interactions. For instance, AI-driven virtual and augmented reality could soon let customers visualize window treatments with precise accuracy.
In operations, AI will further automate and streamline processes. Advanced AI systems could optimize inventory in real-time, customer preference, and enable predictive maintenance, helping companies preemptively address issues.
We are currently among the few in the home improvement industry using proprietary AI, but this will change. In five years, widespread AI integration will be common across industries, and companies that embrace it will be well-positioned to lead and capitalize on new opportunities.
