Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Woodring.
Hi Chris , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After spending nearly 25 years in Corporate America, I decided it was time to build a business that can be passed on to my family when the timing is right. I spent 20 years with a national foodservice distributor and finished my career with them on great terms as a Regional President here in the Carolinas. I had a location in Morrisville NC and another in Charlotte. From those two facilities we would serve all of North and South Carolina, along with Southern Virginia. I still think of them as family and I am still in touch with several people that are still employed there and many whom have since retired. I decided to leave them and join another national foodservice distributor in a much larger role that took me from regional, to being responsible for all of North America. This greatly increased my travel, as I was constantly on the road. We had companies all over, from NYC to LA, to Miami, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, Boston, Baltimore etc. It was a great company and I really enjoyed my time there. Unfortunately or fortunately, as my position was a new one there, after a few years there was a reduction in force and I was part of that. I was already looking to identify what was next for me as the travel was really weighing heavy on me. I have 3 sons, and my wife Ana and I have been married for 20 years. My two youngest sons, Nicolas (Nico) and Benjamin (Benny) play travel hockey. So, with all of the work travel and then coming home and dumping the suitcase and reloading it to hit the road with them was becoming a challenge. So I started to explore business ownership to allow me to spend that time with my family and also, allow me to sleep in my own bed every night. I looked at 10-12 different business opportunities and ultimately decided to buy into Bloomin’ Blinds as a franchise owner. This allowed me to also hire my 20 year old son, Nico, to work with me in the business. It has been awesome and allowed us to reconnect in a different way than before. I still make those travel hockey trips but they are way less stressful now as I am not traveling much except for that.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t say it has been a smooth road. It has been a tremendous learning experience for me. As a company President in corporate America, you build a team of experts who are better than you, and than each other in their respected fields. In this case, my son and I are the entire team so that is a little different for sure. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to invest your capital in the right marketing spaces. There are lots of things out here that you can spend money on, but what is the return you are getting? Learning through that was a challenge
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Bloomin’ Blinds of Raleigh, we specialize in custom window treatments designed to elevate the way people live in their homes. We provide blinds, shades, shutters, drapery, and motorized solutions including exterior options such as retractable screens, retractable awnings and Louvered pergolas all tailored to each space for the perfect balance of style, comfort, and functionality. Our approach is simple—we bring the showroom directly to our clients, making the process easy, convenient, and highly personalized.
What we’re most known for is the experience. From the first consultation to final installation, we focus on delivering a seamless, high-end service that homeowners, interior designers, realtors and builders can trust. We don’t just sell window coverings—we help solve real problems, whether it’s controlling light in a media room, improving energy efficiency, enhancing privacy, or completing a luxury design vision.
What sets us apart is our attention to detail and commitment to doing things the right way. Every project is handled with care, precision, and a strong focus on communication. We partner closely with our clients and trade professionals to ensure the end result not only looks incredible but functions exactly how it should for their lifestyle. Also, it is me you will meet during the sales consultation, I am very hands on throughout the process.
As a locally owned, family-operated business, one of the things I’m most proud of is the reputation we’ve built in the community. Our work and our google reviews reflect who we are—reliable, responsive, and genuinely invested in every client we serve. You’ll often find my son Nico working alongside me, which makes this more than just a business—it’s something we’re building together.
At the end of the day, we want people to know that upgrading your home doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right guidance and the right products, it can be an exciting and enjoyable experience—and that’s exactly what we aim to deliver every time.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t know that it is luck. I have been blessed with great mentors in my life who have always been there for me. Having great mentors, coaches and the support from my family at home have been the key ingredients for me thus far,
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bloominblinds.com/raleigh
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloominblindsraleighnc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloominblindsraleigh?
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-woodring-3a78493a
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@BloominBlindsRaleigh
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bloominblindsraleigh
