Beyond Blinds: The Human Code Inside a Robotic Franchise With Kristopher Stuart | Scaling the Gap Ep 65

04/22/25 • 45 min

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Kristopher Stuart, co-founder of Bloomin’ Blinds, to unravel how a family-built window coverings business is rewriting the rules of franchising with AI, robotics, and a firefighter’s grit. But here’s the twist: their biggest innovation isn’t in the tech—it’s in the human connection the tech enables.

From repairing blinds as a 10-year-old to leading a franchise empire of 80 locations, Kristopher reveals how Bloomin’ Blinds is using AI to strip away everything except the irreplaceable moments of trust between their franchisees and customers. Think drone deliveries, robot installers, and coffee-fueled conversations—because the future of home services isn’t just automated; it’s intentionally human.

Stick around for a masterclass in resilience, the “deposits of grace” that sustain long-term partnerships, and why Kristopher believes we’re living through a once-in-history opportunity to redefine industries. By the end, you’ll rethink how technology serves relationships—not the other way around. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

The AI-Human Paradox: How Bloomin’ Blinds uses AI to automate everything except the face-to-face customer experience—turning window coverings into a high-trust, high-tech service.
From Firehouse to Franchise: Kristopher’s firefighting background shaped their management style: “Treat the office like a fire station—drop everything when the call comes in.”
The “Deposits of Grace” Principle: Why building relational capital (and owning mistakes) is the secret to franchisee loyalty—even when tech rollouts hit snags.
The Generational Tech Shift: “We went from changing TV dials to coding AI bots—this is the only time in history that’ll happen. If we’re even 10% right, we’re ahead of 97% of the market.”
Redefining Success: Kristopher’s algorithm: Spearheading a movement + robust relationships + being of service—not just profits.

In This Episode

[00:00] Introduction to Kristopher Stuart
[09:22] AI and robotics in business
[13:50] Leveraging AI for efficiency
[20:06] Impact of technology on customer experience
[21:29] Future of technology in home services
[23:36] The origin of the franchise
[24:10] Expanding beyond window treatments
[24:27] The vision of robotics in installation
[25:24] Human connection in technology
[27:50] Challenges in the journey
[29:05] Optimism in overcoming obstacles
[33:34] Defining success
[36:15] Personal success algorithm
[40:31] Mutual understanding in leadership
[43:15] Closing thoughts and connections

Notable Quotes

(23:33) "Technology should enhance the human relationship, not replace it." — Kristopher Stuart
(26:23 )"I think the haves and have nots going forward, because information is available to everybody. It used to be information, it's now going to be the creativity to apply it."— Kristopher Stuart
(33:48) "I found my happy place. I'm successful as I'm joyful, have a happy, healthy family that loves and supports me."— Kristopher Stuart
(40:58 )"Everybody in the company should have decision-making authority on behalf of the company. If they don't or shouldn't, they shouldn't be in the company."— Kristopher Stuart

Our Guest

Kristopher Stuart is the Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Bloomin’ Blinds, a family-owned franchise specializing in window coverings. From his early days as the company's first employee and field technician, he has played a pivotal role in its growth to over 80 locations nationwide. Kristopher also served as a career firefighter and paramedic, bringing his leadership and team-building skills to the business. Today, he focuses on coaching franchisees in growth and business development, emphasizing self-awareness and operational excellence.

Resources and Links

Kristopher Stuart

Madeleine MacRae

Key Takeaways

The AI-Human Paradox: How Bloomin’ Blinds uses AI to automate everything except the face-to-face customer experience—turning window coverings into a high-trust, high-tech service.
From Firehouse to Franchise: Kristopher’s firefighting background shaped their management style: “Treat the office like a fire station—drop everything when the call comes in.”
The “Deposits of Grace” Principle: Why building relational capital (and owning mistakes) is the secret to franchisee loyalty—even when tech rollouts hit snags.
The Generational Tech Shift: “We went from changing TV dials to coding AI bots—this is the only time in history that’ll happen. If we’re even 10% right, we’re ahead of 97% of the market.”
Redefining Success: Kristopher’s algorithm: Spearheading a movement + robust relationships + being of service—not just profits.

In This Episode

[00:00] Introduction to Kristopher Stuart
[09:22] AI and robotics in business
[13:50] Leveraging AI for efficiency
[20:06] Impact of technology on customer experience
[21:29] Future of technology in home services
[23:36] The origin of the franchise
[24:10] Expanding beyond window treatments
[24:27] The vision of robotics in installation
[25:24] Human connection in technology
[27:50] Challenges in the journey
[29:05] Optimism in overcoming obstacles
[33:34] Defining success
[36:15] Personal success algorithm
[40:31] Mutual understanding in leadership
[43:15] Closing thoughts and connections

Notable Quotes

(23:33) "Technology should enhance the human relationship, not replace it." — Kristopher Stuart
(26:23 )"I think the haves and have nots going forward, because information is available to everybody. It used to be information, it's now going to be the creativity to apply it."— Kristopher Stuart
(33:48) "I found my happy place. I'm successful as I'm joyful, have a happy, healthy family that loves and supports me."— Kristopher Stuart
(40:58 )"Everybody in the company should have decision-making authority on behalf of the company. If they don't or shouldn't, they shouldn't be in the company."— Kristopher Stuart

Our Guest

Resources and Links

Kristopher Stuart

Madeleine MacRae

Previous Episode

The Success Genealogy: Who’s Really Behind Your Wins? With Dr. Phil | Scaling the Gap Ep 64

Imagine standing at the edge of a breakthrough—your business, your dream, your legacy—but something holds you back. Is it fear? Lack of resources? Or have you simply never been shown the invisible architecture behind every great achievement?

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae pulls back the curtain with Dr. Mercidieu “Phil” Phillips, a man who’s cracked the code on turning failure into fuel and ordinary beginnings into extraordinary generational impact. But here’s the twist: his biggest revelation isn’t about hustle, mindset, or even resilience. It’s about the people you’ll never meet. The ones who quietly opened doors for you. The failures that secretly guided you. The mentors who didn’t know they were mentoring you. Dr. Phillips calls it success genealogy—and once you see it, you’ll never chase success the same way again.

From losing everything in the 2008 crash to speaking for 86,000 people at the NBA, Dr. Phillips’ journey is a masterclass in audacity. But the real question is: Who’s in your success genealogy? And more importantly—who will be in yours because of the risks you take today?

By the end of this episode, you’ll rethink every setback, every open door, and every dollar you’ve ever earned. Because success isn’t just about you. It’s about the trail you blaze—and the hands you pull up behind you.

Key Takeaways

The "Success Genealogy" Principle: How recognizing the people who opened doors for you (or taught you through failure) creates a ripple effect of opportunity.
Why Dr. Phil’s restaurant collapse became the catalyst for his entrepreneurial empire—and how to reframe failure as data, not defeat.
The "R&R" philosophy (Risk + Resilience) that helped Dr. Phil scale from "abject poverty" to generational change agent.
The three non-negotiables for durable success: character, resilience, and humility (plus why he studies failure stories more than success).
Why your network determines your net worth—and how to build a "resilience squad" for your next growth season.

In This Episode

(00:00) Introduction to Dr. Phil Phillips
(06:20) Upcoming event announcement
(08:37) Courage in entrepreneurship
(10:36) Highlighting success in others
(14:01) Overcoming fear of failure
(16:49) Defining success
(17:57) Algorithm for success
(19:23) Trailblazing in entrepreneurship
(20:02) Success genealogy
(21:49) Identifying role models
(23:08) Resilience and community
(24:01) Closing remarks

Notable Quotes

(01:47) "I don't like to call myself a motivational speaker. I train business owners and organizations on how to improve and how to do what they do better." — Dr. Phil
(03:30) "You can always be your own boss and you can chart your own course." — Dr. Phil
(08:50) "I'm a risk taker. I'm not a daredevil. I just love taking risks and seeing what happens. I call myself the R and R guy, the risk and results guy." — Dr. Phil
(16:49) "I consider myself a generational shift agent or change agent. I have generations coming after me that says, if you can do it, I want to do it. So for me, that's success." — Dr. Phil
(15:27) "I love being around people like you because what you carry is so contagious. I never want to wear a mask around you because I want to catch it." — Dr. Phil
(20:14) "No one is dropped out of a success helicopter. You have a trail." — Dr. Phil

Our Guest

Dr. Mercidieu “Phil” Phillips is a transformational leader whose passion is to positively touch people’s lives and affect holistic change. He is a much sought-after conference speaker, teacher, business consultant, and coach. His worldwide work in places such as Asia, Israel, Europe, South America, Central America, Canada, the Caribbean, and across the United States has made him an inspiration to millions. Dr. Phil is the President and CEO of Level Up Coaching Solutions. He is the author of several books, including, LeaderFlip, Divine Repairs, and his latest best-seller Navigating Defining Moments. Dr. Phil is an adjunct professor and guest lecturer. He has also written dozens of published articles on family, organizational development, and leadership. Since 1990, Dr. Phil has trained over 150,000 leaders and organizations.