Tim Faught is the 31-year-old founder of Posterjack, an online store that allows users to upload their favourite photos and get high quality prints shipped to their doors. Find out more about this budding young entrepreneur in today’s YEDaily.
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
We help Canadians turn their favourite digital photos into artwork. We do it all online, and ship the products right to your door, ready to hang on the wall.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
Just recently the elements of digital photography, digital printing, and e-retailing came together to allow the creation of truly amazing products – “wow, you have to see this” type of products. The Canadian market was totally underserved in this area, while consumers in other markets like Europe were already going bananas for these amazing products.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis?
Trying new things. It seems like every day there is an opportunity to try something new, or investigate a different topic. And the best part : I don’t have to ask the boss if it’s OK.
What is the most challenging part of your business?
Marketing is definitely the most challenging. Even with a really good product, it is tough work spreading the word, then persuading someone to buy what you are offering. Being an online store compounds this challenge as you don’t have the ability to interact with your customer face-to-face.
Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
I see Posterjack continuing to be the leader in our industry. We will definitely continue to innovate with new products and follow trends where applicable. In five years, I hope that when people think I want to turn my best digital photos into art, even more of them will think of Posterjack first.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
You definitely need passion for what you are doing. Don’t go into business for yourself with an entire plan based on making money. Sure, you need to be profitable, but that is the end-game, not the reason you are in business.
What is your greatest asset as it relates to business?
I think my ability to see the big picture and have a vision.
What does success look like to you?
Success looks like lots of happy customers who feel you have improved their lives and are telling their friends and family about you.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Surviving that tough first year in business.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. There are so many afflictions that can shorten life, I think you just pick one that has affected you directly and get behind it. If everyone does this for something that has affected them, we are going to rid the world of a whole bunch of nasty diseases and the like.
What is Notable to you?
I think that for something to be Notable, it has to make a “dent in the universe,” as Steve Jobs always says. Not everything can be Steve-Jobs-Notable, but we can all try.
Anything Else?
I hope to see a lot more Canadian e-retail stores opening soon. Right now, it is dry up here compared to the selection online in the US.