Why Budget Blinds of The Northland and Kansas City Central

As the CEO and Owner of Budget Blinds of the Northland and Kansas City since 2005, Natalie Kesselring brings nearly two decades of industry expertise. With a deep understanding of both residential and commercial window treatments, she specializes in operations, sales strategy, and commercial estimating, ensuring every project is executed with efficiency and precision. She thrives on problem-solving, process improvement, and mentoring her team, helping them achieve high-performance results.

For Natalie, the most rewarding part of her work is helping people—whether it’s guiding customers through stress-free window treatment decisions, collaborating with designers, or supporting her team’s growth. She also enjoys the challenges of commercial projects and the strong relationships built with contractors and designers.

A lifelong Kansas City resident, Natalie spends her free time mountain biking, paddleboarding, camping, hiking, practicing yoga, sketching, and exploring interior design. She’s also a proud mom to her 17-year-old son, who attends Staley High School, and her Bernedoodle, Muffin.

Under her leadership, Budget Blinds of the Northland and Kansas City ranks among the top 20% of franchises, a testament to her dedication and expertise in the industry.

Introducing LeAnn Debetaz, the Operations Manager of Budget Blinds of Northland & Kansas City, Missouri!

LeAnn joined our team in March 2021, bringing a wealth of skills and expertise to the table. As our Operations Manager, she excels in recognizing and addressing customer needs, problem-solving, office management, data processing, financial planning and strategies, time management, and more. Her exceptional interpersonal and decision-making skills, combined with her leadership qualities, make her a true asset to our team.

Having grown up in the Kansas City area, LeAnn briefly ventured to Northern California before returning to her roots in 2021. With her deep connection to the community, she understands the unique needs and preferences of the local residents, allowing her to serve them with utmost dedication and care.

Outside of work, LeAnn is a woman of many passions. She started her journey with Budget Blinds in Grass Valley, California, and has since become an integral part of our Northland & Kansas City team. As a mom of four boys and a lovable Great Dane, family time holds a special place in her heart. She also enjoys staying active by hitting the gym, exploring the world of baseball, attending concerts and live music events, and indulging in fine dining and travel experiences.

LeAnn's commitment to excellence, coupled with her genuine passion for serving our customers, makes her an invaluable member of the Budget Blinds team. We are grateful to have her leading our operations and delivering exceptional service each day.

Please join us in celebrating LeAnn and her invaluable contributions to Budget Blinds.

As a Northland native, Lauren brings her passion for interior design and exceptional customer service skills to the Budget Blinds team. She joined in May 2024, eager to utilize her background in interior design from Missouri State University and her current studies at Johnson County Community College. Lauren possesses a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of how window treatments can elevate a home's aesthetic.

Lauren's dedication to client satisfaction shines through in her ability to actively listen to their needs, collaborating with designers to create functional and beautiful spaces that reflect their unique style. Her passion for clean, holistic living inspires her approach to design, incorporating elements that promote both style and well-being.

Outside of work, Lauren enjoys traveling, spending time with loved ones, and exploring new ideas. She is a lifelong learner with a passion for personal and professional growth.

Here at Budget Blinds of Northland & Kansas City Central we have so many great team members that it’s always tough to choose one to feature! This time, we’re going with Joey Jones!

Joey started with us back in September 2017 as one of our Designers. As someone who is detail-oriented, amazing with design, and possesses great customer service skills, she's amazing to work with. She also has a wealth of experience in technology plus design certification, too.

Joey brings a lot of education to the table, having attended Purdue University for Computer Science, the Air Force Tech School for Computer Technology, and Stratford Community for Design Certification. Throughout her career, she has attended formal training for management plus multiple technology certifications, plus she’s received several awards throughout her career. She comes from a military background, having served in the Air Force as a Computer Communications Technology Specialist.

With such a diverse background, naturally, Joey has moved around the world a bit. She grew up in Indiana, joined the military, and was stationed overseas. After the military, she moved to Nebraska for seven years, then moved to Kansas in 2005 before settling in Smithville, Missouri in 2014.

When she’s not here at work with us, Joey enjoys building and repurposing furniture to create unique home decor. She also enjoys spending time with her family. She has two children--a son and a daughter, aged 19 and 16, and one dog, a big 130-pound lab and hound mix.

Join us in celebrating everything that Joey brings to our community! She’s an incredibly valuable member of our team!

Meet Melissa Alford, our talented Design Consultant at Budget Blinds. With a background in Project Management, Melissa brings a wealth of organizational skills and attention to detail to the team. Her ambition and team-oriented approach ensure that every project is executed flawlessly.

Originally from the suburbs of Kansas City, MO, Melissa has deep roots in the service area. She has lived there for many years, making her well-versed in the local preferences when it comes to window treatments and interior design.

Outside of work, Melissa has a passion for long-range shooting and enjoys spending time outdoors. She finds joy in caring for her farm animals alongside her husband and children. Melissa's diverse interests and dedication to excellence make her an invaluable asset to our team, ensuring that every client receives top-notch service and expertise.

Budget Blinds of The Northland and Kansas City Central is proud to feature Jarad Bader as a dedicated Design Consultant who brings enthusiasm, meticulous attention to detail, and a goal-driven approach to our team. Jarad comes to us with 2 years of previous experience as a window treatment manufacturing representative and started his role with our Budget Blinds in the Briarcliff Shopping Village in August 2024. He has been instrumental in crafting design solutions that perfectly match the needs of our clients.

Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, and now residing in Lee’s Summit for over a year, Jarad has a profound understanding of the local community, which he leverages to advise homeowners on the best choices for their window treatments.

Jarad is not only passionate about his professional role but also enjoys the outdoors, especially fishing with his son, Finnegan. He also coaches Finnegan’s flag football team, demonstrating his commitment to both community and family. At just seven years old, Finnegan is already adept with a bait caster fishing reel, a skill nurtured by his father’s guidance.

Academically, Jarad studied Organizational Leadership at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas, where he earned an Honorable Mention as a football player. He is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, underscoring his leadership qualities.

For design consultation and to learn more about how Jarad and our team can help enhance your home with personalized window treatments, please reach out to Jarad.Bader@BudgetBlinds.com. Join us in creating spaces that are not only beautiful but uniquely tailored to your preferences.

Welcome to Kansas City, proud home of the Chiefs—and of Budget Blinds here in the Northland! We wanted to take a minute to recognize one of our newest team members, Ryan Titus. 

Though Ryan hasn’t been with us long, we can already say we love having him here. He brings a passion for interior design and window coverings to the team, and he enjoys walking clients through the whole process, from start to finish. He brings energy and enthusiasm to his consultations and strives to make the experience enjoyable and memorable for his clients.

Ryan has also attended a drapery class in California to further his education and knowledge on drapery and soft treatments. He’s always eager to learn more and improve his skills to better serve our clients!

Although Ryan was once a native of Chicago, he’s been living in Kansas City for the past 15 years, and he’s proud to call this city home. He enjoys volunteering his time and passion for sports and leadership in coaching his kids’ athletic teams. When he’s not here with us or coaching, Ryan enjoys spending time with his amazing wife and their three children, two of which are boy-girl twins!

Join us in giving Ryan a warm welcome! He’s going to be a great addition to our team!

Treyton Compton, a proficient Installation Technician, joined our team on November 15, 2023. Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, personable demeanor, and commitment to superior customer service, Treyton consistently ensures that our installations adhere to the highest standards. A proud alumnus of Pittsburg State University, he relocated to the Kansas City area in September 2023 and is enthusiastic about engaging actively in the local community. Outside of work, Treyton is passionate about improving his golf skills, avidly supporting the Chiefs, and enjoying outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. We are thrilled to welcome Treyton to the Budget Blinds of The Northland and Kansas City Central team!

Let's give a big round of applause and show some love to Ashton Lewis, a true superstar at Budget Blinds of The Northland and Kansas City Central! With over a decade of dedication and expertise, Ashton has been an integral part of our team since 2012. As our Lead Installer, Install Manager, and Design Consultant, Ashton brings a wealth of special skills to the table. His attention to detail, quick thinking on the job site, and ability to figure things out with the team make him an invaluable asset.

But Ashton's talents extend beyond his professional life. Did you know he's a true Kansas City local? Born and raised in this vibrant city! When he's not impressing us with his workmanship, you can find Ashton on the golf course or indulging in his obsession with shoes. He cherishes quality time with his lovely wife and two adorable kids, Harper and Hudson. And let's not forget about their regal beagle, Ellie, who adds even more joy to their lives!

While Ashton attended community college for a few years, he discovered that working with his hands was his true calling. His dedication to craftsmanship and his unwavering commitment to excellence shine through in every project he undertakes.

We're incredibly fortunate to have Ashton as part of our Budget Blinds family, and we can't wait to see what amazing things he accomplishes in the years to come. Join us in celebrating Ashton's remarkable contributions and wish him continued success!

Here at Budget Blinds of The Northland & Kansas City Central, when we’re not dreaming up new designs for Window Treatments, we love to take some time and talk a bit about our employees! Each member of our team brings a blend of skills and enthusiasm to the table—and James Higgins is no exception!

James is one of our installers, which means there is a good chance you’ll get to meet him on the job. Customer service is one of his strengths—he brings positivity everywhere he goes. With a background in troubleshooting and construction, James has the right skills to get your custom installation done right every time.

A lifelong resident of Kansas City, James was born in Olathe. He attended the Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, and he received a national certification from The National Fireplace Institute.

When he’s not at work with us, you’ll find him spending time with his girlfriend Jennifer, and his two dogs, Lupin and Pheonyx. James also plays guitar—and fixes them—plus he enjoys hiking, camping, and everything outdoors. He even loves going metal detecting and panning for gold—and if you ask him, he’ll tell you Squatch is real! As a fun-loving person at heart, we couldn’t be more thrilled to have him as part of our team!

Here in Kansas City’s Northland, we’re so lucky to have an amazing team to help us bring the best in window treatments to the metro area! That being said, we’d like to give a shoutout to Tevin Rice. Tevin’s been with us for almost a year now, having joined our ranks in July 2022. He’s a dedicated Warehouse Assistant, Order Receiving Coordinator, and Installer.

In these roles, he offers us a range of special skills and expertise. He’s got a knack for operating tools, and he has several trade-specific skills, plus mechanical knowledge and plenty of physical strength and stamina to top it off. All of this together makes him amazing no matter what he’s doing—working in the warehouse or helping our customers on an installation job.

While Tevin is a proud Northland Citian now, he spent his formative years in Ellsworth, Kansas, residing there for 13 years. Tevin also went to college for four years. There, he studied criminal justice while minoring in psychology.

Outside of work, Tevin enjoys spending time on various hobbies and passions, including hunting and fishing. He also finds joy in remodeling his own house—and when he’s not pursuing these endeavors, Tevin devotes his time to his two beloved dogs, who hold a special place in his heart. He’s also engaged to his fiancée, which means there may be a possibility of wedding bells in the future.

Join us in celebrating everything Tevin does, both here at Budget Blinds and in his personal life, too! Our team wouldn’t be the same without him!

Bobby joined Budget Blinds Northland on November 18, 2024, bringing a bubbly, relatable personality and a lifelong passion for interior design. With an eye for detail, exceptional customer service, and creative design skills, Bobby takes pride in connecting with clients on a personal level to craft spaces that truly reflect their vision. For Bobby, the biggest reward is seeing the joy on a client’s face when their project comes to life - “it makes my little heart smile.”

Originally from the small farm town of Ark City, Kansas, Bobby moved to Manhattan, KS, to attend Kansas State University before transferring to Johnson County Community College, where they earned a degree in interior design. Now a proud Kansas City resident, Bobby fills his time with a mix of fun and family, from spoiling their nieces and nephew to doting on their fur babies - Jordy Jae, a Yorkie Chihuahua, and Marley, a lovable orange cat. Bobby also loves traveling to sunny beaches, enjoying poolside summers, brunching with friends, attending concerts and festivals, and indulging in all things movies.

Whether creating a dream design or chatting about the latest festival lineup, Bobby’s approachable style and design expertise make him an integral part of the Budget Blinds Northland team.

Michael joined Budget Blinds of the Northland on November 1, 2024, bringing a passion for design and a commitment to exceptional customer service. With a strong focus on attention to detail, clear communication, and integrity, Michael strives to create a seamless and enjoyable experience for every client. Meeting new people and helping them transform their spaces is one of the most rewarding aspects of his role.

A Kansas City native, Michael grew up in KCK and has lived all over the metro area before settling in Overland Park, where he has resided for the past 20 years. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring the mountains of Colorado, hiking, and road-tripping with his wife. Together, they share a full house with four grown children and two beloved dogs.

Michael’s dedication to his craft and love for connecting with others make him a valuable member of the Budget Blinds team.

Jeremiah Thomas joined Budget Blinds of the Northland and Kansas City Central, MO in October 2024, bringing a keen eye for detail, problem-solving skills, and a “jack of all trades” approach to every project. As a Commercial Project Lead & Installer, he takes pride in transforming windows into something customers are proud to showcase.

Originally from the West Coast, Jeremiah made the move to Missouri in 2024 and has quickly embraced the local community. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, hiking, camping, and spending time outdoors. At home, he shares his life with his wife and two grown children.

With his dedication to craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, Jeremiah is an essential part of the team, ensuring every project meets the highest standards.