After nearly 20 years in managing a large Photographic
processing and printing facility, Paul Kimball became the
Chief Executive for Lil' Angels, LLC in early 2015. With a
background that covers financial management as well as sales,
service, and production he feels uniquely able to assist his
franchise owners in helping them to achieve quality growth with
sound margins.
His immediate goal is to return Lil' Angels Photography to the
ranks of the 500 top franchises, a ranking the company had for
several years. Growth projections are on the upswing for 2016
and beyond.
He holds Economics and Finance degrees from the University of
Tennessee Knoxville.
FranchiseExpo: Tell us about the Lil' Angels
Photography concept.
Paul Kimball: Lil' Angels Photography's
business model is a franchise concept built around high-end
children's photography - specifically on location at Day cares and
preschools throughout the continental United States. We
currently have 55 Franchisees that manage their own territories,
collectively we photograph over 500,000 children per year.
FE: How and when did you become involved with
Lil' Angels Photography?
PK: My initial involvement with
Lil' Angels was as a vendor in august of 2010 -
specifically as a print provider (CPQ Professional Imaging).
We maintained the production output for the entire Franchise
network (CPQ still does), and in April of 2015 Jim Palmer appointed
me as his CEO. In November of 2015 we acquired majority
interest in the company.
FE: What was your background prior to joining Lil'
Angels Photography?
PK: I had been at CPQ since 1998 in various
capacities, and still serve as their CFO. My career prior to
that was all in the Banking/Audit sector.
FE: What are some of the advantages in being a Lil'
Angels Photography franchisee?
PK: While you are held to certain standards
as a Franchisee, you are your own boss running your own business.
Lil' Angels Photography is a recognized national brand in
this segment - with an impeccable reputation - so our owners always
have that ace up their sleeve when they meet the decision maker at
the school.
FE: Who is your ideal
franchisee?
PK: The ideal fit is someone who has great
interpersonal skills - specifically when dealing with school
personnel, parents, and of course the children. First and
foremost we are a service
business, and the successful franchisee is one that
will cultivate that relationship for repeat business. We can
teach them photography skills, workflow, etc. - but they must have
the people skills to be truly successful.
FE: Tell us a little about the
Photography Market?
PK: It is somewhat specialized, we are one of
a few players at the national level - so that is a big plus for us.
There are still several independent photography outfits that
are more locally based, but the market for Daycare and preschool
photography is a solid one. Demographically, facility
enrollments tend to go up annually - and parents (as well as
extended family members) like to purchase quality photos and
photo-related items of the children - especially before they reach
middle school age.
FE: What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve
learned in growing this franchise?
PK: A football coach once said "...It is not
about the Xs and Os, but the Jimmies and Joes...". This is a
people business, and while my Franchisees have their own
relationships out in the field - my customers are the Franchisees
themselves. Being a vendor/provider to them has helped me
immensely in that aspect, they rely on me but I rely as much on
them.
FE: Do you have a mentor and is their someone you use
for inspiration?
PK: This may sound a little strange, but my
mentors in this company are the Franchisees themselves. I put
a lot of stock in their experiences (some are approaching 20 years)
and I value their input in developing programs and new products.
They are the ones out in the field that have the experience
that matters - and while you always have policies and guidelines to
adhere to - I am not a believer in a Top-down Management
style.
FE: What advice do you have for someone looking to
acquire a Franchise?
PK: Aside from the financial and protected
territory aspects, look at your support levels both from home
office as well as your peers. Do they have a solid network or
is it every man/woman for themselves? Is the product a want
or a need, and does it stand the test of time as buying habits
change? And does it provide you a method of repeat business
based on these factors and your ability to serve the client?
FE: In your opinion, why do you think that Lil' Angels
Photography would be a great opportunity for
someone?
PK: If you like controlling your own destiny,
working with people - and like the style of work AND like to work -
Lil' Angels Photography can be a great fit. The
financial investment is very reasonable, and I always encourage
prospective Franchisees to talk candidly with existing owners about
likes/dislikes, and they myriad of challenges that they can
encounter. It is not for everyone, but if they meet they
criteria mentioned above it can be a great experience and sound
business model.
