New Beginnings in E-Commerce
7 months ago, I took a chance on a new role in a new industry and I absolutely love it! I’m excited to share that, since early March, I’ve been the Chief Operating Officer at Blindster.com. Blindster is one of the top players in the e-commerce custom-built window coverings industry, selling blinds, shades, and shutters all over the United States. It’s been an incredible journey helping run a multi-million dollar company during this time!
An Opportunity
Blindster has been in “startup mode” since it was founded in 2010. Then, the pandemic hit in 2020, and business skyrocketed as it did with most companies in the home improvement/décor sector. Blindster continued to operate as a startup since then, but the CEO realized that it was time for Blindster to enter its next phase of growth. Whereas startups risk suffocating from too much structure, Blindster had reached a point where structure is what it needed. It was no longer the small company of 5 who did everything together. It was almost 30 employees strong and in need of structure and guidance. Kyle saw me as the person who could come in and help establish that structure. He was certain about my ability to step in and have an immediate impact, but the confidence I had in myself wasn’t so absolute.
Overcoming Hesitance
I was confident in my ability to lead in education, but thinking about entering a completely different space, such as e-commerce, really got me thinking. “Am I setting myself up for failure? Are my skills transferable to such a different environment?” Those questions and more flew bounced through my head as I considered Kyle’s offer to come in as Blindster’s Chief Operating Officer. It sounded like the perfect opportunity, so I couldn’t help but wonder if there was something I was missing.
I turned to different friends and mentors in various fields to help me process my situation. Their objective perspectives were exactly what I needed. The heart of the work I’d be doing was no different than the work I’d done throughout my career. People are people, and that fact stays the same regardless where you go. I am fortunate to be working for a CEO who recognizes that.
When Kyle Cox, CEO and Founder, reached out to me about this opportunity, he was fully focused on my experience leading others. “I want you to do what you did in your previous school-based roles to create a positive working environment, establish training programs, and bring some structure to our people,” Kyle shared in that first conversation.
Kyle didn’t care about my lack of e-commerce experience because he had enough experience for the both of us. This was a relief to hear. I am grateful to Kyle for giving me the opportunity to lead alongside him. I value the opportunity to learn from Kyle and his 20+ years in the industry. He has a track record of success, already on his 2nd multi-million dollar company in the space after selling his first one in 2005.
A Successful Transition
I was brought on to do what I’ve been doing for nearly 15 years – lead others. It was an opportunity to apply my leadership knowledge and skills in a whole new setting. The challenge excited me, so I eagerly accepted his offer. There is no doubt in my mind that I made the right choice. There is so much I have to be proud of since I joined in March:
- I revamped our recruiting, hiring, and onboarding systems so that we can find and support the people we need for our current phase of growth.
- I established 1-1 check-in and group meeting structures that limit interruptions, promote productivity, and make people feel heard.
- I’ve also been heavily focused on developing the leaders with whom I work alongside every day.
I haven’t encountered any situation that didn’t present one challenge or another, but I have been fortunate to be able to call on past experiences to anchor my present self.
Lessons in Leadership
This experience has taught me about the value of the leadership journey I’ve experienced as a teacher, administrator, and school principal. Leading people – truly leading them vs. simply project managing – is an art and not a science. There was no better place for me to learn that than in a school. As a principal, I led 100 staff members as they developed 1000+ students and collaborated with 2000+ family members to do so. Anytime I was faced with a decision, I had to think about how it would impact 3000+ lives.
As with any other field, leadership takes countless hours of practice to reach proficiency and get closer to mastery. I can’t say I’ve finished with my 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to reach mastery, but I feel confident saying that I’ve made significant progress along the way. All my past experiences have prepared me to lead, regardless of the circumstance. It’s been powerful to see how my experience with my Leadership and DEIA Development practice, Romano Leadership, has allowed me to be a better leader for my employees. It helps hold me accountable to make sure I practice what I preach!
Roots in DIY
Growing up, DIY was the norm and not the exception in my family. We didn’t have a ton of money, but had all the essentials. We never went furniture shopping. My parents would visit garage sales to look for gems they could refinish and upgrade, or they would build furniture themselves. As a kid, I’d watch my parents do all that work and more. Even though my dad’s full-time job was as a chef, he was well-versed in anything that involved repairing or creating with his hands.
From the moment I could hold a hammer, I joined him in this world, albeit sometimes very reluctantly. I learned how to do basic plumbing and electrical work, and got plenty of hands-on experience putting up walls. Even though we didn’t always have the money we wanted, my parents showed me that we could create a new reality for ourselves with our minds and hands.
Bridging the Past and Present
There is a clear thread I can follow from my DIY-focused upbringing and my newfound role at Blindster. Everybody deserves to have a home they’re proud of. At Blindster, we are working hard to make it possible for you to have the home of your dreams, one window at a time.
Explore Blindster Offerings
If you’re interested in some custom-built blinds, shades, or shutters, head to Blindster.com and see what we have to offer! Join our mailing list for exclusive discounts. Use my exclusive 25% discount code: OR25 (Expires Oct. 31st)!
