Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Todd Mack, Founder of Foursided, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Foursided/custom framing/cards/gifts/art/vintage- We have a motley crew of diversity. We chose the neighborhoods we're in based on this. Diversity being the keyword. Both neighborhoods (2 stores each neighborhood), I think the most typical customer is mid 20's to early 40's. These customers are high on the Liberal Richter Scale. Lots of local loyals.
Tell us about yourself
About 30 years ago, I got a job in Michigan doing custom framing. That turned into management, doing displays, ordering, etc. this turned into moving to Lansing, MI opening my own gallery and custom framing shop. Fast forward to Chicago 22 years ago to be with my partner, who was nothing but encouraging and, with his assistance, opened up a small shop on Broadway in the Lakeview neighborhood in what was a men's sock store, of all things. Once opened, I went straight to work doing window displays that would make you stop walking and check things out. It was a great vintage location that still houses the original store. My motivation: Making customers/clients enjoy a nostalgic experience. I mostly detest big box, malls, and strip malls, so it's important to me to hire creatives and give them autonomy to do their own thing without much exception.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Changing my outlook on employees. This comes from a past micro-managing alpha boss who often said the wrong thing at the wrong time. I've learned to accept different viewpoints and communicate differently; it's made all the difference in the world. I'm not worried about being a successful shop. I'm more worried that I have a happy staff and they like working with me. To me, this is a big accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Uh, let's see...bad weather is one. Best weather is a weekend of sunshine and warm temps. Bad weather means bad sales.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
That's easy, but I think I can only speak to shop owners.
- It's true what they say about location, location, location.
- Keep it as clean as possible. Keep your sidewalk clear of debris. It's not the city's responsibility to clean the front of your building every day and teach your employees to do the same. A large % of the population turns a blind eye to garbage, not me.
- Be picky about hiring. The vast majority of our 30 employees are mostly your creatives.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://foursided.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Foursided/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foursidedchicago/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Foursided
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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