Interview with Kevin Michael Reed with KMR Studios##comma## LLC

What services or products does your organization offer?
KMR Studios##comma## LLC is a photography##comma## graphic design and production management firm located in Branford##comma## Connecticut. The company specializes in providing Advertising and Commercial photography to business clients.

What type of business or organization do you operate?
KMR Studios was initially formed as a sole proprietorship##comma## however##comma## in September of 2002 became Limited Liability Company. This decision was made##comma## primarily##comma## to protect the company from liability. Secondly##comma## to enhance the image of the company. Finally##comma## to allow for future expansion and addition of partners/investors.

How many employees do you currently have?
5 Full-Time##comma## 5 Part-Time

How did you originally discover the idea for your organization?

How did you originally fund your organization?
The company was primarily financed through loans and personal funds. As the company grows and attempts to enter new markets##comma## private investment will be sought.

Are you the founder of your organization?
Yes.

Do you believe there is any distinct culture within your organization? If so, please describe it.

What obstacles or challenges have you faced in your organization?

Did you accept any advice along the way? Do you believe new organizations should be open to such advice?
Advisors are KEY to the success of any organization. I have advisors to assist in every aspect of the business. While they are not on the payroll of the company##comma## they provide a wonderful platform to bounce ideas off of and find solutions to problems.

Did you receive any help along the way from other businesses or organizations? If so, how and from whom?
Trade organizations are a wonderful source of information. Being that KMR Studios##aps## primary business in photography##comma## we have joined the membership of Advertising Photographers of America##comma## Professional Photographers of America##comma## Digital Imaging Marketing Association##comma## and Photo Marketing Association International.

Some other great organizations that have helped us out are: SCORE and SBA.

What have been the keys to success in your business? What do you believe are the keys to success?
Hard work##comma## Research and Networking.

What kind of relationship do you establish with your customers or clients?
Quality. Services. And ability to change.

Being a small company##comma## we are able to change to our client##aps##s needs. Our ability to change and meet our customer##aps##s needs on a daily basis has kept us ahead of most of our competitors.

What types of marketing do you employ?
Personal contact. Direct Mail. Networking events.

Do you employ any web or online marketing?
The imaging industry has been changing about as rapidly as new and faster computers are becoming available. KMR Studios isn##aps##t the most technologically advanced in the industry##comma## however##comma## we do employ technology in every aspect of our business from Digital Cameras to the digital archival of past projects. It##aps##s there##comma## it##aps##s everywhere.

What role does trust play in business or in your organization?

Did you struggle with starting your own organization or venture? Why did you decide to begin on your own?
I think I was destined to be an entrepreneur. With the help of my parents##comma## I started a video production company at fourteen. When I was in High School##comma## I founded a national non-profit organization. After graduating high school##comma## I formed a web development company. And there were also many other attempts as business over the years. I##aps##ve always had the entrepreneurial spirit.

What books or resources would you recommend for individuals starting off now?

Do you notice any trends in the marketplace? If so, what are they?

Do you believe networking and contacts are important? If so, how?
It##aps##s imperative to network##comma## everyone you meet is a potential client or resource.

What do you think about contracts and other legal obligations? Are they important in your business?
Plan. Planning##comma## including setting goals##comma## is the most important thing an entrepreneur can do.

If there is one thing that would sum up your advice to new entrepreneurs, what would it be?
The majority of my business knowledge has come from on-the-job experience and reading constantly. Yet##comma## I do believe that a formal college education is quite important in the business world.

What, if any, final advice do you have for new entrepreneurs?