Business weathers recession, builds family atmosphere

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Many businesses are going through thin times and for suppliers, such as Advertising Ideas, a Native-owned business based in Farmington, that means thin times as well.

Last year was the worst in its 23-year history, said owner Sherry Foutz, Potawatomie/Choctaw.

Revenues are down 15 percent, which she said wasn't as bad as some other businesses that lost as much as 35 percent.

But for a business that was used to averaging 10 percent yearly growth, it's bad enough.

Advertising Ideas can screen prints or embroider a company's logo onto shirts, banners and the like, and also offers creative services to help businesses establish their visual identity.

Over time, Foutz has built a solid business while holding close to her Native American ties. Despite the severe recession, she has managed to trim spending without laying off anyone.

"We have about 20 employees and all but three are Native American," she noted. In addition, most are women.

As such, Foutz has created a mother-friendly work environment, meaning that employees are welcome to bring their children to work.

"Because this is a woman-owned business, the environment is family friendly," Foutz said. "I place a high value on motherhood."

Her philosophy has created an environment in which almost every office has evidence of a child's presence. In the office of Foutz's daughter, Jonell Lucero, 7-week-old Noah Lucero lays in his car seat.

Lucero, 28, said for as long as she can remember, her mother always brought her children to work, so she's happy to follow suit.

"It makes it a lot easier for family life," Lucero said.

Natasha Farley, the company's graphic artist since 2003, said being able to bring her 3-year-old daughter to work makes her feel that Foutz has created a family atmosphere at the workplace.

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"I thought I'd have to do daycare. (Foutz and Lucero) said, 'Why don't you bring her?' I think that's why I've been with them for so long, because they've been good to me," said Farley, Navajo, who is from Upper Fruitland, N.M.

To occupy themselves, the children can go upstairs to a playroom loaded with toys and a TV that plays DVDs. And the company's new building in Farmington has an outdoor fenced play area complete with a slide for the warmer months.

That building was purchased just last month, Foutz said. Despite the cuts, Advertising Ideas now operates out of two buildings. The Farmington building is a 5,000-square-foot space that houses the graphic artist and sales staff. Production is done in a 7,000-square-foot structure in Kirtland, N.M.

Foutz's success is not based on luck, she said. Rather, she follows some advice her mother gave her. "Pray like everything depends on God and work like everything depends on you."

Advertising Ideas is located at 2010 San Juan Blvd. in Farmington and is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The production plant is located at 4345 Highway 64 in Kirtland. For information: 800-353-5002 or www.advertisingidea.com.