He has paid his dues in the editing suites - logging thousands of hours, and has written, produced, and directed a feature film Good Cop/Bad Cop. He has literally been in the trenches, and he shares this experience and knowledge with all of the new Home Video Studio owners. While taking film classes at Danville Junior College in the mid-1970's, Robert shared an experience many film enthusiasts remember. He saw what was to become the legendary Star Wars movie in 1977 and immediately realized that he wanted to become a motion picture director. He graduated with a B.A. in Liberal Arts and attended Southern Illinois University. But after one semester, the lure of "Hollywood" was too much to ignore. He dropped out and got sidetracked for four years in the fast food business (owning his own 50's style drive-in restaurant), and he finally produced his first 16mm film - a 23 minute documentary for the Indiana Lions Club Eye Bank entitled Our Goal Is In Sight.

In 1982, with the success of his first major project, Robert started his own film company and moved from his small hometown in Indiana to Indianapolis. As a full-time professional, Robert produced local and national TV commercials, corporate image films and videos, training tapes, and a host of other similar projects for large companies such as: General Motors, General Foods, Jayco RVs, and Airstream, as well as for dozens of advertising agencies, and local and state government organizations. But in the end, he discovered that this type of work was not to be his future. Even with his lengthy list of successful projects, he became the quintessential "starving artist." So, in 1991, Robert decided to do what so many successful entrepreneurs do, he reinvented himself. He took the knowledge and experience he had gained and retooled his production business into what it is today - America's largest network of profitable home-based video services businesses.

The new company focused on offering video services that others couldn't or wouldn't offer but that were definitely needed. From 1991 through 1999, Robert perfected the business model and in the summer of '91, he sold his first Home Video Studio.

A few of the "secrets" of Robert's success
First, he changed his goals from "goals of achievement" to "goals of financial success" using the same skills and knowledge he had worked so hard to learn in the video services arena. He eliminated the unprofitable areas of the video business - the activities that ate up his time without returning enough dollars for the investment. Some of those things were shooting events such as weddings, business meetings, and commercials. Robert instead focused on profitable areas of the business that people needed but not everyone could or would provide like editing, photo keepsakes, and duplication. These are activities that he could leverage into a much larger, more consistent income. Though it took courage, Robert cut his ties with his major video clients and sought out the thousands of customers who were usually "thrilled to find someone who would do their work." He made the home studio the focus of a family business - a fun business - that allowed him the time and money he needed for his growing family. He learned from his mistakes, corrected his approach, and constantly defined and redefined Home Video Studio.

Being part of the HVS family
Building Home Video Studio over the years has been truly a labor of love. Robert wants to teach people who have that same burning desire for creativity and financial success that he has how to work "smart" and how to enjoy life while they work. He believes that if studio owners will follow his plan for success, they can achieve whatever goals they have for themselves and their families. As proof that his system works for him, Robert participates in many non-business activities like playing bass guitar in his church ensemble, vacationing with his family several times a year, and enjoying one of his favorite hobbies - cooking! He is an avid reader and, of course, a film buff. He collects classic sheet music, especially from movies and TV shows. Robert and his wife, Denise, spend hours and hours perusing local antique malls. They enjoy exploring wineries and sampling fine wine. Both are involved in serious physical fitness activities as well. Robert, for example, continues to pursue his black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Denise plays plenty of tennis.

They have two grown children: Nicole, an elementary school teacher, and Aaron, a college student.

At 51, Robert Hanley is truly living the American Dream.