Tracy L. Morse Q&A
FASTFRAME Expert Picture Framing offers art and custom picture framing services for individuals and businesses and does it fast — in days, not weeks!
What led you to start your business?
I was drawn to the FASTFRAME brand because of its focus on customer service being Number One and its incredibly high quality standards. Having previously come from customer service in the financial services industry, I was looking for a business that would allow for maximum creativity, variety and a total customer focus. After learning more about the business, I really felt that we had the same core values.
Tell me something about your business that people might not know.
Although we are a franchise, what distinguishes our location is our focus on providing art and picture framing services to the commercial customer (restaurants, hotels, health care, office professionals, architecture and design firms and property managers) in addition to the individual customer. There are so many applications and uses for picture framing across many different industries. One of my 2009 business goals is to make sure as many people, as possible, in those industries know that we are an experienced provider.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome as a business owner?
The biggest challenge was moving a business with 19 years of service in Mesa to a new shopping center in Chandler. We moved from Dobson and Guadalupe to Ray at the Loop 101 (Price Road) Freeway in order to better serve our customers. As an owner, you always hope that your wonderful, loyal customers will follow you to your new location and I feel very grateful that they have.
What drives your passion in this business?
I absolutely love teaching by providing information and education. I know that the custom picture framing process can be intimidating for someone new to the experience. So our objective is always to educate customers about what looks best with their piece and why, so that they then have the tools and the knowledge of what constitutes good picture framing.
What advice would you give somebody starting their own business?
Never give up. Constantly be thinking about ways that you can do what you do even better to differentiate yourself from your competition. And after you identify those things, put together a plan to implement them. It’s far too easy to say you are going to do something than to actually do it. Also, ask yourself what extra value you can provide to your customers to cement their loyalty. Look for an accountability partner to help you though the toughest spots, you’ll be glad you did.
Stuart’s Business Tip:
Tracy mentions having “an accountability partner to help you through the toughest spots…” Often, a small business owner can feel alone. Having somebody to hold you accountable can make the difference in your success. So, find yourself a group of other business owners with whom you can share ideas and get honest feedback. Or, find yourself a good business coach or advisor.
Written By Stuart Preston, MyBusiness Advisors, Inc.
