Brian Hodges start in custom framing began as a high school job and grew into a passionate career. After 22 years at Fabulous Frames, he has experienced all the joys and challenges of the industry and continues to take pleasure in his work. Now a manager, Brian has found that customer service, connecting with customers in the community, customer communication efforts and quality products have been key to leading his store to success.

According to Brian, it all begins with good customer service. “Lifelong customers start with one piece so you want to make sure they have the best experience and product possible. At Fabulous Frames our team strives to always be professional, attentive and timely. We also never say no – don’t be afraid to take on additional projects, even last-minute ones during the busy holiday season, ” Brian said.

In order to attract new customers to the store, Brian actively seeks out community involvement opportunities. Fabulous Frames gives away art or gift certificates to local animal shelters and churches for their festivals or events. They also donate matboard for local schools’ photo and art departments.

“People want to work with someone who supports what they do, and these activities make our product and services top of mind for the next time they need artwork or a piece custom framed,” Brian said.

In addition to all of the community outreach, Brian focuses on reaching his current customer base at least once a month. Through e-newsletters and direct mailings with news about the shop, coupons, upcoming events or artists that will be featured in the store, Brian gives his customers plenty of reasons to come in.

Once customers come into the store, Brian makes sure they are inspired with modern or local artists’ artwork groupings on display to showcase different framing techniques. These pieces reveal the shop’s ability for specialty framing and help the store's framers develop creativity and skill.

Brian also makes sure the shop offers the best product and guarantees their artwork for life. After researching different matboards, Brian quickly became impressed with the great color selection and quality of the Crescent Select and Moorman lines. “Moorman Black Suede is the blackest black available. We do a lot of specialty work, like shadowboxes, and it really makes the art or objects pop.”