Jay Goltz comes a visiting....

Emibub

PFG, Picture Framing God
Joined
Nov 2, 2001
Posts
9,246
Loc
Centennial, CO, USA
I just thought I should share this with my fellow framers.....

Jay Goltz has been giving me some personal advice on my situation. He is the genius who told me to change my sign. It takes a brainiac from Chicago to tell me "Framing" might attract more customers than "Art&Gifts".......but, hey, I'm learning.

I digress.....

Jay came to visit my store on Monday, with advance warning, thank goodness.....it means a lot to me to have someone so successful take the time to visit the self admitted dope who got herself in quite a pickle making quite possibly the worst business decision possible. I like to think it might mean I have some potential but it could just as easily mean he just had to see for himself the exact spot on earth where the worst possible business decision took place. :eek:

I think I survived the visit, he gave me great insight on what I need to change in order to be more competitive. Believe me, Jay Goltz speaks I listen. What an honor.

I don't take my situation very lightly and as ridiculous as it is I can't say how much energy I get from such a visit. Thanks for taking the time Jay. It makes me feel like I have a viable entity in my tiny little store in Aurora, Colorado. Your time only proves you want to elevate the whole industry.

[ 02-18-2004, 05:11 PM: Message edited by: Emibub ]
 
Wow, not that I knew him before, but my respect for the man just went up a few notches.

So, are you going to share his words of wisdom?

Now, if I could just get Bob to pay Less a visit.

[ 02-18-2004, 05:16 PM: Message edited by: lessafinger ]
 
Other than Go forth and prosper any wisdom he passed on to me Less was specific to my situation. Things like "Are you a frameshop or an antique store?" :eek:

I also think it shows just how powerful the Grumble and HH can be. I honestly have gotten most of my resources off of the Grumble as an example. I didn't have a clue what I was doing and was lucky to turn to this site. I have to say if I hadn't found the G and started asking questions I absolutely know for a fact I would not still be in business today. From getting top notch business advice from gurus like Jay, Bob Carter and Marc Bluestone and having others just for emotional support who understand my situation I don't have one person in my life who can help other than to be a shoulder to cry on.

The frustrating part to me is that I am getting that advice and I am still struggling. I don't think it is because I am not using the advice but rather because my slippery start is just that hard to recover from. I am so much more confident and sure of myself now. I am a sponge soaking up everything I can. I feel like I have momentum just never enough of it. I've learned stuff about myself I never knew. I've had to develop an inner strength and an iron will.

My sincerest wish is that all this advice pays off. What was that book Hillary Clinton wrote? It takes a Village to Raise a Child? Well, it takes a forum to educate a dope.........
 
Kathy: Sounds like "The Montana Project" has morphed into "The Colorado Project". What a great opportunity having Jay visit your shop. I have taken several of his seminars and have read his book. I have also visited him at his main location on Clybourne in Chicago. He very graciously took time to talk with me. In addition to being extremely knowledgeable he is very personable and accessible. Jay's advice is always good, so follow it to every extent you can.
You should be very proud of what you have done so far. The recent thread where you posted pictures of your shop was inspiring. The existing business you bought was improperly positioned in the market, and you are working to correct that, as well as to take it to the next level of success. You have come a long way, and will succeed.
I hope Jay's visit (as well as your day off for attending the wedding) has given you a new infusion of energy. Keep us posted. (I'm sure you will.)

:cool: Rick
P.S.: Jay has both a frame shop AND an antique shop (not to mention a garden store too).
 
Kathy, that is so cool. Thanks for telling us about Jay Goltz's visit.

You're gonna make it! I don't think you're a dope. I think you're brave.
 
But I wanted to be your first Grumbler sighting!

It's terrific that Jay took the time to come see you.
 
Kathy I must say that I draw off your energy all the time. You stand exactly where I might in 2 years (IM opening in April). Time has not allowed you the luxury to forget the truly bad times (no offense veterans) I know from your past post that you had a **** of a time getting that brick off the ground. I think your visit from Jay just validates that you are in fact flying. If you ever have time I would love to read any detailed reflection on your mistakes and things you would absolutely do over again. Because of your honesty and the age of your business you might be the most relevant source for those seeking information on opening a frameshop TODAY!

Im not a stalker (although Ron thinks IM an ax murder) but I have found two quotes of yours that should make you feel better.

10/01/02 “I am "celebrating" my first year in business. Actually it isn't much of a celebration…..I've aged at least ten years emotionally and physically. I've managed to change every family and friends relationship I have. I thought they all were changing it, turns out it was me, I'm different now. I live eat and breathe this frameshop and it has changed every dynamic in my life. Hopefully things will level out someday and I can get on with living my life.”

12/20/02 “I am so charged up, I just have to share this. This week I have a healthy viable place of business. There are people coming and going.”

That type of change in a business is impressive by anybody’s standard. I hope I feel that way 14 months into my business. Good luck to you in the future.
 
Kathy,

I have read every line you have written, with interest, since you bought your store.

Every month you were on your last leg, no more resources (money), desperate, going out of business, will not make it through the month....yet, your still doing business, adding a new sign (mine was 4K) upgrading your store, buying equipment, but most important, still in business...

I don't want Jay (sorry my friend but you didn't visit me) I want you Kathy, to visit me and help me make it the way that you did, month to month.

How did you pay your rent, utilities, COGS, etc month to month? How did you do it with no income? I am totally impressed, your a fighter.

I agree with the person above who said you should share your day by day diary so we who are also struggling can benefit from your experiences.

You have been an inspiration, to some of us, who have been sitting on the side line, chewing our finger nails, cheering you on, will she make it through this month, stay tuned.

Where did that come from...all I really wanted to ask is what specific changes did Jay suggest?

best
 
"The squeaky wheel gets the grease."

Kathy has shared her trials and triumphs with all of us and her reward is to get business advice from the best.

Thanks for sharing with us, Kathy!
Keep up the hard work and you'll be a big success.
 
Wow Kathy, you really do rate if Jay visited! I'm thinking he must have an idea that it was worth his while and that your shop will continue to be a viable entity or he probably wouldn't have bothered.

You definately are a source a strength for the struggling masses. I was taken back in time to my first start at my own shop. I have to admit that I threw the towell in and ran away from it for a while. After about a two year break I ended up working out of my house when I got laid off my last 'real' job.

12 years later, I now have a good home based business and I love it. I'm sure it's not what everyone would consider thriving, but it allows me to stay at home with my kids, and help contribute to the family pot. It also helps me keep my sanity . . . .I think.


I commend you for your tanacity to hang in there and I wish you great success and happiness (those 2 things are not always mutually exclusive).

Make sure to keep us posted on the continuing drama of "Out on a Whim--The ongoing struggle of a new frame shop and its heroic owner". :D

Good luck!!!
LeeAnn
 
I've met and talked to Jay before at various seminars I've attended. It doesn't suprise me that he would stop in to see how someone he has given advice to is doing, he is just that kind of person.

Even though we have been in business for 15 years, it doesn't mean that we don't continue to have our struggles. Especially the last 2 years since my husband lost his job and we have had to rely solely on the business for our income. Kathy, reading your honest posts about what you have gone through has helped me cope when the panic sometimes sets in. When I wake up at 2 am worrying about where the money is going to come from it helps to think that others have survived this way too.
 
Gosh guys, I was really hoping that a new framer doesn't ALWAYS worry about the money.! ha
I thought it was just my shop and it would soon make me an actual living. I am a photographer/framer who is PRAYING for a year that was better than the past. IS that possible??
I am in a very rural area (to say the least) my town's population is 3000! Located on a bypass where we get lots of exposure from traffic.And we get business from surrounding (small)towns also and going fairly well.
We have had thoughts of moving ot a nearby large city across from a HL that is also in a very good location, by (dare I say) Walmart and a mall....
Has anyone out there done anything similar with
better success?
 
Jay is a charming and charismatic guy, and very generous with his expertise.

But if he walked through my door, I would die from embarrassment. And if I knew in advance that he was coming, I would be in a blind panic trying to clean the place up.

Which begs the question I often ask myself: Why do I assume it's good-enough for my customers?

I know most of you have back rooms you can keep customers out of. I don't. My whole shop is my back room. When I'm busy, it's a shambles, though I've never misplaced an order.

I think I need to pretend I'm expecting a visit from Jay Goltz or Vivian Kistler or Marc Bluestone.

I get cold chills just thinking about it.
 
Ron-That's a good point. It reminds me of my corporate days when yearly we would expect the Territorial V.P. to visit the store.

One year, he pulled out the OverTime logs (which were always prior to a visit). He read us the riot act. The point was the stores should look this good for the person that might actually buy something. He sure wasn't.

The lesson has stayed with me ever since.
 
Geez, thanks for all the input guys. I'm going to have to answer this in shifts, too much to take in.

The easy stuff first.....

Pamela, I hadn't thought of Jay being my first Grumbler sighting. I had always planned on releasing balloons and confetti from the trapdoor above my entrance when the first Grumbler crossed my threshold. Dang! Oh well, I'll save that for when you come in July.

Yes, Ron, blind panic sums it up nicely. I had plenty of warning but I think more than just cleaning the place up I just wanted to be worthy of the visit. It reminded me of the countless corporate visits Bob mentioned that I have endured over the years. Only this one mattered(to me).

You guys really humble me with your kind words. I am not heroic. Just desperately trying to hold on while I figure this thing out.
 
Jay H. thanks for the kind words. Believe me, you are light years ahead from when I started. You are asking all the questions before you open, not after, like I did. You'll do just fine.

As to your quotes all I can say is it is an example of the rollercoaster ride, up one day, down the next. I try not to make a big deal of the really good days any longer because I know things will change. But, I also try not to worry(yeah right) when things go down because hopefully things will change there too.

I don't recommend taking any advice from me, it would be a lot like eating soup with a fork.(?)Only because that is what I am doing right this minute. It would be so much easier to get up and get a spoon.......
 
Originally posted by clifpa:
Kathy,

Every month you were on your last leg, no more resources (money), desperate, going out of business, will not make it through the month....yet, your still doing business, adding a new sign (mine was 4K) upgrading your store, buying equipment, but most important, still in business...

I don't want Jay (sorry my friend but you didn't visit me) I want you Kathy, to visit me and help me make it the way that you did, month to month.

How did you pay your rent, utilities, COGS, etc month to month? How did you do it with no income? I am totally impressed, your a fighter.

Too many questions to answer Clif, but I'll try.....

I don't know how I make it month to month. It has been at a great personal expense, there is no doubt. I've never had to live without an income before. If nothing else it has made me see how I can do without. Plus, I'll be honest, I think it would be harder to recover from quitting than it is to just keep going forward. I'm pretty proud of myself, I've managed to meet my month to month expenses since May. I've sold some of my antique furniture from home to have some money to live on. But I quit my part time job in December(yay!) simply because it was diverting my focus from my shop. The bottom has fallen out this month and I am kicking myself for buying the saw blades I bought a couple of weeks ago. I could really use that $350. I am that close to the edge. But if I need something I need it. I agonize over everything I buy for the shop. I imagine I could have done without some of the upgrades I did this year but I have to at least keep the appearance that I am making money.

Plus, a lot of the stuff I have done I have had my genius carpenter brother do for me. My design tables for example, he used a lot of reclaimed materials from some of his contract work. Same with the work tables we are slowly rebuilding in back, he is so good about finding inexpensive materials, so a lot of that I haven't paid as much as you would think.

My sign only cost me $900. Jay told me to find a way to lease a sign since I didn't have the 4k to buy a new one. I didn't even know leasing was possible. In my calls to sign company's I also asked about rearranging the lettering in my old sign to spell out "Framing". I only needed a couple new letters. It took me 9 calls but I finally found someone who was willing to rework my sign. He was feeling very generous because he only charged me $900 to do it.

I don't think I should be an inspiration to anybody, more like I should serve as a warning to others for what not to do. I very definitely do pat myself on the back for outwitting and outlasting though.

Plus, given the ridiculous way I got started, I am grateful for the advice I do get from people who could just as easily scoff at me for being so unprepared. I really don't deserve to still be here just based on that alone.

I do feel fortunate to have the support.
 
Kathy, this is exactly the kind of stuff I need to see. We just had another offer on the land we are trying to sell fall through. It was too low anyway and they didn't want to accept our counter offer. (Shameless plug: Anyone want to buy 9 wooded acres in Central Wisconsin. Lots of deer and turkeys if you are looking to hunt.) On the plus side though, we sign papers on a line of credit with the bank Monday that should keep us going till May when things pick up again. And we have a bid in on a large photography project that if we get it will make April a very good month. These are things I need to remember when I wake up in the night worrying about how I'm going to find the money to pay the next bill... :eek:
 
I had ignored this thread till today as I thought it would be about Jay turning up at a PPFA meeting or something of that sort in Colorado which would have no relevance for me…..I flicked on to it today……and I’m very impressed with Jay………….and Kathy you deserve all the help you are getting……I would use the word tenacious to describe you…every good luck for the further.

Rgs

 
Anne, I don't have anymore of those waking up at 2AM moments any longer. I've advanced to the I'm still up at 2AM why can't I go to sleep phase. No more jolting up in the middle of the night wondering what I am going to do. I just stay awake. **** , I'm tired.

Dermot,Isn't it funny, some of the threads you don't choose to read? Some silly little thing like "Movie Posters?" goes on for days and days, then you finally click on it and it turns out it is some big brawl and you have been missing out the whole time.

Or it could be just like this one where were just paying our respects to a generous person.
 
Please stop putting this guy up on a pedestal. Goltz is not a God, a King, or Head of State. He’s no different than the rest of us. Goltz is an entrepreneur who stuck it out and his efforts have paid off.

No one is going to do a million their first year, or second, or third. You may never do a million if you don’t have the demographics and sheer numbers that Goltz has in Chicago. Stick with it and stay creative, and be especially good to your customers. You’ll get there – it doesn’t take a genius... just hard work and perseverance.

Success isn’t always measured in annual sales. Nor is it measured by how many books, if any, one has published. Focus on your creativity and the day will come where Goltz won’t consider himself worthy of your visit. Believe in yourself.

Michael D Johnson
Tadporters Custom Framing & Art Gallery
Collierville, TN
901.861.4300
tadporter@aol.com
 
That's a little heavy handed there Tad Porter. It's just nice to have someone who has been so successful share his knowledge with those of us who are on our way to trying to become successful. I'll be happy to have an empire worthy of anybody's visit someday. If creativity were enough I'd already be Queen. Unfortunately, achieving those goals requires knowing how to run a business and how to make it appeal to the people with money. That has to be learned.

Besides that, I don't think Jay qualifies for "God" status quite yet. Just like in the NFL Or music industry I think you have to meet certain qualifications first. At the last assembly to vote for "Framing God's" he was about 5 votes short......If memory serves Ron beat him out. Just goes to show having the most successful framing empire in the country doesn't always count.....but there is always next year.
 
actually, yeah he is a God, or maybe a Godsend. Take his pricing course, firmly believe in it, alter your pricing accordingly, then compare yearly figs.


Take his course, follow his instructions and see for yourself.
 
Originally posted by TADPORTER:
Please stop putting this guy up on a pedestal. Goltz is not a God, a King, or Head of State. He’s no different than the rest of us....You’ll get there – it doesn’t take a genius... just hard work and perseverance.
Wouldn't you say the same of Marc & Laurie Bluestone, Rob Markoff, and a few others in our industry, too? These are all regular people. Well, mostly so.

Worship may be a little over the top, but I think their stature is well-deserved. If hard work and perseverance were all it takes to succeed, we'd all be doing it. No, there's more to it than that. For good reason, they really are the "Heads of State" in our industry.

What sets these folks apart from the rest of us seems to be a combination of their personalities, their outstanding success, and the mystique surrounding them. Most of them are committed to family as well as business, and excel with both. We don't know how they do it, but would certainly enjoy knowing the 'formula' for their success.

Our Bob Carter is in the same category of success, but most of us treat him like a regular guy. Why is that? Maybe because he's among us daily; there's little mystique about Bob, and I think he likes it this way. Bob's stature as a man, and a manager, doesn't really hit until you get a chance to meet him personally or in one of his classes.

One characteristic that distinguishes all of these people is their willingness to share what they know, and to work for the benefit of the industry. When an individual frame shop owner asks for help, at least one of them will always volunteer to help. But we don't see much of their work for others, because it's done privately.

These people were instrumental in re-starting FACTS, because they believe framing standards will help our industry. They have given a lot of time and energy to PPFA during its most difficult times, because a trade association builds strength in numbers, and we need that strength. Their business classes have proven to be very helpful, especially in recent years. Some of the classes are legendary -- actual life-changing experiences for some students.

What the most successful framing business owners give to us could be described as a labor of love for their industry. Whatever they're paid to teach us, when they're paid at all, isn't nearly as much as they would earn by spending the same amount of time & effort on their businesses.

I think Michael LeCompte had it right: If these folks aren't Gods, they're Godsends for us. They don't want our worship, but they certainly deserve our respect, admiration, and gratitude.
 
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