Profiles

Todd Gilliard

Hanging Tough

By Jennifer Maybin

Do you think you want to start a summer business, but you’re not sure you’ve got the guts? Todd Gilliard advises: Go out and learn what you need to know. Don’t be afraid to fail!

Todd Gilliard, a 17-year-old senior from Bowie, MD, goes to high school during the week, but rather than hanging out on the weekends, he hangs art instead. Todd got the idea for his business, Art Installers, Inc., while he was working at an art gallery. Customers would buy art from the gallery, and then need someone to deliver and install it in their homes and offices. Todd saw this as his "golden opportunity," so he presented the idea for his business to the owner of the gallery and made an agreement. Now, when customers need art installed, the gallery refers them to Art Installers, Inc.

Drawing Up a Plan

Todd had a pretty good idea of how to run a business from watching his father, who is also an entrepreneur. However, he learned even more about business by taking an entrepreneurship course at his high school. In that class, he learned all about researching and developing a business idea. The instructor used examples of business plans, spreadsheets, and profit and loss statements from real businesses. The students used these documents as patterns for producing their own.

One of Todd’s most important accomplishments as a result of the class was writing a business plan for Art Installers. "It really helped to get me organized," he says. His plan outlined the management of the business, as well as financial needs and future plans.

Creating a Masterpiece

When Todd was ready to start the business, he spent about $500 on start-up costs that included advertising flyers, tools such as a drill, hammer, ladder, and miscellaneous nails and hooks. His operating expenses include gas and maintenance for his car.

Flyers and referrals from the gallery have brought in plenty of business, and Todd now delivers and installs about 4-5 pieces of art per week during the school year. In the summer, installations range from 10-15 pieces per week. Prices vary according to the distance he has to travel and the number of pieces he installs, but his average income is about $35-40 per job.

A True Artist

Business is going well for Todd. "I think we’ve improved," he says. "We’re getting customer referrals and a lot of good feedback." Praise from customers is definitely a cause for celebration. Running a business can be hectic, but Todd realizes its benefits. "I’m using it as a learning experience," he says. "It’s taught me skills I can use forever."

He believes the most important skill, however, is responsibility. His advice to others who want to start their own business? "Don’t be afraid to fail." Paint it any color you want, Todd knows how to succeed.