On Building Loved Businesses, I love uncovering stories of businesses that are cherished by their customers, employees, and communities—even if they’re not widely known outside their local markets. That’s exactly what I found in my recent conversation with Lyle Blount, the owner of Discount Blinds in Shreveport, Louisiana.
What started decades ago as his grandparents’ drapery business has grown into a full-service window covering company. And while it’s deeply rooted in family and community, it’s also powered by some impressive technology that Lyle has built along the way.
A Family Legacy Turned Career
When I asked Lyle how he got into the business, he explained that his grandmother sewed draperies for JCPenney, and later she and his grandfather launched their own drapery shop. In 1988, Lyle stepped in and eventually bought the business.
He admitted he never dreamed of being “in the blinds business,” but it provided him with freedom, balance, and a good life.
Personal Service That Stands Out
One thing that stood out to me in our conversation was how much Lyle emphasizes high-touch service. About half of their business comes from new home construction, and he and his team literally bring the showroom into customers’ homes—matching blinds and shades with their existing colors and furniture.
I loved one example he shared: when a customer calls in a panic because they’re closing on their home the next day with no window coverings, Discount Blinds shows up with temporary paper shades. That way, the family can spend their first night in privacy and security. It’s those thoughtful touches that create loyal, lifelong customers.
The Surprising Role of Technology
Here’s something I didn’t expect: Lyle is not just a blinds guy—he’s a software guy.
After a brief detour in the internet business in the early 2000s, Lyle brought that technical knowledge back with him. At the time, the industry was still faxing orders, so he developed a custom app to capture measurements directly at the customer’s window and send them electronically to manufacturers.
“The most accurate way to capture the measurement,” he told me, “is when the tape measure is on the window.” By removing human error, the software speeds up quoting, invoicing, and order tracking. It’s also positioned Discount Blinds to scale, franchise, or even return to manufacturing.
Navigating Challenges
Of course, it hasn’t been a straight road. During COVID, demand for home improvement surged, but with that came the challenge of hiring quickly and managing overhead. Then came tariff changes, which made it much harder—and more expensive—to assemble products domestically.
Even so, Lyle believes we’re on the verge of a domestic micro-manufacturing boom. With advances in automation and 3D printing, smaller companies now have the tools to innovate and compete in ways that used to be out of reach.
Leading with Culture and Vision
When I asked Lyle about culture, he admitted that productivity slowed across the board after COVID. To rebuild focus and accountability, he’s using the EOS system and weekly meetings to keep his team aligned.
He described himself as more of a visionary than an integrator, but like many small business owners, he wears both hats when necessary. Looking ahead, he wants to grow into new Louisiana markets like Monroe and Alexandria, expand wholesale operations, and maybe even explore franchising.
Building for the Future
What I appreciated most was Lyle’s perspective on legacy. He hopes the business can stay independent, rooted in community, and possibly passed down to his children—his son already works in the business today.
After more than 25 years, what keeps him going is simple: the thrill of the sale and the joy of transforming homes. As he put it, “There’s nothing like putting shutters or motorized shades into a home and seeing how completely different it looks. Customers are thrilled—and that’s why we’ve earned hundreds of five-star reviews.”
I walked away from our conversation reminded that a business can be both personal and innovative, grounded in tradition but also embracing technology for growth. Lyle’s story is a powerful example of how to build a business that’s loved—by customers, employees, and community alike.
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