Budget Blinds viewing its future in a new light after moving to Launchbox

Budget Blinds is unique because it requires owners to be involved directly in operations. General Manager, Lacey Bryant, explains how Launchbox gave their Budget Blinds franchise room to stay organized, deliver great custom service and grow.

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your business.
My name is Lacey Bryant. I am the General Manager of Budget Blinds of Latham and Schenectady. Budget Blinds is the largest provider of custom window coverings in North America. One of the great things about the company is that they don’t sell franchises to corporations. To be a franchisee, you have to be actively involved in the business. That allows us to provide a small business feel, while being backed by a large company, so we can offer the pricing of a big-box store with personalized service.

What challenges were you facing before coming to Launchbox?
We were literally working out of our garage. If you can imagine boxes and blind orders stacked into a two-car garage, it was overwhelming. It was hard to stay organized and to track what was coming in. Deliveries were dropped off outside, sometimes in the rain or snow, and we were constantly worried about damage. It just wasn’t sustainable.

What made Launchbox the right solution for your business?
We moved into Launchbox about a year ago, and it has completely changed how we operate. We have so much more space, which makes it easier to check in and organize orders as they come in. It’s made our process more efficient and more effective.

How has 24/7 access impacted your team and workflow?
Having 24/7 access has been a game changer. My installers can now come and pick up materials on their own schedule, which gives me the freedom to focus on consultations and running the day-to-day operations of the business. I’m no longer tied to the space just to coordinate pickups.

Are there specific amenities at Launchbox that have helped your operations?
Definitely. The loading dock has been a huge improvement. No more worrying about blinds and shades being left out in bad weather. The security cameras are another great feature that give us peace of mind. Everything’s protected and accessible.

What does your process look like now that you’re at Launchbox?
Before, our installers would show up at a customer’s house and we’d be scrambling to get their orders ready. I had to be onsite to meet them or leave products outside, which wasn’t secure. Now, I prep everything the night before, and the team can pick it up on their own terms, directly from Launchbox.

How do you see Launchbox fitting into your future plans?
As more people move into our area, the demand for our services is going to grow. Being at Launchbox gives us the space and infrastructure we need to meet those demands and continue to grow with confidence.