Meet Steve Mansour of Bloomin’ Blinds of Shelby Township

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Mansour

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in 1964 in Iraq and immigrated to Lebanon in 1973. After one year, my parents, four siblings, and I moved to Highland Park, Michigan, with just $500 in our pockets. During high school, my brother and I DJed on the side to earn extra money while my father opened a AAA True Value Hardware store on Joy Rd. in Detroit. My brother Alan and I started working at the store, learning the business from the ground up.

A few years later, I met my beautiful wife, Shatha, and after we married, we were blessed with two wonderful children, Peter and Pauline. In 2001, we expanded the business by opening another AAA hardware store on the east side of Detroit, and later, in 2013, we opened a third location on the north side. From 2019-2021, we sold all 3 locations (all of them are still operating and still doing very well for the city of Detroit).

Driven by my motivation to work and help the community, I began exploring the Bloomin’ Blinds franchise while working at Home Depot and later ACE Hardware. For about a year, I immersed myself in learning the blinds business, getting to know the people in the industry, and attending meetings. In 2023, after much consideration, my son and I flew out to Texas for a 3-week training at the Bloomin’ Blinds headquarters. Once we returned home, starting the business was slow and challenging, with a lot to learn, but over time, we built our reputation, and now we’re busier than ever.

I still lend a hand at ACE occasionally when they need extra help, but I’m proud to say we’ve become one of the most successful franchises in just our second year of business. I’m also lucky to work with my brother now and then, just like old times, as he enjoys helping out with big installations. The two best things about my job are seeing how happy customers are when they receive blinds that truly enhance their comfort and daily lives, and working alongside my son, Peter, who is soon to be married. I’ve met so many amazing people along my journey, and I truly love what I do. I look forward to expanding in the future.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overall, I’ve had such great support along the way and cannot complain. However, there have always been struggles as with every business. There are slow months or times where you feel you’re not doing enough, but at the end of it all if you work hard enough things work themselves out.

We’ve been impressed with Bloomin’ Blinds of Shelby Township, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Bloomin’ Blinds opened in 2001 and has spread across 35 states. I handle the territories that include Macomb, Shelby Township, Port Huron, Sterling Heights, and a lot more. If you live in Rochester though, that’s Mike’s territory! There’s only four of us franchise owners in Michigan, and we all help each other out when needed. We don’t have a storefront, we bring the products right to the customers home.

We do all types of indoor and outdoor window coverings using products from Norman, Graber, and Alta Window Fashions. Here are a few things that set us apart from other blind companies: 1) we do blind repairs for any type of window covering which is extremely hard to get by in this area, 2) we do specialized window coverings for certain skylights or differently shaped windows as we connect with many warehouses across the US, 3) we sell quality material from three different reputable companies where your budget can be satisfied – so lots of options and at a good price, 4) we don’t just do homes but industrial buildings, and 5) we also do draperies!

In addition, a lot of our products have the option to be motorized so you can control your blinds from a remote. We sell all types of products that are specific for room darkening, blocking UV, weather resistant for patios, animals, babies, and more.

For anyone who is interested in getting blinds, they just call my direct number or headquarters and an appointment will be set up for me to come out and give a free consultation. During the consultation phase, the customer has an idea of what they want (e.g. zebra or roller shades, shutters, etc.) and I will show them the products I carry. Then, I will measure the area and send the customer a quote based on the size of the window and material they chose.

The best part about a consultation is it’s free and even if you’re just thinking about getting blinds, it doesn’t hurt to see what’s out there because you don’t need to say yes. If the customer see’s the quote and does decide to go with me, I will then order the blinds. Once they get shipped, I will call them to setup an appointment and go do the installation!

What we are most proud of is that we don’t give up. There’s a lot of companies that look at a product or a situation and say I simply can’t do it. We go above and beyond to give the customer what they called us for which is excellent service and a solution. We are extremely professional and knowledgeable which results in a smooth process when working with us as you can see with over 140, 5 star reviews on google (which we are super proud of, and thankful to the community for).

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I actually mentor the people starting out in this company. so I have a little bit to say here:
1) Have a lot of patience. Be willing to learn the products that you want to promote. It’s okay to make mistakes.
2) Don’t depend on others simply because you need to learn the business first. Afterwards, you can start teaching other people on your team how to advertise, expand, and delegate.
3) Have fun. Try to find a franchise/business that you’re going to enjoy working on. It’s not just about the money, it’s about the lifestyle that you want and the past knowledge you have to put towards the business.
4) Starting your own business is very challenging. Focus on one customer at a time and never take things personal. You will grow as a person and so will your business..
5) Never forget to treat customers the way you want to be treated, even if you are losing money at the end. You are there to help the community.
6) Have faith!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bloominblinds.com/shelbytownship/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomin_blinds_shelby/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BloominBlindsShelbyTownship/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shelbybloominblinds