Todd Piper's Video Service Business Is Sunny in Naples, Florida!

Todd Piper in Studio

Folks in Naples, Florida enjoy a certain lifestyle. It comes with an abundance of white-sanded Gulf beaches, a relaxed year-round wardrobe of shorts and flip-flops, and the most golf holes per capita in the world. Todd Piper likes the beach and flip-flops and golf. It's not surprising, then, that when he was looking for a business opportunity that fit his Naples lifestyle he found that Home Video Studio fit him to a T:

"This is a great area for a video services business like mine," says Piper. "The demographic skews a little older than a comparable sized area elsewhere. That means my customer base has the older formats and lots of them." They also skew higher in income: "I love the chance to provide excellent customer service and my customers like competence and convenience and they will pay for it."

So what landed Todd Piper, who is relatively new to Home Video Studio, the title of Rookie of the Year for 2014? Well let's chalk it up to a few skills and attitudes that he brings:

Marketing sense - Todd grew up the son of a salesman and attributes his marketing awareness to this environment. "You know that old saying 'Nothing happens until a sale is made'? I grew up with that. My dad was a very good salesman for an international industrial supply company and I saw the importance they placed on sales - starting with compensation." Piper also credits having to move every couple of years as helping his development as a networker: "I had to get very good at meeting new people, making new friends and learning how to start conversations."

Creative and technical acumen - Like several Home Video Studio owners, Todd's early love of music brought him to video: "I have been a lifelong musician. My rock and roll dreams led me to learn guitar, bass and drums." (He also has a killer rockin' tenor voice that practically breaks glass!) In due course Piper began to also love the techno/creative process of knobs and faders and meters in a studio environment: "I loved recording and got into radio and TV production classes in high school."

A supportive partner - Todd and his wife Jennifer have been doing life as a team as long as they've been married. Jennifer's attaining a master's degree in the demanding field of Nurse Anesthesia was a collaborative effort of moral and financial support and the Pipers see Todd's business the same way.

Drive - Although Todd loved music and studios and production he also knew he wanted a certain lifestyle - and he suspected that it wasn't readily attainable by being strictly an artist or a technician. So after high school Piper attended college at the University of Texas - Dallas and earned his degree in Finance and Economics. Upon graduation he immediately went to work for Citigroup and got his feet wet in the lending industry. He then took a management position for a private lender. You can't contain a "man with a plan" in a cubicle, so Todd decided to start his own company. The good news? It grew quickly and soon he was presiding over thirty employees. The not so good news? He was working twelve hour days, commuting three hours, and incapable of taking a vacation. More good news: The fruits of his vision were providing a nice living, not just for Piper, but for everyone in his company. More not so good news: There was financial turmoil looming that was out of Piper's (and most everyone else's) control that would change the industry. To his credit Todd saw it coming on horizon, swallowed hard, and closed and boarded his business before the squall hit.

Todd and Jen Piper

Reinvention - Most of us, at least once in our life, will face the prospect of having to reinvent ourselves. As he began to reimagine himself here's what Todd Piper's reinvention looked like:

1      “My own enterprise (who's going to hire a guy with my experience and success as entry level or middle management?)”

2      “Home based (I'm tired of three hour commutes.)”

3      “Simple (What if I could even incorporate my family in some aspects?)’

4      “Control (I run it instead of vice versa.)”

So Todd began the work of looking for a viable business opportunity with these stipulations. After some initial disappointments he found Home Video Studio. Not only did it entice him by satisfying his four stipulations, it featured the quintessence: 5) Creative – “Video, music, editing, knobs and faders? This would be heaven!”

He called Home Video Studio and by the end of an initial conversation he was convinced this was the opportunity he was looking for. In January of 2013 Todd's studio was installed.

Todd hit the ground running and has been gaining momentum each month thereafter. Last month was his best yet, financially. Most notably Todd seals the sum of our line "It's a Wonderful Lifestyle." He runs his own business out of his own home (his Dad even comes over and helps!) on his own terms in Naples Florida - where lifestyle is required.

Any words of wisdom from someone who has seen a few ups and downs from a few different angles? "Personal freedom means personal responsibility," says Piper. "I appreciate the network and all their support.  I take advantage of the fact that I don't have to reinvent the wheel. But in the end it is my enterprise and I am responsible for its success or its failure. The Home Video Studio Network really gives you both sides of the coin."

That's a winning attitude that will keep Todd on top! Congratulations to Todd Piper of Naples, Florida.

If you woudl like to chat about starting your own video business feel free to call me, Robert Hanley 317-358-5932. 

Debbie Williams - Erlanger, KY - Studio Owner of the Month!

Studio Owner Debbie Williams

“Lights! Camera! Take Action!” This was the theme of a recent Home Video Studio Getaway and it’s the greatest advice we can give that will fit on a t-shirt: For there will be no lights without action. There will be no cameras rolling without a sale. There will be no cash register ringing just by dreaming about it. The ranks of Home Video’s successful studios are filled with people who know this well, and one such “woman of action” is Deborah Williams of Erlanger, Kentucky, our March Studio Owner of the Month.

Nearly every Monday morning on the Weekly Marketing Call Debbie’s name is read as “tops” in marketing activity and, in fact, being active is, and always has been, a part of her life. Besides being a studio owner Deb is a wife, as well as a devoted mother of two boys (17 and 9). And that’s enough to fill someone’s day, isn’t it? Hold on, we’ve hardly begun…

She’s also an accomplished and active flutist (graduating with a degree in both Commercial Art and Music Performance because she couldn’t decide on one). She has a sixth degree Tae Kwon Do black belt and is a first dan in combat Hapkido. (If you don’t know what all this martial arts stuff means it’s okay. Just don’t mess with her or her family.) And in her down time, when the studio is closed, the flute is cased, the boys are in bed, and the nunchuku is safely stored Deborah likes to knit and crochet.

"I like to take action and do things." says Williams. "I was very shy and athletically unimpressive as a child. But somehow I did a 180. Now I'm not one to shy away from things that interest me – no matter the investment. You've got to try." So, when Deb ran across Home Video Studio while looking for creative business opportunities she went after it. She started out as a part-time studio owner, opening her doors on November 16, 2011. Like most rookies in any endeavor she didn’t know what to do at first – so she just acted like she did!  “My first customer came to me with nearly 60 tapes to transfer,” laughs Deb, “and all I could think of was that I had to act like I knew what I was doing when I didn’t.”

Supplementing her path with other part-time positions such as a group fitness instructor, a personal trainer, and as a Mary Kay Consultant (all of which she’s still involved with) Williams has, in the past 3 ½ years, grown into a full-time studio while more than doubling her sales from her first year. She has also won several international video awards in that time, taking the Hanley Award for Best Lifetime Video, Best Use of Music, Best Long Form Video, and Best Photo Video Keepsake.

We caught up with Debbie (not an easy task) to ask her about her life as a studio owner:

Where did you grow up?
I was born in Warren, OH, but due to my father’s job, I moved every two years or so until I was 15. This included three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools in cities such as Detroit, Lansing, Indianapolis, Paducah and Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati.

Did your parents influence your professional choices? Is entrepreneurship in your DNA?
My parents were the typical family mold of the 60s and 70s. My mother stayed at home to raise five children while my father worked as a General Manager for the Kmart Corporation.

Were you interested in photography or video as a kid?  When did it become an interest?
I knew as a young child that I leaned toward the creative side of life.  Growing up, I was always drawing and painting because it came naturally to me. While in high school, I was fortunate to have been given a 35mm camera by my father. I pursued photography with a passion, including the art of working a dark room and BW printing. I likely get the photography bug from my father as he was always the one shooting family events in stills and 8mm film.

What did you do before you became a studio owner?
After graduation I was able to get a job as an advertising artist at the local community newspaper. It wasn’t exactly what I was looking for, but it gave me the experience needed for my next job which was at The Cincinnati Enquirer as an advertising layout designer. While there I was able to also work as the Advertising Art Manager and spearheaded the department responsible for special advertising supplements. Both of those positions were instrumental in getting me ready to own my own business since they demanded management skills and organizational skills in developing a product from conception to final product.

Why did you decide to leave?
It was eighteen years of the concrete jungle. I wanted to leave that and try to freelance in graphic design. It was important to me to be home and present when my boys came home from school.

How did that go?
Clients were hard to find, especially in a very competitive field in a city where there are many advertising agencies. Plus I was finding it increasingly difficult to manage the peaks and valleys.

Is this when you ran across Home Video Studio?
Yes. I researched opportunities and kept coming back to Home Video Studio. After being a freelancer I was drawn to a proven marketing plan. Plus I felt a comfort in what the business had to offer with the creative end of preserving memories, and could also implement my growing skills as a photographer and videographer. Once I decided that I wanted to pursue that path, things kind of fell into place without delay. I researched opportunities in July/August, and was installed in November.

What are some tenets you apply when it comes to running your business?
I always fall back onto the tenants of Taekwondo that has been ingrained into me for over twenty three years. Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, Indomitable Spirit and Victory. Also, along that line, losing a Taekwondo National Championship by 1 point was by no means fun – but it did teach me not to hesitate on your instincts. If I had not done so that title would have been mine.

What's your favorite part of the business?
Enabling people to smile when they see or hear their loved ones is rewarding. My favorite part of this business is the creation that goes into making the most heartfelt Keepsake or video that will be enjoyed for years to come. If tears are shed, I’ve done my job.

What trait do you feel is absolutely necessary to thrive as an HVS owner?
You have to enjoy your work. Otherwise, it’s a job. And you must have discipline for yourself and in your work ethic, as well as respect for your work and your customers. Without them there would be no business.

Our Top Studio Took in Over $20,000.00 in Two Weeks! Join Us for Show 'N Saturday on Saturday, April 18!

Learn How You Can Start & Run Your Own Studio!

We’ve got another exciting and life changing Home Video Studio Show ‘N Tell Saturday coming up in about three weeks! Join us on Saturday, April 18, 2015 and learn how you can run your own profitable video production business from your home.  Our top studio took in over $20,000.00 in the last two weeks!

Here’s what we’ll cover at Show 'N Tell Saturday!

·      The 27 Profit Centers including our newest service – transfer to the DVA and the Digital Video Archive Cloud.

·      An overview of the HVS training.  We have a Basic training event coming up in April. You can attend!

·      The equipment packages – What gear do you need in your new studio?

·      The five essential secrets of the HVS system – What they are and how they can work for you.

·      Financing (if you need it)

·      Financial goals and expectations.

·      What’s it like to run your studio on a daily basis?

It does not cost anything to attend Show ‘N Tell Saturday. In fact, we will pay all of your travel costs i.e. your airfare, mileage, hotel, car rental, meals, etc. should you decide to join Home Video Studio this Saturday.  We don’t care what the plane ticket costs and you should not either.

What is the HVS Lifestyle?

·      Family flexible - Full time hours are 9:30 am to 11:30 am and 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Monday trough Friday.

·      Work when you want to work. Play when you want to play.

·      Never miss your child’s soccer game or cheerleading event.

·      Take the kind of vacations you want, when you want to take them.

·      Build your dream and a legacy for your family!

My motto is: “work hard, play hard.” Yep, you’ll do well in this business but first you have to get here! Jump on a plane or jump in your car and come to Indianapolis, Indiana for Show ‘N Tell on Saturday, April 18^th

The first step is to call me to discuss your interest. I know you will have questions. You’ve got that one question that is burning a hole in your pocket right now so call me.

Call me today and we can chat: 317-358-5932 or 866-714-1956.

You can also email me at Robert@homevideostudio.com.

May the force be with you...

Robert Hanley

CEO and Founder

Home Video Studio

Robert Hanley & Home Video Studio's Flagship Studio - Living the Dream!

Robert Hanley

Every day on a busy street in downtown Seattle the door to Starbuck’s very first store opens, as it did forty-three years ago, inviting customers to enter, to smell, and to sip its earthly delights. Every night tens of millions of sports fans begin their bedtime ritual by clicking on ESPN’s SportsCenter as it broadcasts from the same Connecticut location where it all began in 1979 with a small live audience. It’s comforting to know that, in a world that changes so quickly, some things built on simple principle and sheer quality still thrive from the roots up. Such is the case with Home Video Studio’s first ever and flagship studio located in the Castleton area of Indianapolis, Indiana.

One morning, over twenty-five years ago, Robert Hanley, too, opened his doors with a dream of providing “Video Services for Everyone”. Hanley had begun his video career strictly as a producer/director/editor, but he soon found that he was tiring from the “feast and famine” life of living project to project. Taking the knowledge and experience he had gained he retooled his production business into a video production services business. This new company would focus on offering video services that other production companies couldn't or wouldn't offer but that were definitely needed. Soon Hanley had created a cottage industry by focusing on transferring old 8mm, Super 8mm and 16mm films and tapes, as well as Photo Video Keepsake montages, editing, and duplication.

Hanley on location 1986 Mohave Desert

From this initial enterprise over sixty similar studios have launched all over the United States, Canada, and even Sweden. Yet, the principles he built this video services “empire” upon (a Star Trek fan, Hanley calls them Prime Directives) are alive and well in the daily operations of the flagship studio.

“This is a working studio,” says Hanley, “and it’s a valuable part of Home Video Studio in many ways. The first is that is a profit center. We made nearly $20,000 in January, which is typically our slowest month by far – and that was with me out of the office for a week attending the Consumer Electronics Show.”

Second, it is a way to stay in touch with the marketplace. Hanley explains: “My day could easily be consumed by the affairs of running an enterprise that has over sixty members as well as several staff members. But my office is directly above the studio, and I make it a point to be involved in the retail side of our flagship operation. Markets change, technology changes, people change…and I want to keep my finger on the pulse of our end users.”

Which brings us to the third way Home Video Studio – Castleton operates, namely as a sort of laboratory. “We have over sixty studios who look to us for new ideas, new direction, and new technology suggestions,” Robert points out. “We use our flagship location to test new equipment, different operations procedures, new software and technology…lots of things. We have proven plans that work for the studio’s success, and they are conceived and tested here at our studio before we disperse them out to the other studios.”

Robert Hanley CEO, Home Video Studio

A great example of this lately has been Facebook advertising.  As most people know advertising is expensive, no matter the medium. Robert had never tried Facebook advertising but had a hunch it would be a great fit for advertising video services. Not wanting to recommend it until he had some solid numbers on its effectiveness he put Facebook Ads into the old “test tube” to see what might happen. What happened has been a smashing success, more than Hanley has seen with any advertising medium in many years. “Now we are relentless with Facebook Ads. We run them seven days a week. But we wouldn’t have known without this studio doing a little testing first. Now I can recommend it to any studio with no trepidation – in fact if a studio isn’t doing Facebook Ads I get concerned!”

Like any successful enterprise Home Video Studio – Castleton has a great team, and many of the staff there look after the studio while performing tasks for the HVS parent company as well.  Hanley remains the most hands-on with marketing, advertising, and managing sales leads for the studio. Teaming with him is Bob Brown, who has known Robert from the beginnings of HVS many years ago. Bob is a sales veteran and a filmmaker and photographer in his own right. Cheryl Roy is Robert’s personal assistant and handles many accounting and administrative chores for the sixty plus studios as well. She came by Home Video Studio as a customer, liked the vibe, and came on board a short time later. Cheryl’s flagship studio duties include a lot of face-to-face time with customers taking orders and handling customer service. Devin Hall makes sure the work gets done as HVS – Castleton’s lead technician and production supervisor.

Robert & Denise Hanley at the 13th Annual Hanley Awards

Robert continue to help others around the country and the world open their own studios. It’s nice to know that the studio that began it all is still opens its doors every morning with the same convictions that it did over twenty-five years ago – to provide Video Services for Everyone. Email Robert Hanley at Robert@homevideostudio.com or call him at 317-358-5932 for help in start your own video studio. 

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