Stay in business for the long haul: the owners of three long-time frame shop successes share winning strategies for outlasting the competition and maintaining momentum

Art Business News, Dec, 2002 by Jennifer Wong

These nine keys to longevity are as vital to your business as food is for your body, said Martin. "People know these things are important in the back of their minds, but they don't think of them as essential."

Martin advises small business owners to quit cutting corners and taking shortcuts with their time, their own physical health and the health of their businesses. Slow down, take time to plan, take care of your money, be open to new ideas, maintain ties with your families, business partners and community, and tap into the reason you got into the business in the first place. You'll be following the same tried-and-true formula as other successful, long-term businesses.

Porter and Lou Wilson, co-owners

Arts & Things Morehead City, N.C.

Years in business: 7 years with the store and 20 years previously as a secondary business.

Employees when business started: 2

Employees today: 6

Number of moves the store has made: 2--They recently built their own building with a classroom on the second story for art workshops and art shows and an additional store that is an art gallery.

Most interesting things framed: Hairpiece from a client's grandmother, war mementos and memorabilia.

Best business advice: "Believe wholeheartedly in customer service," said Porter Wilson. "Make people comfortable when they walk in the door--don't try to sell them, just greet them. `Service with a smile' is the most important thing."

Uldis and Susan Augenbergs, co-owners

Framemakers, Bloomington, Ind.

Years in business: 26

Employees when the business started: 2

Employees today: 11

Number of moves the original store has made: 2 for expanded space and the addition of another store.

Most interesting things framed: A lock of hair and note from Napoleon Bonaparte; guitar of Gene Simmons from the rock band KISS.

Best business advice: "Your two biggest concerns should be complete customer satisfaction and offering them a perfect product," said Uldis Augenbergs. "Without those two ingredients, everything else is irrelevant."

Pamela and Bruce Barker, co-owners

Athens-Art Inc., Athens, Ga.

Years in business: 32

Employees when the business started: 4, Pamela's Dad, Mom, brother and herself.

Employees today: Between 30 with some part-timers

Number of moves the store has made: Original store at its first location but added 3 additional retail shops, a cafe and a wholesale frame and artist supply company.

Most interesting things framed: Gallstones someone wanted to give to their mother, antique gun and primitive handcuffs.

Best business advice: "Enjoy your customers," said Pamela Barker, "treat them as if they are a guest in your home when they come in your door."

SOURCES

Arts & Things, (252) 240-1979

Athens-Art Inc., (706) 549-9299

Framemakers, (812) 334-3305

Lynda Martin, Goodwin Growth Works, (440) 830-2400

Murray Raphel, (609) 348-6646