Franchisees Have The Answer | Why Proven Systems Must Be Re-Proven

Описание: In this episode of the Franchise Advisory Board Podcast, host Dave Hansen is joined by Kris Stuart, CEO of Bloomin’ Blinds, for a deep (and professionally playful) conversation about what happens after a franchise brand becomes “proven”—and why the real work is continuously re-proving the system as markets, technology, and internal complexity evolve.

Kris brings a unique perspective shaped by 12 years as a firefighter/paramedic and fire lieutenant in North Texas—experience that oddly mirrors life as a franchisor: high responsibility, fast decisions, and a team of talented people waiting for the next call. Together, Dave and Kris unpack the second-generation story of Bloomin’ Blinds (founded by Kris’s mom, Karen), the grit it took to get started, and the leadership required to keep franchisee profitability as the true north.

Huge thanks to ClientTether, our episode sponsor. Their franchise CRM and lead-nurturing automation platform helps franchise brands improve speed-to-lead, visibility, and follow-up—turning first impressions into booked appointments and real revenue.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why “proven system” is a checkpoint—not a finish line—and how to re-prove it as conditions change
The difference between system growth and franchisee growth (and why AUV and profitability are the real signals)
How to spot drift early—and the simple habit that restores clarity faster than any dashboard
Why the hardest part of change is initiation, and how to build the courage to act decisively
How franchisors can “buy experience” up front by investing in the right bench (ops, coaching, marketing, franchise support)
What mission creep looks like in real time—and how to pull the ripcord without losing the lessons
How Kris reset priorities with a franchisee-first focus by sweeping non-franchisee-facing projects off the board
Why rapid iteration (more swings, more at-bats) beats trying to be right the first time
The best franchise leadership soundbite of the episode: the answer is in your franchisees—ask them

This episode is a must-listen for franchisors, franchise executives, operations leaders, and brand builders who want to build franchise systems that actually work in the real world. If you care about franchisee profitability, leadership alignment, operational clarity, and sustainable growth, this conversation delivers.

connect with Kris Stuart:
LinkedIn: Kris Stuart

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00:00 - Introduction
04:00 - Meet Chris Stewart and Bloomin’ Blinds overview
08:00 - Origin story: moving to Texas and launching the business (2001)
12:00 - From blinds to franchising: first franchise and the reality check
16:00 - Firehouse vs franchisor: identity shift and service mindset
20:00 - Recognizing drift: franchisee profitability vs system growth
24:00 - “Proven system” myth: the need to constantly re-proof and adapt
28:00 - Buying experience early: building the right franchisor bench
32:00 - The AI project: mission creep, refocus, and resetting priorities
36:00 - The answer is in the franchisees: feedback, committees, and momentum