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Meet Your Neighbor: Rick Deutschman, Bloomin' Blinds
One of the things I've enjoyed most about starting this "Meet Your Neighbor" series is discovering the interesting stories behind local business owners. This week's guest definitely didn't disappoint.
If you had met Rick Deutschman twenty years ago, you probably would have found him behind the scenes in professional sports television.
Rick spent more than two decades in broadcast graphics and branding, working with major sports organizations and television productions, including projects involving the New York Yankees and ABC Sports. His career began with a communications degree, an internship, and a willingness to work hard enough to get his foot in the door.
Today, instead of designing graphics for television, he's helping homeowners throughout the Lake Norman area transform their homes as the owner of Bloomin' Blinds.
Rick specializes in custom window treatments, motorized shades, patio screens, and awnings, working primarily with luxury and custom homes around the lake. But what really separates his business isn't just the products—it's his background.
"I've always had an eye for design," Rick told me. "People think window treatments are just blinds from a big box store, but there's so much more to creating the right look for a home."
One story that stuck with me involved a home right on Lake Norman with massive west-facing windows. Even in early spring, Rick said the heat pouring through the glass felt like standing next to a radiator.
Rather than simply recommending blinds because they looked nice, he explained how the right window treatments could dramatically reduce heat entering the home while making the space much more comfortable. It was a reminder that sometimes, good design isn't just about appearance—it's about solving problems.
Another thing Rick believes sets Bloomin' Blinds apart is that it's a father-and-son business.
Rick and Cole, a father and son team
His son, Cole, works alongside him, and Rick says customers enjoy seeing two generations working together. That family approach has become part of the company's identity and something he hopes clients remember long after the installation is complete.
Rick has lived in the Lake Norman area for nearly seven years and says one of the things he appreciates most is the combination of lake living, friendly neighbors, and the relationships he's built through the local business community.
Before we wrapped up, I asked him to recommend a local business our readers should check out.
His pick? Mac's Speed Shop, one of his favorite places to relax and grab a meal.
If you'd like to learn more about Rick and Bloomin' Blinds, visit BloominBlinds.com or keep an eye out—you may just see Rick and Cole pulling into a neighborhood together.
— Scott
🍷 Jetton Village just got a new sip-and-stroll district
Photo from mpvre.com
The Gist: The Cornelius Town Board unanimously approved the new Peninsula Village Social District at Jetton Village on August 3. It’s the town’s second social district, joining the Lake Norman Social District in Old Town, and includes three retail buildings along with the civic plaza. Peninsula Prime, H2 Public House and Penny Lane are the first participating businesses.
Why It Matters: The district lets you take a drink in an approved to-go cup between participating businesses and designated public areas. But the bigger idea is creating more reasons to gather at the Jetton civic plaza, from events to an easy dinner-and-drinks night out. For the west side of Cornelius, it’s a small change that could help Jetton Village feel a little livelier and more connected.
🚂 Townhomes proposed near a future Red Line station
The Gist: Veer Development is proposing a 110-unit townhome community called Northline Row on nine acres near Old Statesville Road and Caldwell Track Drive. Plans call for roughly 2,000-square-foot homes just north of Sam Furr Road, near a future Red Line commuter rail station, along with 279 parking spaces. The town has deferred the initial public hearing to 6 p.m. Sept. 1 at Huntersville Town Hall.
Why It Matters: As Huntersville plans for future commuter rail, projects like this show how new housing could start taking shape around proposed station areas. For nearby residents, the big questions will be how the development fits into the area and what it could mean for traffic around Sam Furr Road and Old Statesville Road.
🍝 Proper pasta and high-pour Wednesdays
9719 Sam Furr Rd C, Huntersville
Antico Italian Restaurant is a neighborhood kitchen where handwritten nightly specials set the tone and the chef’s passion comes through in every dish. This family-owned spot serves classic Italian comfort, from pillowy gnocchi and rich shrimp Alfredo to longtime favorites like penne alla vodka.
The dining room can fill up fast, but settling in with a glass of wine and finishing with house-made tiramisu makes the wait feel pretty easy.
🏎️ High-speed laps inside a massive indoor track
346 E Plaza Dr, Mooresville
The Pit Indoor Kart Racing packs 140,000 square feet of entertainment into one Mooresville spot, including a 70,000-square-foot indoor kart track where adult karts can top 40 mph. Younger drivers have their own kart options, too.
Beyond the track, there’s mini golf, laser tag and 40+ arcade games. And on September 5, Cars & Coffee takes over the parking lot from 8 to 11 a.m. with cars, local vendors, music and food trucks.
Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!
👶 Toddlers & Trampolines | FearLess Adventure Park | Mooresville | 08/13 | More
Gentle jump time designed for young children to play safely.
🎸 Live Under the Oaks: Dial Up Radio | The Plaza at Birkdale Village | Huntersville | 08/14 | More
Music performance under the shade of open-air oaks. Bring chairs, grab dinner!
🎈 Back to School Bash | Shepherd Elementary PTO | Mooresville | 08/14 | More Festive outdoor carnival: bounce slides, games, face painting, and food vendors.
❤️🔥 Concerts @ the Circles: Chasing Phoenix | Jetton St | Davidson | 08/15 | More
Free rock and variety covers concert on a lively closed-off street.
🚴 Lake Norman Fondo | meet at the Village Green | Davidson | 8/16 | More
500+ riders, three route lengths, live music at the finish. Cheer them in or ride.
🩵 Birkdale Buds: Bluey Meet & Greet | The Plaza at Birkdale Village | Huntersville | 08/19 | More
Interactive playtime with games, creative crafts, and beloved character appearances.
🎶 LaLaCaboosa: Classic Rock & Newgrass | Veterans Park | Huntersville | 08/20 | More
Outdoor concert blending classic rock riffs and folksy modern bluegrass sounds.
✨ Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience | Cain Center for the Arts | Cornelius | 08/21 | More
Family-friendly tribute performance capturing the spirit of the Eras tour.
☕ Veterans Coffee Connection | Presbyterian Church | Huntersville | 08/14 | More
Warm coffee, light refreshments, and supportive community fellowship.
🎸 Completely Unchained: Van Halen Tribute | BoatYard Lake Norman | Cornelius | 08/14 | More
Electric guitar riffs and soaring arena-rock vocals in a lakefront setting.
🧘 DeStress Davidson | Town Hall & Community Center | Davidson | 08/15 | More
Wellness open house with activities, mindfulness stations, and community resources.
🎷 Big Band August | New Victory Lanes | Mooresville | 08/17 | More
Swinging horn arrangements with classic retro ballroom ambiance.
🎙️ Next Stop Comedy | Primal Brewery | Huntersville | 08/21 | More
Hilarious touring stand-up comedians live in a local craft brewery setup.
🎭 Million Dollar Quartet | Cain Center for the Arts | Cornelius | until 08/23 | More Musical theatre celebrating rock legends in an intimate arts center.
A huge thank-you to all the teachers heading back to school. You deserve the laughs ahead more than anyone! ❤️
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