Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alan Abeyta. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

Corporate standard is production work for hotels, restaurant chains, art you would find at the big box stores. While yes we do do some production work it is usually at most 200 pcs for a small corporate job. Where we differ is the ability to think out side the box and come up with creative solutions to requests that the client has. For example: a mirror project where 5 mirrors are in series as in a Trapezoid, Parallelogram, Isosceles Trapezoid, Parallelogram and another Trapezoid. We would cut the mirrors and the frames the client need specifically for the project. Another example would be to custom tone a frame or mat with paint to have the shape and color better match the art. With out the unique custom touch why not just do corporate work? Not for me, thanks.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have a degree in Graphic Design. In order to afford school, like many students, I had to work full time. While at school I found a job in the picture framing industry. After graduation, It seams like every time I would get out something would happen and I would get pulled back in. After the 3rd time I figured I should just say in. At Framin’Works we love the challenge of creative solutions to our clients memories. Our Industry association is the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) I have been past chapter president, on the education board and well as the competition board. I am a CPF ( Certified Picture Framer) a certification that one must pass a 4 hour exam to earn. I have owned Framin’Works since 1996 when I purchased it from the original owner. Over the last 27 years the studio has grown from 2K sq ft to 2 locations and a combined 10K sq feet and 8 employees. Framin’Works was chosen by readers of Phoenix Magazine and Phoenix New Times as “Best in the Valley” for 2023. Our services include: custom framing, conservation framing, stretching canvases, mirrors, giclee printing, laser etching, shadowboxes, custom mats, painted frames/mats and I’m sure I’m forgetting something

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

The shop reputation was one earned through hard work, perseverance and a never say no attitude. The goal is to always surpass clients expectations with our creativity and ability to complete work on time. When I started, social media was just a passing thought, there was just a web site with your address and a blurb about the business with images. Now with Facebook, Instagram, Yelp and a myriad of other social media clients can look you up and decide before they even enter the studio if they are interested in what you do. Happy clients are the best advocates for your business, whey will share with others and generally support you. I really dislike fake reviews! Generally if you ask a happy client for a review they will give you one. Now, if you get a bad review, don’t ignore it, contact the client and see if you can resolve the issue. If you cant, be courteous and understanding of the issue and don’t brush it off. Use it as a learning experience.

Let’s move on to buying businesses – can you talk to us about your experience with business acquisitions?

I purchased Framin’Works from the original owner. After working for her for a year I found out she was in the process of preparing to sell the business. I approached her with the idea of me taking over. She agreed with condition that left no room for negotiation. Basically, she would carry the note for 10 years at 10% interest. It was that or nothing. After some deliberation I reluctantly agreed knowing that I would have to grow the business and should have no problems paying her back. on the day of close she hits me with “oh, you owe me an additional 5K for receivables”. I tried to negotiate with her, but she said that she would just not sell to me then. I had to scrounge, but manages to come up with the money. After taking over ownership I contacted a lawyer to review the contact more in depth with me. I discovered that there was no early payment clause. I then hatched a revenge plan. I decided that if I had the extra cash available I would give her 2 payments each month, one for original loan amount the other a principal only payment. I ended up cutting 4 years off my original 10 year loan. That 5k receivables stunt cost her thousands of dollars in payments and interest. I have 2 pieces of advise: get everything in writing and have a lawyer review it before you sign on the dotted line.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.framinworks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/framinworks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FraminWorks
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/framinworks/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/framin-works-phoenix-3