Judy and Andy Horn opened their FastFrame store in February 2007.
Before that, she worked in property management and he was an airline pilot. They talked with another couple who owned a FastFrame store in one of Judy’s shopping centers and decided that buying a FastFrame franchise was a good plan. Now they’re in their 11th year of business.
Judy notes that FastFrame is great fit for each of them.
She loves working with the customers and Andy, who has always been handy with building things, manages the production department.
Her favorite part of the job is talking with the first-time custom frame shopper. She loves sharing the different ways to frame a piece, explaining the acid free mats, conservation glazing and backing, and then going through all their custom design options.
“We truly enjoy the people that come in to our store, no matter what the situation. Many times it is to just ask a question and I love helping them solve their problems,” Judy says.
She notes that her favorite pieces are the family heirlooms or antique items. Judy and Andy make it their mission to ensure that those important items are framed so that they can be enjoyed and protected.
“I feel honored when someone chooses us to help them preserve their treasured pieces,” says Judy.
Part of her relationship with the store’s customers is building a high level of trust. Customers trust their FastFrame store because it’s part of the local community and their items never leave the store.
Being part of the community is critical to their success, too. Judy says, “We have made many new friends over the years and we know that is what keeps our business going. We have been through births, weddings, and the loss of a loved one with them. It is a very special type of business friendship.”
Local Artists Are Featured in the FastFrame Store
The store works with about 25 local artists and they promote two local artist guilds in Matthews and Mint Hill. They showcase artists’ works, and Judy knows that being trusted by an artist to show their work in a custom made frame is something special.
FastFrame is one of the best places for custom framing in part because the whole team is committed to each individual store succeeding. Integrating social media and blogging into their marketing efforts has been exciting and useful, Judy says, and notes how supportive the whole FastFrame team is.
Just like Judy and Andy’s store, every FastFrame store is committed to giving you the best personal service for your custom design project.
