Thrive Tribe Tales | McNeil Designer Portraits

THRIVE: Tell us about McNeil Designer Portraits?

CRAIG: My niche is Fine Art Family Wall Portraits, something specifically that you will put on display and hang in your home. I offer a classic style of portraiture, which is not for everyone. (For samples of my work visit “McNeilDesignerPortraits.com“.) Initially I started in school photography, photographing children, which then lead to photographing families, which is my passion. Most other photographers do it all…me? I only do families, on location and nothing else! As far as the products I offer, my philosophy is that I need to provide something that is of exceptional quality that you can’t get anywhere else.

THRIVE: How long have you been in business?

CRAIG: I’ve been in business for 34 years!

THRIVE: Where did the idea come from to create your business?

CRAIG: I was in the ski business previously and needed a professional that would help me provide for my family. I knew photography and an opportunity came along and I jumped on it! I started with film and have seen every incarnation of photography since. And now that everyone has a camera in their pocket, it’s even more of a reason for me to differentiate in what I do.

THRIVE: What was your biggest success in 2023?

CRAIG: I believe in family portraits and believe too, it’s a lost art. Proof of that is my business continues to grow year after year. In 2023 I recorded some of my highest sales in the history of the business.

THRIVE: What recent challenge did you face?

CRAIG: The impact of Covid on my business from 2020-2022 was significant. At that time, I had a storefront location in Cherry Creek. But because of the “Shelter In Place” law that was in effect in Denver, I did not work for the first seven months of 2020, however, I was still expected to pay my Cherry Creek rent, even though I was not working. It was because of this that I moved from Cherry Creek to Thrive Workplace in Centennial. It was the best move I could have made!

THRIVE: What’s your favorite piece of professional advice you’ve received?

CRAIG: Keep the faith, and when the going gets tough (and it will!) Put your head down, turn into the storm and keep going.

THRIVE: How did you implement it into your business?

CRAIG: My faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the power of prayer.

THRIVE: What’s your favorite quote that would inspire other entrepreneurs and business leaders for 2024?

CRAIG: “This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never———in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” – Winston Churchill