Recode Decode: Why it's OK to be analog in a digital world

Inception

Susan Tynan's journey from the White House to founding Framebridge is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit. She was inspired by her time at LivingSocial, where she witnessed the excitement of building a consumer-oriented business 1. Tynan identified a gap in the framing industry, noting that many customers had never framed anything before, and saw an opportunity to create a beloved brand in a category lacking one 2. Her experience in e-commerce and admiration for companies with strong customer relationships fueled her desire to innovate in the framing space 3.

I saw them building it and it looked so much fun. And how did you get hooked up with them?

--- Susan Tynan

Framebridge was born out of a personal need and market observation, aiming to make framing more accessible and affordable.

   

Early Challenges

Framebridge faced significant early challenges, particularly in aligning supply and demand while building everything in-house. Tynan initially planned to outsource framing but quickly realized the importance of controlling quality and speed, leading to the decision to handle production internally 4. The company also navigated the complexities of deal dynamics, learning from past experiences at LivingSocial about the importance of maintaining value for both merchants and customers 5. Despite these hurdles, Tynan's belief in the business's potential drove her to persevere, even when faced with skepticism from others 6.

Truly, if I thought about them too much, I wouldn't be able to, like, get up the next day.

--- Susan Tynan

Her determination and strategic decisions were crucial in overcoming these obstacles.

   

Innovative Strategies

Framebridge's innovative strategies include leveraging technology and new business approaches to disrupt the traditional framing industry. By centralizing operations and using automation, the company made custom framing more affordable and accessible 7. Tynan emphasizes the importance of balancing human craftsmanship with automation, ensuring quality while scaling the business 8. Leadership and investment have also played key roles, with Tynan raising significant funds and recruiting talented leaders to support Framebridge's growth 9.

It's a thing. And it will always be a thing.

--- Susan Tynan

These strategies have positioned Framebridge as a leader in the framing industry, blending analog charm with digital efficiency.