End of the Year New Studio Special - Our Gift to You!

After more than 22 years of running my own Home Video Studio, hear in Indianapolis,  I still look forward to each and every day - especially during the holiday season. The Christmas season is one of our busiest times of the year and like most places this year it is a very cheerful time and place to be - Home Video Studio during the holidays. 

Many of the services Home Video Studios offer fall into the “gift” category. This makes the holiday season very profitable. Customers bring in old tapes to be transferred to DVD: VHS, BETA, 8mm and Mini DV to name a few formats. Christmas and Hanukkah is also a big season for transferring the old home movies on film - 8mm, Super-8mm and 16mm. Home Video Studio specializes in both of these arenas. Of course video editing and Photo Keepsakes are big at this time of year as is DVD and CD duplication.

The best thing about the Holiday season (which starts in October and goes into January) is just the fact that Home Video Studio owners can spend the time at home with their families. They don’t have to be concerned with punching a time-card or taking some last minute business trip. Everyday is filled with holiday business and the joy of being near their loved ones. 

If this sounds like a lifestyle that you might enjoy, I urge you to contact us. Home Video Studio is taking $2500.00 off of any studio sold during the remainder of 2012. It’s our gift to you!

Call or email me if you would like to know more about joining the Home Video Studio Family. Phone: 317-358-5932. Email: Robert@homevideostudio.com. Website: http://myhomevideostudio.com. 

Enjoy the holidays! We wish you the merriest of holiday seasons!

Robert Hanley

CEO & Founder Home Video Studio

David Gardner - Home Video Studio Ottawa, Ontario Canada

David Gardner, Ottawa, Ontario Canada

 David Gardner, Home Video Studio owner in Ottawa, Ontario Canada, is making money in his video studio.  And the best part?  He loves it!  “My favorite part of my business is the “busy” - ness of it.  I like to have so much work that my biggest challenge is figuring out how much I can get done at one time with the equipment I have. I like to feel like the plate spinner on the old Ed Sullivan show.”   

Dave came to love the thrill of “plate spinning” after a not-so-thrilling roller coaster ride. Like several studio owners in our family he spent the first part of his career in corporate high-tech.  Then came some bad news.  Like several studio owners in our family, he was laid off after many years in his industry.  Then came some good news!  He found a similar position in the same industry.  Then came some bad news.  He was laid off from that too.  "Then I was finding myself going to twelve or thirteen interviews for a job I wasn't sure I wanted anymore," says Gardner. 

Something got the wheels turning:  “I went to a friend, whose hobby was video production, to make a photo montage for my wife’s birthday. When I saw the equipment, the software and, of course, the final product I wondered if a guy could make a business out of this,” says Gardner.

Gardner did make a business out of it, buying equipment and self-training. He began to pick up clients like dance studios, weddings and corporate promos. Still the sporadic nature of the business and the failure to get the prices he needed kept him from really moving his business ahead.  Yet another roller coaster ride?

David Rookie of the Year - 2010

While browsing the web for ideas to improve his business he came across the Home Video Studio website and recalled ads he had seen in past years in Video Maker magazine for Home Video Studio. With encouragement from his wife to get things happening with his business, he decided it was now or never and began the steps of looking into a franchise. Soon David was on board.

The first thing he learned was to stop focusing on what he didn’t want and start focusing on what he did want - and what he wanted was to make money in the video business.  

“My change of focus made all the difference in the world to me,” says David. “I came to Home Video Studio with some video skills but not a lot of knowledge on how to make it a business.”  A solid marketing system and a presence in my market really helped launch me.  Now, as my competitors are struggling I feel like the big gorilla on the block.” 

“In business for yourself but not by yourself” is an often-quoted phrase that fits Home Video Studio and its relationship to the owners:  "There are many things I like about Home Video Studio that I never would have thought of - or didn't have the resources to do on my own." says Gardner. "The website stands out. The tracking system.  The camaraderie with other owners.” 

David in his Home Video Studio

Now, nearing his fourth year in business, David finds himself at or near the top income producers in Home Video Studio on a frequent basis.  And, as it should be, David finds the ultimate reward in satisfied customers.  “I love handing my customers as perfect a video as possible.  It’s like their life on a silver platter.  They thank me, but really all I do is facilitate the content that they brought to me.  I should thank them for the opportunity.”

HVS Owners From South Africa - Success Plan!

We featured Richard and Judy Dunnett as Home Video Studio's Owners of the Month nearly three years ago. Their story of coming to the US from South Africa in a corporate move, Richard's untimely layoff and their decision to pursue the dream of entrepreneurship is so inspiring we thought we'd feature it again. We also have an update following the original story: Date: 01/17/2010 Richard Dunnett spent much of his first fifteen years in the US traveling the globe, managing the aftermarket inventory for an international corporation. Now he and his wife Judy spend their time closer to home managing and preserving the memories of their many customers. Richard and Judy Dunnett operate their home-based video business in White Lake, Michigan and they are our January 2010 Studio Owners of the Month. On the surface the Dunnett's story looks similar to many of our husband and wife HVS teams. Richard brings a talent for administration, technical issues, and problem solving. Judy brings the flair and creative vision. "We make a great pair," Richard says in good-natured self-deprecation, "Judy has a knack for the creative and I have an abnormal capacity for the mundane!"

But while Richard and Judy's story looks familiar it begins with a different twist. The Dunnetts met, fell in love and married in their homeland of South Africa. Richard had started at Federal Mogul Corporation in his native country as a young man and through vision, determination and hard work rose through the ranks until there were no more Federal Mogul worlds to conquer there. When the opportunity arose in 1991 to relocate to the United States with Federal Mogul Richard's love for a challenge kicked in and the Dunnetts picked up, left everything they knew and most of what they had, and settled in the Detroit area.

Richard and Judy might have thought that this was a storybook "happily ever after" ending - a new life with new challenges in a new world filled with unlimited opportunity - but, after fifteen mostly idyllic years in an influential and well-compensated position Richard, like many Federal Mogul employees, fell victim to "Chapter 11 downsizing". "The irony of it all," says Richard, "was that I was let go on Friday the Thirteenth!" One might say that the greatest irony was that Friday the Thirteenth turned out to be one of the Dunnetts better days.

"Through all the downsizing, layoffs and employment uncertainty we resolved to avoid going through anything like that again," says Richard. "We actively sought out entrepreneurial opportunities that would allow us more control over our fortunes. Home Video Studio was one of several identified by Judy as a potential good fit for us." Richard, a drummer and musician at heart, had always been interested in audio recording and production; Judy had always had an eye for visuals, as evidenced by the lavish quilts she proudly makes to this day. Just one week following that Friday the 13th, Richard and Judy headed off to a Show-N-Tell presentation. "The thoroughness and organization of that presentation sold me," says Judy, "but what really impressed me was the idea that we would be 'in business for ourselves, but not by ourselves." Richard and Judy pulled the trigger and became Home Video Studio owners. Four years into operation Richard and Judy have never looked back and have reaped the profits of business ownership, the reward of self-determination and the satisfaction of providing a very valuable service to their customers. They have also taken home some serious hardware at the Annual Hanley Awards including The Rising Star Award, Best Studio Trailer, Best Use of Music, and Best DVD/CD Label Imprint.

Was the unlikely road of becoming Home Video Studio owners in a new country a good decision? Let Richard answer that question in his own words: "America truly is the land of choice. When Judy and I arrived what struck us most was the abundance of choice in so many areas - even at the grocery store - it was overwhelming." The Dunnetts, true to form, have chosen success.

Richard and Judy have certainly provided a model of inspiration for us all: When a hard working couple with a vision is presented with an opportunity to choose success good things will happen. A good thing that has happened to all of us is the pleasure of getting to know this delightful couple - Richard and Judy Dunnett, our January 2010 Studio Owners of the Month.

Update: We caught up with Richard as he was in the middle of a good October 2012 and he was kind enough to take a few minutes out of his schedule to share a few things he's seen and learned since this was originally published.

The first advice he offered was marketing consistency: "You know, HVS has a plan for success...I'm speaking especially of advertising, right now. We always make sure our web presence and our direct mail is consistently there. It's tempting sometimes to deviate from that plan and think your saving money...but it's an absolute "must" to your business that you consistently stick to your advertising campaign."

Secondly Richard talked about the "family" of HVS: "The support is just great. We had a huge project and in the middle of it my duplicator went down. With a phone call a replacement was on its way. Having a support system like that is a great benefit" Lastly Richard spoke of follow-up: "It's so easy to think an inquiry won't amount to anything. But I've learned to respond with my best effort to every inquiry. Recently an innocent email inquiry from my website has turned into a very large job that "keeps on giving" as the customer keeps bringing more." Richard and Judy Dunnett are still ticking nearly three years later. Here's to many more years of providing "Video Services for Everyone."

Arthur Bradshaw - Awarded HVS's Rising Star for 2012!

 In June of 2010 Arthur Bradshaw opened his studio in Suffolk VA on a part-time basis. Less than a year later he made a big decision and went full-time in April of 2011. In a very short time Arthur has excelled at his new life - winning Hanley Awards for Best Company Promo, Best Studio Tag and Best Documentary.  Most notably, however, Arthur took home The Rising Star Award at the Hanley Awards this past July at Home Video Studio’s Annual Getaway in Las Vegas.  

The Suffolk VA area is rich in history, stories and memories. So what better story than a hometown boy who dedicates himself to the preservation and archiving of Suffolk's rich heritage and its people? 

"This is the area I grew up in and love," says Arthur. "After college I chose to return and make my life here. I have a deep appreciation for the wonderful people of this area.  What drives me to succeed are my love of creativity, an attention to detail and knowing my clientele and what’s important to them.” 

Upon high school graduation Arthur attended Coker College, a liberal arts college in South Carolina. A biology major he learned the importance of attention to detail and how systems worked together, but he had another lifelong passion. He liked to be creative and enjoyed moving people emotionally through images and sound.

"I was always making slideshows for friends," says Arthur, "and my buddies and I made little movies, and I enjoyed the process of shooting and especially editing."

After graduating from college Arthur worked in sales and marketing as an account representative for a leading multi-national distributor of supplies, equipment and other commercial items. In this position he learned to be a self-starter, and made "getting the job done" a way of life to personally meet the needs of his clients.

After ten years Arthur decided to put his entire skill set to work. "I needed a change," says Bradshaw. "I developed an attention to detail, a perseverance to get a job done and good customer relations skills, but I still wanted to try doing something for myself in a creative field." Arthur's wife, as wives often do, found the answer.

"One day Brenda saw an opportunity on the web for Home Video Studio ownership. I filled out some information, got a phone call and before long I was on the road to a lifestyle I had been looking for.”

As a Rising Star recipient Arthur has demonstrated a consistent and verifiable involvement in his business at every level.  Besides sales volume, creativity and customer satisfaction Arthur is quick to help out his HVS colleagues and is continually educating himself with all that Home Video Studio has to offer, from trainings to twice-weekly conference calls to technical, marketing and on-line support.

Would you like to run your own Home Video Studio? Call us today. Let's kick it around. Robert Hanley can be reached at 866-714-1956 or 317-358-5932. Diane Osterbur, our National Sales Manager can be called at 700-464-8220 or 317-946-8048. 

What are you waiting for....?

As I was driving to my studio this morning....

As I was driving to my studio this morning I found myself reflecting back over the last two months and began smiling uncontrollably. I have held several important (stressful) positions in my life and I felt as though I was making a difference in those positions. However, I was rarely happy with the work I was doing. Today I enjoy going to work and it is not because I am surrounded by lots of electronic toys. In fact, that has little to do with it. In the past eight weeks I have seen a mother shed tears of joy watching a photo video keepsake of her two sons who recently graduated….. watched a family laugh, because they had not seen footage of many birthdays past until I hit play on that freshly burned DVD…… I witnessed the excitement of a 60+ year old man as he saw footage of his dad from the early 40’s for the first time ever…… and most recently I had the privilege of seeing the glow on a wonderful lady’s face as she heard the voice of her deceased mother talking to her recently deceased brother on the phone when he was in Vietnam. Memories are so powerful, precious and fragile. When I started Home Video Studio of Traverse City, I had no idea that the work I would be doing would have such an impact on the lives of the customers that I would be serving. What a privilege!!

I say all of this to remind each of us to appreciate the loved ones that are in our lives….. hug them, love them and yes spoil them. And for those that have gone before us, cherish the memories that we have of them and never forget the influence that they had and continue to have on us.

A Note from Robert Hanley: The proceeding was taken word-for-word from Anthony Sellers of Traverse City, MI Facebook page for Friday, August 31. Anthony called me in May and became a studio owner shortly there after. 

If you want to discuss studio ownership, please call me on my cell phone anytime: 317-358-5932 or toll free to the same cell phone 866-714-1956. 

May the Force be with you. 

Happy Labor Day.

Robert Hanley

Indianapolis, Indiana

Chad Godfrey Awarded Home Video Studio - Studio Store of the year!

Chad Godfrey has found his stride.  In his ninth year of business, Chad is a consistent high income producer and from day one hit the ground running first as a part-time studio, then to full time, then opening up a retail studio store.  He has also won numerous Hanley awards for video excellence, including multiple Best in Show awards, as well as special achievement awards for Rookie of the Year and the coveted Studio Owner of the Year.  Chad also takes delight in teaching and freely sharing his knowledge and experience with other studio owners, distinguishing himself as an owner to which many aspire – in fact some might even say Chad Godfrey is a “dean” of studio owners. We are pleased to present Chad Godfrey, Lee’s Summit MO as August Studio Owner of the Month.

 We caught up with Chad on the heels of another great showing at the 12^th Annual Getaway in Las Vegas. Chad’s HVS Studio Store took home the first HVS Studio Store of the Year Award.  Chad sat down and shared some insight on his modus operandi in business and in life:

Q.  You went from part-time to full time to studio store.  You’ve demonstrated a steady track of accomplishment since you started.  What’s your motivation?
A.  I jumped into this business full-time after five months.  Earlier that year, Suzie (my wife) and I decided that she should go part-time at her job in order to be at home more.
I had a very primordial feeling at the moment of going full-time that "we had to eat."  Suzie was only making half of the salary we were once used to, so my deep-rooted sense has always been "I can't fail at this.  I've got nowhere else to go."  It has always been that message in the back of my mind that has kept me motivated.

Q.  What’s a typical day like for you?

A.  A typical day involves about seven hours in the studio doing the daily operations (transfers, editing, shooting, customer interaction, etc.)  On most days, I'm out of the office for an hour or two doing a mix of things from business networking, lunch or a separate meeting with a client, corporate recon, morning coffee, and simple errands that need to be made during the day such as banking, the post office, or UPS.  I have two employees that work for me, so I plan my out-of-the office time around when they can cover in my absence.

Q. Do you think your business has “seasoned” in eight years? 

A. If anything, I think its "seasoned" due to my ability to be really comfortable in all aspects of the business.  When I started, I knew how to do video, but knew very little about running a business.  

Chad prepares to shoot!

Q. What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned thus far?

A. Two things: Number one, listen for critical cues from your customer.  Try to discern what they really want.  Listen for and respond well to their concerns.  Keep their objectives on the top of your mind and serve them well.  Number two, stay on top of your finances at all times.  Reconcile your accounts monthly and always know, at any moment, where you are at.  I have over fifty creative awards in my studio, but awards mean nothing in your business if you can't show that your business is profitable and moving forward.

 Q. Has your sales/marketing approach changed since when you first started?

A. Not a whole lot.  I've always tried to stay focused on both the business-to-business and the business to consumer aspects of the business.  It's easy to find yourself marketing for one portion of our business and not the other.  However, it's really important to market both. That being said, it's even more important to know how to SELL all the profit centers.

Q. Has your typical client changed?  Your client mix?  Are your jobs more profitable?

A. We still have about the same mix of about 65% consumer business (tapes, photos, film transfers, etc.) to 35% corporate jobs (production, editing, duplication, etc.).  With our store-front, we get lots of walk-ins for consumer-related business. The corporate work has stayed fairly steady from when I had the business in my home.  Over the last several years though, the business has ramped up and the jobs have become more profitable, partially due to my comfort and confidence in selling the work.

Chad and Susie Godfrey

Q. What are your next goals?

A. My first goal is to break...  I've got some work to do to get there, but I think it's attainable.  As with any goal, it will take focus and discipline to get there.  It's the challenge of getting there that's exciting for me.

I’d like to one day open another studio, perhaps a "feeder store" in a mall, like a kiosk-type place. I haven't put too much thought into that, but I think that's the key to an additional source of income.

I'm also training for a marathon.  My days usually consist of running for an hour or more.   Running is great because I try to maintain focused on both business and personal development at the same time.  I'm typically listening to a business book or podcast while I run to keep learning and to stay inspired.  I'm a strong believer that exercise is a great thing for your business.

Lastly, I'd like to look into ways of getting more involved in the community.  Perhaps be a member of a non-profit board of directors.  Some way that I can give back to help those in need.  It is in this work that life is fulfilling most of all.

Q.  Any last thoughts?

I have a great passion for this business.  I love working with audio and video.  I love shooting and editing video.  I love teaching others and I share what I do with anyone and everyone.  I think my attitude is pretty infectious and influential to others.  I attribute much of this to my success as well.

A note from Robert: Chad has had a great career in HVS. It all started with a phone call. Call me at 317-358-5932 if you want to chat about joining HVS and becoming a studio owner. 

Mike Wallace of Belmont, Ohio - Home Video Studio's Rookie of the Year for 2012!

Mike Wallace, HVS Rookie of the Year 2012

Meet Mike Wallace, Home Video Studio Owner in Belmont OH and HVS’ Rookie of the Year for 2012!  Mike took home the Rookie of the Year award from Home Video Studio’s 12th Annual Hanley Awards Celebration Dinner in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Planet Hollywood on Saturday, July 28. Mike also took home five Hanley Awards for excellence in video. 

When Mike opened for business in May of 2011 he became the first owner to operate a “studio within a store” inside the heavily traveled Bel-Morr Market, a gas station and convenience market along Interstate 70.  Mike’s wife Kris has owned and operated this market for twenty six years. “That’s why my Home Video Studio ended up here,” says Wallace.  “I thought it would be a convenient and lucrative location for customers to drop off and pick up their video projects.”  

Whether drafting and designing a building, a business or a lifestyle Mike Wallace has always been one to take matters in his own hands.  That’s why being a Home Video Studio owner fits him to a T.

After obtaining a degree in CADD (Computer Aided Drafting and Design) Mike worked with his father in their construction business for thirteen years.  But when his dad wanted to retire he was faced with some decisions.  “I knew I’d have to go all in or all out.  I realized I was getting burned out in the construction business.  Plus I had never worked for anyone else and didn’t want to start.”  He had also been nurturing a desire to perhaps return to school to fulfill his passion for film and video production – but as a husband and father the logistics seemed daunting. 

“I had a pretty tall order,” jokes Wallace.  “All I wanted was to work with video, computers and technology in a business where I didn’t have to worry about employees or the weather!”  This order began to be filled in an unlikely place. 

While getting ready to depart on vacation Mike passed a newsstand at the airport and picked up a copy of Small Business Opportunities to read on the plane.  There he saw an ad on becoming a Home Video Studio franchisee.  “I saw the ad and thought about it all week.  I realized this would be a great business to bring to the Ohio Valley.  Then, on the plane home, I sent an email to request more information.  By the time I got home there was a message from Indianapolis on my answering machine.”

Mike quickly responded, liked what he saw and heard and before long had his own studio in part of the brand new building that he designed and constructed for his wife’s business.  Wallace realizes that this was what he was looking for - and not just him:  “I have people tell me all the time that this area really needed something like this and they wished I would have done this years ago.”

Mike Walace in his HVS Studio Store within a store!

Mike enjoys the many different services he provides so he is not doing the same thing day in and day out.  One of the most memorable projects so far is a four hundred foot reel of film brought in by a Viet Nam veteran to be transferred to DVD.  Once the customer saw what could be done that job turned into a full

blown memoir of film footage, photos, titles and music.  “My customer absolutely loved it.  It brought tears to his eyes.  This is what I get to do every day and I really enjoy seeing my customers’ reaction to what I have created.” 

What are Mike’s plans and goals for the future?  “Well, to steadily grow my business of course.  I’ve also found I enjoy the whole process of video production and I especially want to shoot weddings and events.”

Want to be like Mike? Attend an HVS webinar. That is how Mike started. You can also call Robert Hanley at 317-358-5932. 

Attend This Webinar - Change Your LIfe!

In 1991 I started a small video business in a spare bedroom of our home. Today, that business I started is the number 1 Video and Photography franchise in the United States. I can teach you how to start your own Home Video Studio as well. P

lease join me on Thursday, August 9, 7:00 p.m. Eastern for a free webinar on how you can own your own Home Video Studio.

Go here to register:https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/641634754

You could own your own Home Video Studio. What’s it like to own your own video business? How do you make a transition from what you do now to Home Video Studio? Do you want to break the GOLDEN chains of CORPORATE AMERICA? Would you like to start your own business and control your lifestyle? This is your opportunity to learn more about how you can own and operate your own Home Video Studio. Join Producer/Director Robert Hanley for this life changing Webinar on how you can start, run and prosper in your own Home Video Studio!

In forty-seven minutes we’ll cover:

1) What makes HVS the perfect business for the right person?
2) The basic principles that drive our business.
3) The training and support you will receive.
4) Home-based and Studio Store options.
5) Ramp up times – how quickly can you be profitable?
6) How you can start part-time or full-time.
7) Your questions and our answers.

Robert Hanley & Home Video Studio can take you from where you are now to where you want to be: controlling your life, your lifestyle, working when you want to and enjoying your family and friends.

Chad Godfrey started part-time and now owns a Studio Store.
Pete Gallo was in high end IT and started full-time.
Diane Osterbur had no experience and became Studio Owner of the Year.
Peter and Sharon Galluzzo started part-time and now are successful full-time HVS owners. 

Dan Weiniger turned his pastime into his profession. 

Home Video Studio is a real business that anyone can succeed in if they are willing to work hard and follow our plan. What are you waiting for? If you have questions, please call our National Sales Director Diane Osterbur at 1-800-464-8220.

We look forward to seeing you on the Webinar.

Ken Sander of Fairfax, Virginia Named Studio of The Year!

We want to congratulate Ken Sander of Home Video Studio - Fairfax, Virginia. Ken was honored last Saturday night at the 12th Annual Hanley Awards Dinner &  Gala Celebration with Home Video Studio's highest honor - Studio Owner of the Year. 

Ken Sander - HVS Studio Owner of the Year - 2012

Ken Sander spent three decades with the Federal Aviation Administration focusing on the safety of our nation's airline industry. Today this retired FAA manager is more apt to be focusing his video camera. Ken is a Home Video Studio owner from Fairfax, VA and is our April 2012 Owner of the Month.

To some a nice government job with a nice pension and full retirement would seem be the ticket to a wonderful life on easy street. And, to some, that is a good plan. But Ken had other plans in mind: "I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a longtime passion for video. I worked with video, graphics and animation as a serious hobby for over twenty-five years for family, friends, church and the community." So, when the opportunity for optional retirement came, Ken knew it was high time to start his own business in the field he loves.

Sander took action to educate himself in the video field by attending a Videomaker Expo and it was there he came across Home Video Studio. "I was thinking I just wanted to get into commercial video production and weddings but with HVS I learned that, besides that, there was a whole world of video services. What excited me was the prospect of preserving people's precious memories and all the other services we offer. We are, as our slogan says, ‘Video Services for Everyone' " On April 30, 2006 Ken opened his doors and has never looked back.

Now Ken makes money doing what he loves. And, what's more, draws satisfaction from sources he never thought of: "I have really cultivated a love of helping people preserve their memories. It really hits me what a valuable service I provide to my community." Another source of satisfaction for Ken is that he can get involve his family in his business as well – as evidenced by the contributions of his son Michael and his daughter Kathryn. Both are creative and well versed in the visual arts.

Besides being HVS’s 2012 Studio Owner of the Year, Sander also took home the Hanley for Best Wedding Video.In past years, Sander has also garnered some video awards including Best Use of Titles and Best Photo Keepsake. "I'm really fond of the Keepsakes. I think they really portray the heart of what I do. I'm proud of a recent mixed Keepsake I produced that involved video and photos of a youth basketball team that spent four years playing together. That was special to them and, of course, their parents."

Ken Sander likes to say that he "helps keep your memories from fading while creating new ones." That's a job description you can retire on.

Home Video Studio Getaway 12 Hanley Award Winners!

HVS Winners! 

The 33 Hanleys!

Home Video Studio Owners from three countries gathered in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Planet Hollywood Hotel for Getaway 12 - five days of training, special events and of course the 12th Annual Hanley Awards. Each year in July, Home Video Studio holds its version of the Oscars. We give out 33 "Hanley" Awards for excellence in video. Plus we honor our studios, our newest studios, our studio stores and in general, we celebrate this great business we are in and the people who make up the Home Video Studio Family. Here are many of this year's winners.

It All Started 21 Years Ago Today...

Twenty-one years ago today, I went to a Denny’s for breakfast and changed my life. I will never forget. When I walked in (it was the Denny’s on East 82nd Street in Indianapolis) I was tired, very down and dead broke. When I walked out nearly two and a half hours later, I was even broker (having spent $9.95 on breakfast) but I had a new attitude and a new direction for my life. Basically I decided to focus on making money. I took action. It was that simple. 

Flash Forward Twenty-one years and Home Video Studio - that business we started in the upstairs spare bedroom of our suburban home is now the number one video production services franchise in the United States. Home Video Studio has seventy-four studios in three countries: The United States, Canada and Sweden. Ten of those are retail locations (Studio Stores). It’s a wonderful business for the right person. 

I like ritual and tradition. I went back to that Denny’s this morning and had breakfast. I reflected on the past and the future. I love the promise of the future. 

If you’ve ever wanted to start your own business, be creative, do something you love, stay home with the family, leave the rat race, and run your own business – then call us. We would love to have you join the Home Video Studio Family.

You can call Diane Osterbur, our National Sales Director at 800-464-8220 or 317-946-8048  You can call me, Robert Hanley at 866-714-1956 or 317-358-5932. We’re both available most days and evenings. Just call us. We’d be happy to chat with you. 

You have the power to start now if you are willing to take action. 

May the Force Be With You!

Robert Hanley

Indianapolis, Indiana

Entrepreneur Magazine Says We're #1!

Home Video Studio is proud to announce that it has, once again, been selected by Entrepreneur Magazine as the Number One Franchise for Photography and Video Services in 2012.  This is the second consecutive year that Home Video Studio has garnered this ranking.  Home Video Studio also ranked #277 in the Top Overall Franchises, as well as #83 in the Top Homebased Franchises.

This is Entrepreneur Magazine's 33rd Annual Franchise 500, an annual ranking that reveals popular industries and the trends making an impact on the future.

Deborah Williams - HVS Owner of the Month - May

Home Video Studio owners come from all walks of life. They come from different backgrounds and cultures. They all have natural strengths and areas that need improvement. But one common trait among successful studio owners is a drive to take on the day; a willingness to try things. A thirst to drink what life has to offer. An exemplary model of this attitude is Deborah Williams, Home Video Studio owner from Erlanger KY. Deborah is our May Home Video Studio Owner of the Month.

Deborah's resume reads like a Hemingway novel. She's an accomplished flutist, a graphic designer, a wife, a mother of two boys and a personal trainer. She also has a sixth degree tae kwon do black belt and is a first dan in combat hapkido. Oh…and she also loves to knit and crochet. And how do all these life experiences and interests factor into her studio? "I like to take action and do things." says Williams. "I've never been one to shy away from things that interest me –no matter the investment. You've got to try." Deborah certainly took that approach when she decided to become a studio owner.

Spending eighteen years as a freelance design and layout artist, Deborah knows the risks and rewards of being in business for yourself. But, as with many talented professionals, she was finding it increasingly difficult to traverse the peaks and valleys inherent in such a position. "With no marketing plan I was finding it hard to get business while doing the work I had - then trying to get more when I was finished," Debra asserts. However, things changed.

A proven marketing plan was one of the things that most attracted Deborah to Home Video Studio. She had been looking for franchise opportunities when she saw an ad online. She liked what she saw, including Entrepreneur magazine's recognition of Home Video Studio as #1 Franchise Opportunity for photo and video services. Deborah called, asked some questions, got some answers and eventually attended a Show N Tell in Indianapolis. Soon she was in business with her own studio, opening her doors on November 16, 2011.

Williams is now running her business part-time and has already landed several film orders, a huge video transfer job and many editing jobs – including sports highlight videos. She is aiming to go full-time soon. Woman of action that she is, we know that when the time is right Deborah will be ready to take that step.

Ken Sander - HVS April Studio of the Month

Ken Sander in his Home Video Stuido

 Ken Sander spent three decades with the Federal Aviation Administration focusing on the safety of our nation's airline industry. Today this retired FAA manager is more apt to be focusing his video camera. Ken is a Home Video Studio owner from Fairfax, VA and is our April 2012 Owner of the Month.

To some a nice government job with a nice pension and full retirement would seem be the ticket to a wonderful life on easy street. And, to some, that is a good plan. But Ken had other plans in mind: "I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a longtime passion for video. I worked with video, graphics and animation as a serious hobby for over twenty-five years for family, friends, church and the community." So, when the opportunity for optional retirement came, Ken knew it was high time to start his own business in the field he loves.

Sander took action to educate himself in the video field by attending a Videomaker Expo and it was there he came across Home Video Studio. "I was thinking I just wanted to get into commercial video production and weddings but with HVS I learned that, besides that, there was a whole world of video services. What excited me was the prospect of preserving people's precious memories and all the other services we offer. We are, as our slogan says, ‘Video Services for Everyone' " On April 30, 2006 Ken opened his doors and has never looked back.

Ken at the 2009 Hanley Awards in Las Vegas

Now Ken makes money doing what he loves. And, what's more, draws satisfaction from sources he never thought of: "I have really cultivated a love of helping people preserve their memories. It really hits me what a valuable service I provide to my community." Another source of satisfaction for Ken is that he can get involve his family in his business as well – as evidenced by the contributions of his son Michael and his daughter Kathryn. Both are creative and well versed in the visual arts.

Sander has also garnered some video awards including Best Use of Titles and Best Photo Keepsake. "I'm really fond of the Keepsakes. I think they really portray the heart of what I do. I'm proud of a recent mixed Keepsake I produced that involved video and photos of a youth basketball team that spent four years playing together. That was special to them and, of course, their parents."

Ken Sander likes to say that he "helps keep your memories from fading while creating new ones." That's a job description you can retire on.

Tony & Lori Melendez Celebrate 10 Years as HVS Owners!

Tony and Lori Melendez, Home Video Studio owners from Amherst OH, have an important anniversary coming up very soon! “Robert [Hanley, founder and CEO of HVS] told us the day we bought a Home Video Studio that we’d never forget the date,” says Tony, “and he was right! We decided to become studio owners on May 11, 2002.” That makes Tony and Lori nearly ten year veterans and, in many of their colleague’s eyes, the “Deans” of Home Video Studio owners.

What makes them successful? If you’re looking for secrets or shortcuts there are none. Tony and Lori exhibit the age-old traits of teamwork, a tireless work ethic, daily attention to goals and doing what needs to be done. They also display good old-fashioned kindness – a winsome quality that makes them a hit with their customers and a joy to be around.

Like many Home Video Studios Tony and Lori have worked as a team their entire married life. Tony spent his career as an educator - teaching and coaching - and has run his video business alongside of these demands, first on his own and then as a Home Video Studio franchisee. “A mentor told me when I first started teaching not to put all my eggs in one basket,” says Tony. Some teachers paint or clean windows on the side. I liked video so I started my own video business and worked it in the evenings, on weekends and in the summer.” Lori, who has a background in marketing and also ran a successful daycare while tending to the video venture, has partnered with him from the beginning. Together they took the daily steps necessary to fulfill their dream of a full-time video business. Upon Tony’s retirement from teaching last May that dream has become a reality. Not only that, but it is a family affair with children Evan, Kaitlyn, Rocky and Amanda chipping in along the way as well.

So how did they find Home Video Studio? “That’s really interesting,” laughs Melendez. I had taken on a wedding job and it was turning into a nightmare. It started out with my needing technical support and I couldn’t find any help – even with the manufacturer of my equipment. I happened to pick up a Videomaker magazine and saw an ad for Home Video Studio and called. Soon I was talking to a stranger named Robert Hanley who not only pointed me in the right direction for my technical problem but advised me on some pricing as well.”

With that Tony realized he wanted to be in business for himself but not by himself and soon Tony and Lori attended a Show-N-Tell in Indianapolis. On that fateful day in May they became studio owners and have enjoyed the income, support, expertise and camaraderie that Home Video Studio brings.

In the past ten years Tony and Lori have built a business and made money doing what they love…creating videos and making people happy. They have also won many international awards, including Studio Owners of the Year, Rookies of the Year, Best Video Production, Best Wedding and Best High Concept Video.

Do Tony and Lori have any advice for someone looking into being a studio owner? “This is a good time, maybe even necessary for some people, to go into business for themselves. If you have a passion for video this is the best way to do it.”

Home Video Studio Advanced Training Keynote Speech By Dan Weiniger or Westfield, NJ

Watch HVS Rookie of the Year Dan Weiniger give the Keynote speech at Home Video Studio's 13th Annual Advanced Training Dinner. Dan is the HVS Rookie of the Year for 2011-12.

2012 Advanced Training Celebration Dinner Keynote!

HVS Rookie of the Year Dan Weiniger gives Keynote at Advanced Training 2012 Celebration Dinner. Dan spoke about his journey to Home Video Studio and what it has meant to him and his family. Congratulations Dan!

Day 3 of Advanced Training 2012 -

We rolled into Day 3 of Home Video Studio Advanced Training 2012 today. Five tracks were offered. Here, Frank Rohmer teaches a class on HD/Codecs Workflow.

Advanced Training Day 2.

Day 2 of Home Video Studio's Advanced Training. We shifted into TRACK MODE. HVS is running five tracks of training in marketing, production, editing, green screen, photoshop and everything else you can imagine. Chad Godfrey's class on Shooting web videos was a huge hit!

HVS Kicks off Advanced Training 2013 with Oscars Party!

We kicked off our Annual Advanced Training for HVS owners with our 1st Annual Oscars Party! This year we have approximately 42 studios from 3 countries attending including owners barley 3 weeks old to owners with 9 years experience.

Congratulations to The Artist! What a great film! Also a wonderful film about movie making if you like that sort of thing (which we do!).

This week we feature over 50 classes and events for Home Video Studio Owners. Stay tuned for more pictures and news!

Studio Owner Makes $50,000.00 in Two Months!

Pete Gallo, our Home Video Studio owner in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, is not one to rest on his laurels. 2011was his best year ever – and it came on the heels of 2010, his former best year ever. "There are many things I like as a Studio owner," says Pete, "but the most satisfying is the feeling of self-determination and empowerment. There is plenty of opportunity to grow every day.” Pete, a former Studio Owner of the Year, is January's Studio Owner of the Month.

So how did he set out to grow in 2011? “Definitely marketing!” says Gallo. “I put a concerted effort into consistently getting “out there” in my market and making my presence known...and I saw the results.” Pete credits much of his marketing skill to his HVS Training.

Pete, who came to Home Video Studio with an Electrical Engineering background and as a video hobbyist, is grateful for the ongoing training that is provided, especially the necessary marketing aspect of being in business for yourself.

"When I first considered Home Video Studio I knew I wanted to do video for a living, but I had natural concerns about starting from scratch and going it alone," says Pete. "Home Video Studio seemed like the perfect foundation because I would be involved with people who had been there before. This has proven to be the case."

Now Pete has a great home-based business and many happy clients. Whether it's Video Transfers, Film Transfer, Video Shooting and Production or any of the other Home Video Studio profit centers he enjoys the diversity and mix of services he offers. His expertise is also on display as a recipient of several Hanley Awards including Best Short Video and Best LIFEStory.

What else did Gallo build on this past year? Well, Pete is quick to say that any success his enterprise enjoys springs from a genuine desire to help people. One award of note that adorns Pete's studio is The Relationship Mindset Award, and it serves to remind him daily that he is in business because he takes care of his customers.

What does 2012 hold for Pete Gallo? “The most positive thing I see,” he says, “is a trend of more people coming in, more people calling - more inquiries in general. I believe a lot of that has to do with peoples' more optimistic outlook on the economic climate, so I'm going to keep marketing and get ready for an even better 2012.”

If the past is any indicator Pete Gallo will have a great year!