Search past winners/finalists


  • MESA logo

Blinds.com

  

How to EnterCompany: Blinds.com, Houston, TX
Company Description: Blinds.com is the largest online window covering store in the world. At our heart, we are a passionate customer service and marketing company that connects our community to home decor trends and high quality window coverings. Blinds.com has been featured in numerous magazine, newspaper, and radio publications.
Nomination Category: Sales Awards Individual Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Senior Sales Executive of the Year

Nomination Title: Stephen M. Riddell, Chief Operations Officer

Tell the story about what this nominee achieved since the beginning of July 2011 (up to 500 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:

Stephen M. Riddell is the Chief Operations Officer at Blinds.com. During the last four years, Riddell has consistently delivered 20% growth annually and has established the company as the ‘World's Leading Online Custom Window Covering Store’ despite a depressed housing market and a down economy.

ACHIEVEMENTS

In four years, Riddell has grown revenues from $32M to $90M and projects revenues to grow to $105M in 2013.

Riddell led the charge in creating an organization committed to Health and Wellness. In March 2012, Blinds.com was named the ‘Healthiest Employer’ by Houston Business Journal.(1)

Riddell is regularly sought after as a keynote speaker and seminar leader at trade shows and conferences internationally. In 2012 he led a ‘Masters Class’ at the Contact Center Conference and was only one of two Americans chosen to join a delegation of international experts to speak in China at the APOE Outsourcing Annual Summit. (2)

In February 2012, Riddell launched a proprietary ‘Face2Face’ innovation project which allowed customers to speak with a design consultant interactively in real-time video consultation at a set appointment time. The first of its kind in the industry, F2F is strategically a major initiative with mid to long-term high growth and profit potential, with serious brand impact. In less than one year, conversion rates are 50% with twice the average order value and twice the revenue than online or traditional call center inbound sales.

In July 2012, Riddell was notified that Blinds.com was ranked as one of the ‘Largest Private Companies’ at 89 out of 100 privately held businesses in the greater Houston area by the Houston Chronicle in its 'Chronicle 100' list. (3)

In August 2012, Riddell was instrumental is achieving recognition as one of the Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces in the United States. This annual award recognizes top employers that display leadership and innovation towards engaging their employees. A panel of judges evaluated each applicant based on the Eight Elements of Employee Engagement: Communication, Leadership, Culture, Rewards & Recognition, Professional & Personal Growth, Accountability & Performance, Vision & Values and Corporate Social Responsibility.(4)

In October 2012 – Under Riddell's leadership and commitment to building a positive workplace culture, Blinds.com was honored as ‘Best and Brightest Company to Work For’ in Houston. One of 38 companies honored by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR), Blinds.com received the ‘Best of the Best Overall’ award presented by Houston Mayor Annise Parker. This annual award recognizes Houston-area top businesses that provide employees with a positive, exciting and growth-oriented workplace.(5)

In November 2012 —Blinds.com, was honored as a Houston’s Top Workplaces award winner by the Houston Chronicle for the third consecutive year. (6)

Riddell has substantially improved the inside sales organization with conversion rates growing from 17% to 48%. The number of annual ‘Million Dollar” sellers has grown from one, three years ago to seven inside salespeople selling over $1M in 2012.

He is the author of the book....”SELLING GENIUS...Achieving Extraordinary Sales Results With Ordinary People”.

 

Provide a brief (up to 100 words) biography about the nominee:

Mr. Riddell is a dynamic and inspirational speaker, trainer, coach, manager and author with a reputation for excellence. As an entrepreneur and motivational speaker he is considered an expert in management, sales and customer service, teaching his methods to large groups of people internationally. He is also the 2006 Recipient of the Peppers and Rogers National Innovator Award of Excellence. In 2010 he was named Call Center Leaders of the Year from IQPC and received the 2010 and 2011 Call Center of the Year Award.