Why Budget Blinds of Lee's Summit and Cass County
Meet your local, neighborhood experts.
Here's our team: ready to design the perfect look in new custom window coverings for you!
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Jim and Debbie Stoddard
Owners
Meet Debbie and Jim, the dynamic duo behind Budget Blinds! With over 20 years of experience, they've built a thriving business based on their shared love for interior design and business. Debbie's interior design experience and Jim's business savvy have been the perfect combination for success.
As proud parents of three daughters, two of whom have joined the family business, and grandparents to three, Debbie and Jim are deeply rooted in the community. They've called Lee's Summit home for the past 25 years.
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Courtney Laufketter
VP of Sales and Marketing
Meet Courtney Stoddard Laufketter, a third-generation family member and the heart of our team! As a skilled Design Consultant, Office Manager, and Automation Specialist, Courtney has been with Budget Blinds since 2002. She loves helping customers create beautiful spaces and is committed to giving back to the community. Courtney is married to her husband, Josh, and is a proud mom to Masie and Burt Macklin.
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Taylor Kistler
Design Consultant
Meet Taylor, your go-to design expert! A Lee's Summit native and UMKC alum, Taylor loves staying up-to-date on the latest interior design trends and inspiring others to embrace their unique style. As a self-proclaimed foodie and cat mom, she brings a fun and energetic approach to her work.
Taylor is skilled at helping clients visualize their dream space and selecting the perfect window treatments to bring their vision to life. She believes that the design process should be enjoyable and stress-free, and she's committed to making every interaction positive.
Taylor and her husband, Bronson, live in Kansas City with their two adorable cats: Bingham, and Hammon.
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Amber Atha
Design Consultant
Meet Amber, our talented Design Consultant! She's been with us for over five years and has a passion for all things interior design. As a certified Lutron expert and drapery specialist, Amber can help you elevate your space with stylish and functional window treatments.
When she's not helping clients, Amber is a proud pet owner and a dedicated Kansas City sports fan. She's also a local music enthusiast and can recommend the best spots to catch a live show.
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Morgan Grafton
Design Consultant
Meet Morgan, our talented Design Consultant! She's been with us since 2021 and has a passion for creating beautiful spaces. As a Lutron Certified Expert and Drapery Specialist, she has the knowledge and skills to help you with all your design needs. With a background in the restaurant industry, Morgan is also a great source for food and drink recommendations. When she's not working, she's likely spending quality time with her adorable daughter, Reid.
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Ryan Gillihan
Installer
Meet Ryan, our lead installer! He's been with us since 2021 and is known for his exceptional customer service and expert installation skills. As a proud National Guard veteran and lifelong Kansan, Ryan brings a strong work ethic and a friendly demeanor to every job. When he's not hard at work, you can find him hiking, smoking meats, or cheering on the Chiefs.
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Cole Booher
As our Installation Specialist for Lee's Summit, Cass County, and Overland Park, Cole is the final piece of the puzzle in bringing your interior vision to life. A Kansas City native with a reputation as a "jack of all trades," Cole pairs technical precision with a deep commitment to quality. Whether he’s installing motorized shades or custom drapery, his goal is always the same: ensuring every treatment is installed to perfection so your house truly feels like a home.
When he isn’t perfecting an installation, Cole enjoys heading to the movies with his wife or relaxing at home with his dog
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Burt Macklin
Customer Service Representative
5 Years of Experience
Burt Macklin (retired FBI agent) is an almost 5-year-old-dog of the breed we like to call “yeah that sounds right” any time anyone asks us if he is a certain one. He is from Central Missouri and was rescued from the humane society in Columbia.
Burt Macklin graduated top of his class from obedience school but after his teenage years of rebellion decided that sleeping was way better than listening to rules. He likes long walks around the block and eating anything you give him. You can find him in his chairs in the showroom eager to greet you, as long as you come to him because he really doesn’t want to move.
We're looking for people to join our team.
If you love the idea of becoming an expert and providing outstanding customer service, give us a shout.
Budget Blinds of Lee's Summit, Cass County and Overland Park has an immediate opening for a Showroom Administrator. As the Showroom administrator, you will have the opportunity to be an important contributor to growing our locally owned business. The Showroom Administrator will play an important role in creating an exceptional customer experience. You will thrive in this role if you’re detail-oriented, personable and highly organized.
Key Responsibilities
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Greet clients in the showroom, share basic product knowledge and assist in product location
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Assist in maintaining the inside and outside of showroom premises ensuring all areas are client-ready
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Answer and direct incoming phone calls, retrieve voice messages and provide sufficient follow-up
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Input customer information into Touchpoint
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Support important showroom operations such as updating sampling, assisting with events and other duties.
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Schedule and confirm installation and design consultation appointments ensuring client location is in franchise area, enter into Touchpoint
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Complete follow up calls after a completed installation, ask for client feedback and solicit positive reviews for Facebook & Google
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Support accounts receivable processes
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Maintain knowledge of product/pricing on all inventory and provide design solutions to meet client's needs
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Check office supplies frequently and place order for items needed
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Solicit positive reviews to Facebook and Google
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Update commission sheets with A/R information
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Perform other duties as assigned
Education, Knowledge & Experience Requirements
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High School diploma or general equivalency (GED) required
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1-year experience or any equivalent combination of education, training, or certification preferred
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Basic knowledge of Google Suite
Required Skills & Abilities
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Detail-Oriented: Provides information in a useable form and on a timely basis to others who need to act on it; Maintains a checklist, schedule, calendar etc. to ensure details are not overlooked; Writes down important messages or communications so the details are not lost or forgotten
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Approachable: Is easy to approach and talk to; spends the extra effort to put others at ease; builds rapport well; is a good listener.
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Organized: Can orchestrate multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal; uses resources effectively and efficiently arranges information and files in a useful manner.
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Communication: Able to communicate clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles; can get messages across that have the desired effect.
Physical Requirements
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Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
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Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds at a time