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Mark and Patti Grosser can measure
their success by one simple business
rule: the client's happiness comes first.
IVZPG TATTOO
141 Lancaster Drive N.E.
Salem, Oregon
Phone: (503) 588-2082
Fax: (503) 363-7982
HOURS: 1 1 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday-Monday
By Tracy Dugan
Mark and Patti Grosser have
earned themselves quite a reputation
in Salem's tattoo industry. And it's
all good. In the past four years, their
business has grown by leaps and
bounds. What started out as a home
based business is now a full-fledged
separate operation, complete with a
staff and contracted tattoo artists.
Mark and Patti, who both used to
work for the Tribe, quit several years
ago to pursue their dream of own
ing their own tattooing business,
something they did as a part-time
project for many years.
But their client list kept growing,
and in the tattoo market, word-of-mouth
recommendations account for
a large part of the business.
"We really came into this during a
time when the tattoo industry was
exploding," said Mark. "We wanted
to be different, develop a superior
reputation."
Part of what MPG does to set a
high standard is not only meet but
consistently exceed state regula
tions when it comes to health and
safety. The state of Oregon does a
surprise inspection once per year,
and in six years, MPG has never had
a violation. MPG uses single-use
disposable needles, and autoclave
sterilization practices. To Mark and
Patti, the satisfaction and safety of
the client is what is most important.
"We are an alcohol and drug-free
shop," said Patti. "We don't tattoo
pregnant ladies, and we counsel ev
eryone who comes in here. They
have to be sure, because a tattoo is
forever."
MPG's motto is, "We Cater To Cow
ards" which means if someone comes
in who is scared or nervous Patti
talks with them and encourages
them to think about their decision.
They can also do a temporary air
brushed tattoo that washes off after
a few days so the client can have a
chance to see what the real thing
might look like.
"The client is always in control here.
We don't pressure people," she said.
Located on Lancaster Drive in Sa
lem, the Grossers have been rent
ing their current shop space since
1998. Before that, they converted
part of their home into business
space, though that is where their
office still is. And during the sum
mer, their children sometimes help
out in the shop, or get into creating
their own art.
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Patti and Mark Grosser and some of their tattoo designs.
Photo by Tracy Dugan
"We create a lot of designs on the
computer," said Patti. "All the busi
ness paperwork is done from home."
The Grossers say that the popular
ity of the designs vary, with about
half of their customers choosing
something they have created. Patti
said that it has been popular for
women to pick a design that will
have the initials of their children or
loved ones hidden in their tattoo.
"We can create something very per
sonal," said Patti. "Many clients
want to know that no one will ever
have another one like theirs."
Mark, who is a tribal member, said
that Small Business Development
has helped them with a business
plan and preparing their taxes. Also,
Mark said that the Member Benefit
Fund has been nice, because those
dollars are also put back into their
business.
This past year, Mark and Patti
both became licenced to teach the art
of tattooing, and MPG Tattoo will
serve as a career school for those in
terested in earning a tattoo licence.
"It's a nine month course," said
Mark. "We will teach the mechan
ics of tattooing, sterilization prac
tices, bookkeeping, colorization, and
skin disorders, as well as basic pro
cedures." Mark said they will accept
students based on their schedule
and availability of openings.
Mark and Patti are both licenced
to tattoo, and their four contractors
are: Eric, Brett, Randy, and Cathy.
The minimum price for an MPG
tattoo is $35, but prices vary depend
ing on how large a design is, and
what part of the body the client
wishes to have tattooed.
Business classes cancelled
You and Your Business Idea
Starting A Successful Business
The business classes that the Small Business Department usually of
fers twice a year (once over twelve weeks in the fall, then again in the
spring) WILL NOT BE OFFERED THIS FALL as originally sched
uled. In addition, at least twelve students are needed to offer the classes
in the spring.
If you had planned on taking either of these classes this fall, you can
still take them through ONABEN's Portland office. If enough students
register, they will be offering the class beginning Thursday, September
9, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. It will be held every Thursday thereafter for a
total of 12 weeks at the Siletz Area Office in Portland. Anyone inter
ested in taking these classes, please call Kristy Kelso with ONABEN at
1-800-854-8289 or (503) 243-5015 - ASAP.
Small business loans
may soon be available
The Tribe's Small Business Development Department receives several
inquiries regarding small business loans. The Tribe does not have a
loan fund of any type.
However, ONABEN is working with the Union Bank of California on
a loan program specially designed to serve the needs of start-up busi
nesses. One of the eligibility criteria for this loan is that the loan appli
cant complete ONABEN's Starting A Successful Business Class.
If you think you might be interested in taking out this business start
up loan your opportunities for participating in this class begin Sep
tember 9 in Portland and then every Thursday thereafter for a total of
12 weeks or wait until January and see if enough students sign up to
offer it in Grand Ronde. For more information, please call the Small
Business Development at 879-2487 or 1-800-422-0232.