Hi everyone! My name is Cindy Agans, and I am the Vice President/Chief Operations Officer of Burrell Colour Imaging LLC. Whew ! What a long title. Actually, it means that I get to handle all the day to day things that go into making us run smoothly; and continually get orders out to our customers.
I started working with Don Burrell in 1974 in Hebron, Indiana. Some may remember our little lab with about 30 employees. I began doing the payroll, paid the bills, and kept the books. I had absolutely no idea what a Professional Photography Finishing Lab was. In fact, the only professional portrait I ever had was my high school senior pictures.
That first year, our Christmas Rush was unbelievable. Everyone was so busy working seven days a week with a night shift too. Then Don walked into my office, and said he needed me to answer the phones. Oh great! – I thought… Me! Who knows nothing about photography and has only worked for a couple of months… and I am going to talk to customers. Hmmmmmm… Well, it was a great experience for me
In 1974, there were no computers and no tracking systems so everything was done the old fashioned way…by Hand! So as I ran around the lab, finding orders, changing orders, shipping orders, I learned quite a lot!! As the lab grew, my jobs continued to include more and more production information. Billing, Printing, Artwork, Shipping, Finishing and Mounting,… I graduated from all those departments. So, when Don asked me to hand over accounting duties to Judy Goerges and become a part of the Production Team, I said Yes!
It has been GREAT! I love working with people; our employees and our customers.
In 2002, I was having medical problems and the doctors weren't sure what was wrong. They strongly advised me to stop working and take time to concentrate on my health. So I did, but it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. When I was finally feeling better, I started working part time with Don doing accounting for his pizza businesses. While it was something to do, I was always listening for info on the lab.
In 2007, Don called me, Judy Goerges, and Jim Letko (one of Don’s very first employees), into his office and said, I’m thinking about buying the lab back. What do you think? Are you with me?” Was he kidding? All I could say was It’s about time! I can’t wait! Let’s go!
So here I am again in August 2008 along with many of the original employees.
We are back because we love this business. We are back to bring Burrell Colour Imaging up to the standards that Don has always set for this lab. We are back to bring new and innovative products and services to our customers. And finally, we are back to help you grow and succeed and help you give to your clients.
Our new Blog and Forum are just some of the exciting things happening! I can’t wait to see this grow into a really informative exchange of ideas. While I know our team is here to help you in any way they can, the ability to communicate with your peers, exchange new and exciting marketing, studio, and client ideas, is to me the best thing about this new technology.
So, have fun! Share your ideas! Tell us what you’re doing! Even give us the name of a good fishin’ hole near you…or how about that new golf course? After all, we can’t work ALL the time!!