Simsbury Business Spotlight: VirtualToursCT.com

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series we’ve kicked off at Patch — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: VirtualToursCT.com
Owners: Tony Healy
Website: http://www.VirtualToursCT.com
Address: Private Home in Simsbury, CT

How did you come up with the name?

The name says it all. We supply Virtual Tours throughout CT. Our tours are comprised of professional photography & video of homes, commercial buildings and local businesses coupled with professional voice over narration to create an attention-grabbing product.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

Aside from touching up photos and editing video, all of our work is done in the field. A home office with quick WiFi is the perfect choice.

Briefly, what business are you in?

Visual Marketing through Professional Photography & Video.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

As a small business, the biggest challenge is getting our name out to the public. Marketing can cost a lot for a start-up. Social Media and Word-of-mouth have been working nicely, but do take a little more time than a big TV or Radio campaign. Finding the time to play the part of Sales & Marketing on top of being in the field taking photos and video lends itself to very long days. I work 7 days a week, sometimes from7am to 11pm.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

My biggest challenge was timing. I have two children in college and a beautiful home in Simsbury that demand I keep a steady base of income. I kept another full-time job until we knew the timing was right. With several contracts signed with big residential real estate firms and repeat business built up over the last few years there came a time when I had to take the plunge. It’s a Risk!

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

My favorite part is hearing clients say we’re adding value to their listings and seeing that translate into referrals from them. It’s also a treat to know I’m doing something I love on a daily basis and know that this company is growing from the sweat and long hours I’ve put in over the last few years.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

With the growing interest in YouTube and Video leading the way on Search Engines, clients have asked us to marry our Photography with High Definition Video. We’ve been able to add high quality Video Lead-ins and Aerial (Drone) Video clips into our virtual tour product and create a seamless online commercial for our clients.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

Unfortunately they come along, but 20+ years in the print and photography business has given me a thick skin. You have to treat them as you would any other client. I believe that displaying professionalism combined with consistent communication and follow up is essential with all of our customers. Don’t show them they are difficult. Treat them like any other. Smile.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

Our business gives back in many ways. I belong to the Simsbury-Granby Rotary where a large chunk of my time is given happily to raise funds for many local and not so local charities. Our Rotary club also provides thousands of dollars in scholarships to high school seniors in both Simsbury and Granby. I give by my volunteerism, but my company gives by supplying photography, video, maintaining websites and helping with general public relations. This is done on top of keeping the hours mentioned earlier.

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