Bloomin’ Blinds Brings Custom Window Treatments — & Repairs — To You! 

Mariana and Michael Imses, the owners of the local Bloomin’ Blinds franchise serving New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and other areas, are happy to bring their mobile showroom to your home. (Photo by Charmaine George) 

If you’re in the market for new window treatments — anything from plantation shutters and blinds to shades or drapes — local franchise owner Michael Imses says you should consider Bloomin’ Blinds, which offers a lifetime guarantee on its products, and also provides repairs. 

“Our warranty is great,” Michael says. “With us, customers don’t have to worry about if anything breaks because we always repair or replace our products for free.” 

Michael and his wife Mariana own the Bloomin’ Blinds franchise that serves homeowners in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and surrounding areas such as Lutz, Land O’Lakes, Tampa and South Tampa. 

Bloomin’ Blinds is a 25-year-old company that started in Dallas, TX, and began franchising within the last decade. There are now about 75 locations across the nation, including nine in the Sunshine State. 

About six years ago, Michael and Mariana, who are both accountants, decided that they wanted to own their own business. They searched for a franchise that would be a good fit for them and found Bloomin’ Blinds. Michael says they purchased the franchise at about the same time their only daughter was born. 

Michael and Mariana like that the company offers high-quality products, backed by a guarantee, so customers can have peace of mind about the investment they make in their homes. 

For window coverings such as roller shades, cellular shades, plantation shutters or blinds, Bloomin’ Blinds provides custom treatments direct from the factory, so the quality is much better than what you would buy off the shelf at a big box or home improvement store. 

Michael says Bloomin’ Blinds sells Norman shutters, Graber window treatments, and Alta window fashions, among other brands and yes, motorized, smartphone-operated shades also are available. 

“The automated systems are becoming more popular, because you can operate them from anywhere in the world,” Michael says. “And the prices for them have started to come down.” 

Kerry Estevez says she found Bloomin’ Blinds on an online community group when she built a new house in the Esplanade at Wiregrass Ranch. 

After the builder completed her home, she brought in a line of contractors to finish everything from customizing closets to crown molding and, of course, window coverings. 

“Bloomin’ Blinds was the only one where nothing went wrong,” Kerry says. 

She also says the best thing about hiring Bloomin’ Blinds was the professionalism and quality of customer service that came with working directly with the local franchise owner. 

“Dealing with the owner of the company directly and having him in the house, the communication was flawless,” Kerry says, adding that she appreciated that when Michael came to her home for a free consultation, he took his time and she never felt rushed. She considers herself to be particular, but says Michael was even more so. 

“He noticed things I didn’t even notice,” Kerry says. “I would recommend him to anyone for his attention to detail.” 

In fact, she says, he was accommodating in working on timelines of other contractors and that, when it came to installation, he personally completed the job, along with one of his employees. 

While some other companies she called would have taken months to even come out for a consultation, Bloomin’ Blinds was able to complete the consultation, order custom plantation shutters for every window in her home and have them manufactured and installed before she moved in. 

Kerry says the prices she paid at Bloomin’ Blinds were great, too. “I highly recommend Michael,” Kerry says. “I tell my neighbors if they’re getting estimates to definitely call him. I think once they get an estimate from Michael, I don’t know how people can’t hire him.” 

In fact, she adds, she’s hiring Bloomin’ Blinds again, to come back and add drapes in her home, too. 

Michael says Kerry’s not the only customer who has told him that they appreciate how accessible he is. 

“We’re not a big corporation where people have to call and call and wait on the line for a long time to be transferred to someone who can help you,” Michael says. “We’re a small, family-owned local business and people love that we’re easy to communicate with.” 

He says they also love the parent company’s warranty and that they don’t have to worry if anything breaks. While Bloomin’ Blinds will replace anything that needs to be replaced, Michael and his crew can often make repairs on the spot, or come back soon if a part needs to be ordered. 

In fact, if you have another company’s window treatments you already love in your home, and something breaks, such as a slat or a tilter, Bloomin’ Blinds will come out to provide a free estimate for the repair. 

How To Get Started 

The first step is to schedule an appointment for a free estimate in your home. This allows Michael to show you the available products in your own environment, so that colors and styles can be best matched to your existing décor, and you can see exactly what it all will look like in your space. 

Michael says he can help you, even if you have absolutely no idea what you want. New products are often available, and he’s happy to spend time going over all the options you may not even know about. “We bring all the samples and colors to our customers, help them pick out what would work best, and share all that we’ve learned from our experience.” 

Another advantage of Bloomin’ Blinds always coming to you is that the business doesn’t have a lot of overhead expenses so, Michael says, “We can give our customers a better price.” 

While in your home, he will measure every window to ensure that any product you buy is custom fit to each of those exact specifications. 

“We don’t have anything stored [in a warehouse or their home] or any standard sizes,” he explains. “That way, if your windows are slightly different sizes — even off by a portion of an inch — you won’t have gaps on the sides, especially with a shade or blinds.” 

He says plantation shutters currently are the most popular choice, although many clients also have been choosing roller shades. 

“Roller shades are a more modern product,” he says, “and they are much improved now, including using a smooth, easy-to-use cordless system.” 

Because these cordless systems are becoming more popular — now that regulatory bodies in the window treatment industry require that anything sold in the U.S. has to either be cordless or have inaccessible cords, because of the safety hazards they pose to children, the systems are continually being improved and also are becoming more affordable. 

Michael says he usually can install your new window coverings just three to four weeks after you order them, although shutters may take just a little longer. 

Bloomin’ Blinds comes to you & offers a free in-home estimate. You can schedule an appointment by calling (813) 444-5536, or get more information by visiting BloominBlinds.com. 

Gotcha Covered — When It Comes To Windows, The Name Literally Says It All! 

Franchise owner Khaled Alhamzawi is a long-time New Tampa resident who brings his Gotcha Covered of Central Tampa showroom to your home. (Photo by Charmaine George) 

Local franchise owner says most people who call his Gotcha Covered of Central Tampa franchise say they’re looking for blinds for their homes. But, many are surprised to discover that blinds are actually not what they really wanted, as there’s actually a whole array of window coverings available from Gotcha Covered that have so much more to offer. 

“Before I became a Gotcha Covered franchise owner, I didn’t know how many options there were,” Khaled admits. “But the options are unlimited.” 

While custom blinds come in many varieties — from aluminum to vinyl to wood and much more — are cordless and can be motorized, people sometimes find what they really want are custom shades or even shutters, both of which also are available in a wide variety of options. 

“Usually people are looking at style, functionality and price,” Khaled says. “It’s always about finding what the customer is looking for.” 

Khaled launched his Gotcha Covered franchise six months ago. The company has been franchising since 2009 and currently has more than 170 locations in the United States and Canada, including 28 in Florida. 

Although his franchise is labeled “Central Tampa,” Khaled is able to serve clients anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, including all of our readers in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. 

He has worked in leadership at a national corporation for more than a decade, but says he wanted to move in a new direction for his family’s future. 

“In the corporate world, we’re constantly being asked to do more with less,” he says, sharing one difficult time when his company let go of 2,500 employees. He says that also made his job feel less secure. 

“I wanted to change my career,” he says, “and choose something to build for myself.” 

For Khaled, who migrated to the U.S. from Syria 24 years ago, owning his own business feels like the fulfillment of the American dream. He and his wife have three boys — ages 16, 12, and 11 — and have lived in Tampa Palms for the last 12 years. 

Khaled says he enjoys remodeling and has done renovation projects on property that he owns, so when he learned about Gotcha Covered, it seemed like a good fit. 

Before launching his business, Khaled completed extensive training to ensure he was fully equipped to help all customers – residential and commercial – with all of their window covering needs. 

In addition to training from Gotcha Covered, the vendors he uses require that he completes courses to become certified to sell their products. 

For larger projects or those that require a special touch, Khaled says he will collaborate with interior designers. 

Gotcha Covered’s custom window treatments include blinds, shades, shutters, draperies and curtains. 

“Our window treatments are custom-made, so they’re not something you’re buying off the shelf from a retail store,” Khaled says. “They fit the style of your home and are made specifically for that window in that home.” 

Customer Rama Al Ghannam offered this 5-star review on Google: “I consulted with Gotcha Covered of Central Tampa for drapes in my formal living and dining spaces. I am very pleased with the results and the experience was seamless, beginning to end. Great customer service and high quality products! I will be using them again to install shades in my guest bedroom!” 

Today’s Big Trends 

Meanwhile, Khaled explains that automation is something that’s big in window treatments these days. Customers can control their shades using Alexa, Google Home, or even their smartphones. 

“Programming your window coverings is trendy in this day and age,” he says. “People are looking for ‘smart’ everything.” 

For example, he says, if you have a window where you get a lot of sun throughout the day and it gets too warm, you can put up a shade and program it to cover the window just for the times when the sun is beating down, having it automatically roll out of sight in the evening so you can enjoy the view. 

This helps keep the room cool and allows families to avoid overtaxing their air conditioning units and save on their electricity bills. 

An option Khaled says not many people know about is a dual shade with a roller that actually includes two shades – one to protect from the sun and one for design. You can have them both up or both down, or one up and one down, or vice versa. 

Gotcha Covered offers curtains and drapes, too. “Shades are trendy now” Khaled says, “but people often do side panels, rather than full draperies.” 

He says shutters are very common in Florida because they last many years and don’t go out of style. 

“They become part of the structure of the home and can last 10, 15 or even 20 years,” he says. 

Also popular are outdoor motorized screens for those patio areas that aren’t enclosed by a pool cage. Motorized screens go in tracks that allow families to enjoy their outdoor spaces while blocking some heat and intense light, while also limiting bugs, debris from trees and dirt. 

He says these screens are especially popular not just with families, but also at restaurants with outdoor seating areas. 

For anyone interested in learning more about products and options or what Gotcha Covered could customize for in your home or business, Khaled offers a complimentary in-home consultation. 

“We bring the showroom to you,” he says. “That is an advantage over visiting a store. You want to look at the fabric and colors in your home so you can see if they match your furniture or paint.” 

Once you’ve selected the perfect products to meet your needs and fit your budget, everything is measured, ordered and then installed, usually just two to three weeks later, by expert installers who ensure a perfect, custom fit and can help with any smart options. 

“I enjoy working with people, explaining the different options that are available, giving them design tips, and explaining how to choose the right product for them,” Khaled says. “I’ve found it to be a very rewarding experience making homes nicer and more beautiful.” 

Ricc Rollins, the owner of Riccardo’s Menswear, recently opened a new store in West Tampa. 

“Gotcha Covered came in and assessed what we needed,” says Ricc. “I was very pleased that Khaled worked within our budget and was not trying to upsell us.” 

Ricc explains that he had a list of wants and Gotcha Covered met all of them. 

“We needed our window coverings to be energy efficient, in a color that was fashionable but not take away from the aesthetic of the historic building we’re in, and cost effective [for someone] opening a new business,” says Ricc. “Khaled checked all the boxes. He lives up to his name. He made sure all my bases were covered.” 

Gotcha Covered offers a free in-home consultation. For more info call (813) 787-5550 or schedule an appointment online at GotchaCovered.com/Central-Tampa.

Budget Blinds Offers A Variety Of Styles and Expert-Only Service

Adriane & Mike Wonderlin will be opening a new Budget Blinds showroom in a few months at the KRATE container park in The Grove off S.R. 54. (Photos courtesy of Adriane Wonderlin)

Considering the amount of time you have probably spent looking longingly out your windows the past few weeks while quarantined, have you noticed that maybe your window treatments aren’t as attractive as they could be? Do your drapes look a little outdated? Do your shutters need to be modernized? Is there too much sun coming in and driving up those electricity bills?

Budget Blinds can solve all of those problems, and more.

Lexington Oaks residents Mike and Adriane Wonderlin are owners of the Budget Blinds franchises in Greater Tampa, Brandon and Lakeland. North Tampa has the nearest showroom, which is located on W. Fletcher Ave. near I-275, two exits south of Wesley Chapel’s S.R. 56 exit. The Wonderlins have a second showroom in Riverview, which serves their customers in the Brandon and Lakeland ares.

However, Wesley Chapel residents will have even easier access to the almost unlimited selection at Budget Blinds in a few months. The Wonderlins have already signed a lease for another showroom at the upcoming container park called KRATE by Gold Box at The Grove.

“Wesley Chapel, Land O’Lakes, Lutz, that whole area is still growing like crazy,” Mike says. “That’s why we decided to open a third showroom.”

Mike and Adriane have owned the local Budget Blinds franchises for two years. In January of 2019, they expanded by purchasing the Lakeland territory.

The current showroom in Tampa has been open since 2013.

Budget Blinds was founded in 1992 in Orange County, CA, and has more than 1,100 franchises in the U.S. and Canada. The Wonderlins’ franchise has been named the company’s Franchise of the Year in 2016, 2017 and 2018, and finished second in 2019.

While Adriane says some of their customers know exactly what they want, many don’t, due to the countless design and style combinations available. That’s where Budget Blinds comes in and offers service that few others can match.

“I didn’t know what I needed, I just knew I wanted some blinds that my two large dogs wouldn’t destroy,” says Tara LeBlanc, whose Palm Cove home in Wesley Chapel has glass sliders in the back that receive a lot of sunlight. “I called Budget Blinds and they sent a consultant who was very nice, showed us a bunch of samples, went over the warranty and came up with the solution. Now, I have blinds that go up and down horizontally, they don’t get in the way of the doggie door and it’s actually pretty cool.”

LeBlanc adds that she also will be having solar shades installed. She said she has wanted to do her back windows for years, but thought it would be too expensive. But, she says she gave Budget Blinds a budget, and discovered it wasn’t nearly as pricey as she thought.

Whether it’s shutters or drapes or anything in between, Budget Blinds has what you need.

The Wonderlins have a staff of 27 consultants and have added an operational management team to its staff — installation manager Bill Tumelty, a U.S. Army veteran, and administrative manager Kristi Cicollelo. 

Tumelty is one of a few military veterans who work for the Wonderlins.

“It was really important to us to find someone that was in the service,” says Mike, whose company partners with Homes For Our Troops by doing the window treatments for wounded veterans.

Additionally, Budget Blinds hired a drapery consultant, Terri Williams, who specializes in soft treatments such as drapery panels, Roman shades, and pillows.

Whether you’re looking for improved aesthetics or smarter energy consumption — or, like many customers, a little bit of both — Budget Blinds can steer you in the right direction. And, don’t let the coronavirus pandemic slow you down — Budget Blinds has adapted and offers “no-contact” service.

“We are here to help you with your next home renovation project,” Mike says. “But the well-being and safety of our customers is always our top priority. We’re continuing to follow all guidelines and updates suggested by the CDC and local departments of public health. We are currently operating under a no-contact consultation procedure for sales and installation appointments due to the coronavirus.”

It might be a good time to find a deal as well, while helping a locally-owned business.

“Shopping local has never been more important,” Mike says. “Our vendors have offered some additional discounts to help us due to Covid-19, and we’ll be passing those savings along to our customers.”

Budget Blinds offers a complete line of window coverings.

Blinds come in vinyl, wood, fabric, faux wood and aluminum. Shutter options range from real wood (in painted or stained) and also composite shutters that don’t fade or warp.

If you prefer shades, you can choose from roller, pleated, Roman, cellular, woven wood, bamboo, sheer, solar and graphic, not to mention a variety of panels, valances and drapes.

Budget Blinds has recently renewed a partnership with Mirasol Shutters, which has been around since 1991 and offers shutters made right here in Florida (customers can have them installed in as little as 7 days, with express shipping).

Mirasol Shutters feature a number of different collections depending on your needs (including arched window treatments), and are made of a 100-percent recyclable composite core that mimics the look and texture of natural wood but isn’t susceptible to the same moisture, UV damage or dents and chips as wood.

While you can find window treatments at a variety of big box stores, having a consultant visit your home and make suggestions is a touch those bigger stores rarely offer. Budget Blinds can find the right style and product to match your bedding, walls and floors. 

“Our niche in the market is somewhere between a big box store and calling a decorator,” says Adriane. “Our design consultants don’t just go out and give a quote; they actually help design (your window treatments).”

And, Budget Blinds’ warranties are better, too. “You can buy the same exact line at Home Depot,” Mike says, “but you won’t get the same warranty.”

Budget Blinds only uses experts in the window treatment industry, and never uses independent contractors. Budget Blinds installers are employees, and Tumelty insures that every installation is done with the company’s commitment to quality.

Budget Blinds also is a leader in the “smart” products line, which allows you to open your drapes or raise your blinds from the comfort of your couch or bed by using your smart phone or devices like Alexa and Google Home.

In 2016, Budget Blinds began offering a “Smart Homes by Budget Blinds” partnership with the smart home company Lutron. The Tampa-area franchise was one of just 15 locations to pioneer the concept, introducing smart shades, lighting and thermostat controls for its customers.

That’s a big deal in neighborhoods such as Estancia,The Ridge, and Esplanade, where homeowners have nice conservation views, and people don’t want to have to go behind the couch to pull the cord to open or close their window treatments.

“There’s a big push for motorization and automation,” Mike says. “In five years, that’s all you’re going to see.”

Automation even allows you to set times for the drapes or blinds to open and close. Scheduled correctly, you can be awakened in the morning by natural sunlight as your blackout shades gradually rise, or change the ambiance of your whole home after the sun has set, all with the press of a button or a voice command.

Budget Blinds of Greater Tampa is located at 1208 W. Fletcher Ave. The showroom hours are Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sat. To schedule a complimentary in-home consultation, call (813) 968-5050. For more info, visit BudgetBlinds.com/NorthTampa.

Budget Blinds Of Greater Tampa Gives Your Windows A Great View

The above Inspired Drapes design earned Budget Blinds of Greater Tampa on W. Fletcher Ave. a First Place award in the national company’s annual design contest.
The above Inspired Drapes design earned Budget Blinds of Greater Tampa on W. Fletcher Ave. a First Place award in the national company’s annual design contest.

What better way to show support to returning U.S. military veterans than by donating your business services to them? Well, that is exactly what Budget Blinds of Greater Tampa (located on W. Fletcher Ave. in Tampa, just a few minutes southwest of New Tampa), is doing, by recently partnering with Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), a non-profit organization that builds homes for returning injured veterans. Continue reading