Al Trapani’s attraction to Manhasset goes back almost 40 years. He had close friends that lived here and he actually worked in a small shop on Plandome Road in the early ‘70s. His staff doesn’t believe that he had a ponytail and worked in a leather shop.
Trapani owned an art gallery and frame shop in Sayville in 2004 and when he found out The Frame Shoppe of Manhasset was for sale, he jumped at the opportunity.
Hands down, what Trapani likes best about Manhasset are the wonderful, friendly residents.
He said, “My staff and I are always treated warmly and with respect. The feeling is mutual.”
Trapani said that without going into a “song and dance,” he feels Plandome Road should be one of the premier “Main Streets” on Long Island. For whatever reason, it is coming up short and hasn’t been able to attract the shops, restaurants, etc., that this town deserves.
The commercial section of Plandome Road from Northern Boulevard northwards should be a beautiful, pedestrian friendly street with Mary Jane Davies Park as its centerpiece. He has been here for more than eight years now and said he has been waiting patiently (along with other merchants) for revitalization, but nothing ever seems to happen and no one seems to have any answers.
Trapani Art and Frame isn’t a family business per se. His wife Kathy does all of the bookkeeping and makes sure the bills are paid.
However, the three ladies that work with him on a daily basis: Deb Bassen, Ramona Janson and Elaine Karton, have been with Trapani since the beginning and he said he feels as though they truly are family.
Trapani remarked that he has been self-employed since he was 18 years old, adding “I can honestly say I’ve never had a boss (my wife and mother excluded).” He believes that, “there are obviously many reasons for a business to be successful and the most important reason is personnel.” He has always prided himself with being able to hire talented and caring people and believes that, “this, in a nut shell, is what separates Trapani Art and Frame from the competition.” Trapani said that the three ladies mentioned above each bring their own special talents to the table and care about customers as much as he does. He said, “Nothing makes me happier than when a customer comes in and asks for one of them by name. I know they were treated right the first time. Whether framing grandma’s wedding photo or a child’s first painting, we treat each project as if it was our own. A satisfied customer who actually looks forward to bringing their next project to us is our primary goal.”
Trapani adds that their business, like so many others, has certainly changed over the last few years. The two biggest reasons for change are the internet and the recession. He feels that the internet has had a positive as well as a negative effect on his industry.
For example, he said their competition isn’t down the street any more, it is now global.
That being said, the internet has opened many of his customers’ eyes to what is available in the picture framing, fine art and custom mirror industry. That knowledge along with the personalized service that Trapani Art and Frame offers has brought in new business that they might not have seen.
Trapani said that if anything positive came out of the recession, it is that he had to become a better businessman. He learned to operate “lean and mean” to survive the worst of times.
They brought in a more affordable line of products and tightened their belts. He said, “I certainly want to thank my customers for sticking with us. I am well aware that picture frames and fine art aren’t high on the priority list of a family’s household expenses.”
What Trapani would like to tell the community about the store is that it is not just a frame shop, “We carry a wonderful selection of original and reproduction art by some very talented local artists such as Connie Foley, Larry Chrapliwy, Howard Rose and Elaine Karton to name just a few. We also carry the complete Carver’s Guild line of fine gilded mirrors and we can design custom mirrors to fit any room and style. All of our products can be delivered and installed if needed.”
The next big change for the shop is the installation of a large screen TV with internet access. Customers will be able to sit down with a staff member and view literally thousands of prints, fine art and mirror options available from the comfort of the shop.
Trapani said, “We will have the art, some of which can be printed to any custom size, delivered directly to the gallery so that we may design the perfect frame for your home or office.”
Submitted by Manhasset Chamber of Commerce. www.manhassetny.org
