Conversations with Todd Bond

Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Bond.

Hi Todd, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve enjoyed drawing and being creative from as early as I can remember. I don’t have any formal art teaching but like to state that I’ve graduated from the school of “independent style through self-education”.  My work consists of original acrylic, oil, and pastel paintings, as well as charcoal and pencil drawings covering a wide range of subjects.

My artwork is a progression of developing and researching ideas and themes and determining the best way to bring an idea to life using different methods and mediums that reflect my many interests. I started framing my own artwork over 20 years ago. Wanting a change from Corporate America, and a strong desire to do something I was passionate about, the plan to open a framing shop was born.

Combining my artistic background with framing seemed like a great fit, so my wife and I opened a Fastframe franchise in late 2008. We will be celebrating our 14th year in business this fall.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I liken owning your own business to surfing.

You have to learn to ride the waves and deal with adversity and pitfalls as they come. Early on the economic downturn in 2010 and 2011 taught me a lot about using resources wisely for marketing. Covid had its own set of challenges altogether. Wanting to provide a safe environment for staff and ensure our customers were also safe and felt comfortable.

Once we were able to open safely and follow health protocols we had to deal with supply chain issues. Again, you ride the waves, worry about the things you can control, and communicate the best you can to customers about turnaround times and issues out of our hands.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Fastframe of Durham opened its doors in September 2008. We provide affordable framing options and offer unique design solutions to consumers, art collectors, interior designers, and commercial clients. We pride ourselves in the ability to frame virtually anything you want to preserve or display; originals, limited editions, photography, open and closed shadow box framing, needlework, 3D items, jerseys, posters, mirrors, certificates, flat-screen TVs, just to name a few – helping turn your mementos into works of art to display with pride.

All of our work is done on the premises and is backed by the Fastframe Guarantee. If you don’t love the look of your finished framed artwork, we will re-craft or redesign your piece, in the same price range, within 30 days of the sale at no additional charge.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My biggest advocates would have to be my wife and parents. Since my childhood, my parents have always encouraged me to express myself through art and I saw my parents try their hand at running different businesses as a child. My wife is a major influence and has supported my aspirations as an artist as well as helped me to realize my dream of owning a business.

I also take pride in the fact that my kids get to see firsthand the highs and lows of the journey of entrepreneurship. Fastframe is truly a family business, in addition to having my mother work at the store, my kids are in the store at some point on the weekends giving them a birds-eye view of doing something you are passionate about while being part of the community.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fastframe.com/durham
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/fastframeofdurham
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/fastframedurham
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/fastframedurham
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fastframe-durham-durham-2