In this episode of Behind the Franchise, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Kris Stuart, Chief Development Officer of Bloomin' Blinds, to discuss his unconventional journey from firefighter to franchise leader. Kris shares how growing up in a family-run business shaped his mindset, why he pursued firefighting alongside entrepreneurship, and how he ultimately discovered franchising as a vehicle for lasting impact.

• How firefighting and franchising share more in common than you think

• The importance of transparency, authenticity, and trust in franchise operations

• Why Bloomin' Blinds is betting big on AI and automation to reshape home services

• How strong company culture and honest leadership fuel franchise success

Kris brings energy, humor, and unfiltered insights on scaling a family-first, technology-driven franchise. If you’re thinking about building a brand, buying a franchise, or just love a great business transformation story, this one’s for you!