Founded in 2009 and franchised a decade later, 360 Tour Designs began as a real estate photography company to help agents sell their residential listings faster. By Patty Horansky
Founded in 2009 and franchised a decade later, 360 Tour Designs began as a real estate photography company to help agents sell their residential listings faster.
Fifteen years later, the brand continues to serve a growing list of industries, including commercial real estate and new construction, which have skyrocketed. Other industries include residential real estate, apartment complexes, short-term rentals, small businesses and forensics and data collection for insurance companies and attorneys.
“If you boil it down, we are a professional imagery company,” said Greg Drake, CEO and co-owner of the Pennsylvania-based brand.
Any of the country’s more than 32 million businesses are potential clients, whether they are a small company needing website photos or are in the booming commercial market and need sophisticated imaging.
When 360 Tour Designs was founded, real estate photography was a fledgling business, and the quality of the images often was poor. The brand found its niche in professional HD photography, videography, interactive floor plans, 3D walkthroughs, virtual staging, aerial views and more.
In addition to its multiple revenue streams, 360 Tour Designs offers a low point of entry, high profits, protected territories, proprietary technology, comprehensive training and support and lifetime mentoring. To celebrate its 15th anniversary, the brand is offering 15 months of no royalties for new owners.
“We think it’s important to get people up and started,” Drake explained.
An emerging brand, with seven franchises across the country and growing, 360 Tour Designs’ 15-year proven system is unmatched in the industry. New owners receive three days of comprehensive training at brand headquarters, ongoing mentoring and support as well as a complete equipment package and a skilled team on standby for assistance.
Brand ownership is ideal for photographers, people looking to leave the corporate world, people who are in dead-end jobs or those simply wanting to be their own bosses. However, photography and real estate experience are not a requirement. According to Drake, interest and passion are much more important than experience.
“We offer all-encompassing training, plus videos and phone calls,” Drake said. “One other real advantage for someone without photography experience is it’s also really easy to hire good photographers.”
Most independent photographers work weekends and evenings, while 360 Tour Designs offers them an attractive Monday through Friday workweek.
360 Tour Designs is a recession-resistant business and is always seeking new categories to diversify and boost revenue streams. For example, even though residential real estate is in a slowdown, commercial office buildings for lease or sale have risen from 5% to about 15% of the brand’s revenue and are expected to reach 20% this year.
“That market is huge right now,” said Drake.
As new franchisees come aboard and develop, they have the freedom to shape their businesses and to pursue additional areas of industry, especially those particular to their communities.
“We were small-business owners, so that’s near and dear to our hearts,” Drake said. “Yes, this is a franchise, but we like to offer a lot of autonomy and freedom in running your business and making decisions.”
Patty Horansky