Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!
You're IT Budget Blinds!
Four questions with Andrew Bogdan, owner of Budget Blinds.
Why did you start your business?
I was looking for the chance to be my own boss and did a lot of research on franchise opportunities. I knew what I wanted in a business but more importantly, I knew what I did not want in a business. Budget Blinds seemed to check a lot of the boxes and I had friends who had success running their own Budget Blinds territories so I decided to take the leap and it has been the best career move I have ever made!
What is your best-selling product/service?
Window Treatments in many parts of the country have products partial to their geography ie…shutters in Florida. But here in CT, I sell every type of window treatment. Lately, though Natural Woven shades and Automated Shades and blinds have been super popular and have made up a good % of overall sales.
How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
Budget Blinds Corp. offers a lot of services to their franchisees but I choose to use local providers instead. For instance, I use SP&G Graphics for all of my printing and promotional supplies, SocialCow for my local marketing efforts, DeLeo Bookkeeping, A to Z Signs to wrap my vans, and sponsor a weekly radio program of WGCH called Around the House with Steve Gladstone which focuses on homeownership.
I don’t believe I have really re-imagined it but early on I created a strict process from initial contact through the end of the sale that I have held to since I started my business. I have tweaked it here and there as my business has grown and evolved. I try to keep my business as streamlined and efficient as possible. I make sure to focus on what I do best and hire or delegate elements that I don’t have expertise in or time for to others who do!
Budget Blinds is located at 1012 Hope Street in Stamford. Visit them online here, and make sure to check out their Facebook page. You can also go and visit Budget Blind's official Instagram and Twitter pages as well!
Andrew Bogdan nominates Rene Prasad of Grand Explorations Travel - "If I were to nominate another business for this opportunity I would choose Rene Prasad of Grand Explorations Travel as her industry was crushed by COVID and she could really use the publicity as we come out of this pandemic… she offers a great unique approach to travel and has had a great outlook during this time."
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!