Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick Ford.
Rick, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The Blind Broker began in 1999 by Rick Ford. Rick was a National Account Manager for one of the largest window covering manufacturers in the United States for 5 years prior to starting The Blind Broker. During his time as a National Account Manager, Rick saw an opportunity to bring a better experience for customers by incorporating a high level of training, technology, and customer service on every design consultation and installation.
Today, The Blind Broker’s design consultants and installers are some of the highest trained folks in the window covering business. We know that any business can tout its professionalism and quality, but we prefer to show you, just like we prefer to show you our generous selection of window treatments rather than simply tell you about them.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The company has weathered storms along the way. The 2008-2009 housing market collapse was our first significant challenge. Looking back, the experience made us a better and more resilient company. It made us realize that no matter how well we run the business, outside forces that we do not control can have a huge impact on our success. Because of those lean times, we become more nimble and also made keeping a cash reserve as a top priority. The lessons we learned in the housing crisis made the COVID-19 pandemic and the more recent tariff uncertainty more manageable and less unexpected.
Of course, there are day to day challenges as we grow our business from a very small one person enterprise to a team of 19 and growing. But, because of the wonderful individuals in our company and the strong community partnerships we have built, we continue to meet each challenge and become a better, stronger company.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Blind Broker provides full-service custom window treatments, from complimentary design consultation and measurement to professional installation. We offer in-home consultations as well as no appointment needed showrooms in Mission and Overland Park. Our design consultants work directly with homeowners or in conjunction with interior designers to find the perfect solution for each home and budget. We also offer exterior shading solutions such as motorized screen shades and awnings and we even provide custom pillow and bedding options. The products we sell are manufactured by Springs Window Fashions, headquartered in Middleton, WI, and Lafayette Interior Fashions, made in West Lafayette, IN.
At The Blind Broker, we do not sell window treatments. We build relationships. We strive to be the company you proudly refer to your friends and family. It means a great deal to us that we have a 5-star Google rating with over 800 reviews. That tells you more about how we treat people than anything I could say.
What makes you happy?
There are two things that make me happiest as a business owner. The first is seeing our employees grow and succeed and the second is hearing from happy clients and new clients who were referred to us by their trusted family and friends. When we take care of our employees, they take care of our clients. When I see them buying houses, getting married, starting a family – doing the things that financial security allows, I know that I am strengthening our community as I strengthen my business. There is nothing better.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blindbroker.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindbroker/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blindbrokerkc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlindBroker
