How LaFontsee Galleries Framed a New Future

LaFontsee Galleries and Framing has long been a creative cornerstone in West Michigan. Featuring an ever-changing collection of artwork by 80 talented local, national and international artists, the contemporary gallery offers curated exhibitions, in-house custom framing and art consulting for residential and commercial clients. Visitors can wander through beautifully lit spaces to find artwork that speaks to their own style and story. But when Kate and Jason Meyer purchased the business, they found that sustaining a creative enterprise required navigating a complex financial canvas.

Owning the gallery was a dream, but the initial transition period presented immediate challenges. Shortly after the purchase, Kate and Jason encountered unexpected building maintenance needs and faced a high-overhead lease structure. Additionally, the gallery’s location proved increasingly difficult for driving steady foot traffic. Navigating these early operational hurdles and bridging the gap in transition support made for a highly demanding period, forcing the couple to quickly adapt to keep the business moving forward.

Recognizing they needed expert guidance to protect their investment, they connected with the Michigan SBDC. Growth Team Manager Jim McLain brought in colleague Dale Anderson to assist with an in-depth financial analysis. Jim and Dale quickly discovered that underneath the immediate strains, the gallery’s underlying business plan was solid.

The consultants worked closely with Kate and Jason to address some of the critical issues. Collectively, the group agreed that moving the business to a smaller space within a walkable community would help to enhance gallery traffic and visibility.  Steadily, cash flow began to improve. Jim and Dale also consulted on staff reallocation and encouraged the couple to reconsider their existing lease and find a location that better suited their needs.

Today, the picture is improving. Jason and Kate have created a solid financial dashboard to effectively manage key drivers of the business.  The duo also took brave steps to tap into attracting Chicago art enthusiasts into their business by opening a satellite gallery in Douglas. With a more affordable location, better foot traffic, a broader market and an optimized team, they are no longer just managing transition stress — they are actively focused on growing their business by serving their clients and sparking new energy within the art community.

Are you a Michigan small business owner facing your own business challenges? Register for no-cost, confidential consulting to help you find clarity and build a solid plan for the future.