Joshua Smith is a successful businessman – he and wife Emily own Budget Blinds in Cullman. But something he’s extremely proud of? His girls.
“Emily and I have four impressive daughters, each a gift to the world consistent with their personalities,” he beamed. “They are stunning examples of wit and charisma, beauty and candor, grace and grit. They are the best of us, teaching and impressing me constantly.”
Joshua shared how his girls influence his business.
“Although they’re not directly involved, Budget Blinds still culturally profits from their influence. They’ve taught me our world is best shaped by freedom, and healthy connections supersede obedience. In the past, whenever ‘obedience’ was my primary goal, failure was inevitable. But, when connection was prioritized, everything else nestled into place naturally. It’s the same in every kind of relationship: family, friends, faith and even business,” he explained. “If I feel disconnected from anyone in each of these scenarios, our family, friends, Budget Blinds team and especially our customers will most likely feel disconnected as well. That feeling of disconnection can undermine healthy values. Just like with family, if my Budget Blinds team and customers feel unseen and unheard, how can they trust I’m genuinely trying to help them accomplish their dreams and goals? Why would they partner with me for mine?”
Joshua shared his proudest moments as a father and business owner: “I’m so proud to have seen my ‘once little darlings’ become mentally sharp, emotionally generous and internally free. They’re further along in every regard than I was at their age, and maybe more than I am now. That’s very fulfilling!
“Likewise, I’m honored to have a Budget Blinds team that focuses on excellence in their personal lives as well as on behalf of our customers’ projects and needs. We have been invited time and time again to partner with such a wonderful community for almost 10 years.”
"They are the best of us, teaching and impressing me constantly."