On July 5, 2007, Finao was born, and our first customer registered less than a day later. In her inimitable style, Finao Queen and founding partner, Christine Perry-burke, wrote this message on a whiteboard in their first home office:
That message has never been erased, and as the newest Finaon, it has helped me to understand the ‘ride or die’ spirit of this company.
Christine’s lengthy illness and far too soon passing in October 2016 have made for some difficult times. Ones where we’ve been a little quieter, stayed the course, and began adjusting and healing. But life does go on, and her integrity, ingenuity, and spirit still very much form our core values.
In the past eight months, I’ve learned that Finao customers are amazing people—unique, creative, and loyal. Those who have been with us since the beginning probably remember how vastly Finao’s product offerings changed the professional album market of the time. As the design brilliance of the company, Christine was larger than life and lent her vibrant personality to every aspect of the business, breaking ground and coming up with surprises for every trade show. Others of you are like me, newer and still discovering the breadth and quality of what Finao has to offer. The more I learn about this company, the more I realize it was a model before its time and one that still brings many things to the industry.
Birthdays are milestones, and we’re using this one to reflect, plan, and build. Perseverance has served us well, but now its time to regroup with fresh ideas and energy, rebuilding to be better than ever. Just the way Christine would have wanted it, I imagine. Certainly, what we want.
At 11, Finao is a little like a kid at that age, eager for change and to try new things. But we were raised well and will continue to offer everything you value—top quality products, personalized customer service, and a working relationship that views every customer as an individual. At the same time, we want to design and offer new products and services, reorganize and streamline how our product options are presented, and upgrade our technology. As we refresh in the coming months you’ll still get all the things you appreciate, but with more in store.
It’s good to stay close with old friends and family, but to also develop new relationships. Of course, whenever you make a change, not everyone shares your goals and chooses that path with you. In the future, you may work with some new Finaons, and we wish our family who have moved on all the best. Complimenting the original with a little new can be an exciting mix: blending the experience and foundation of the company with some fresh perspectives and ideas. I can’t wait to see how it all develops!
We’d love to get to know you and hear about your professional wants and needs. What do we do best, and what can we do better? If you love Finao, please support us through reviews on social media. If you aren’t as thrilled as you’d like to be, call, and let’s talk about it. Together, we can be phenomenal!
Janet
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