Minuteman Press in Queen Creek, AZ accepts the Emerging Business of the Year Award at the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner on Sept. 26, 2024. Pictured L-R: Kathy Cox, Brian Crowe (Owner), Nathaly Nunez, Maribel Jaquez (Owner), Eric Russell, and Rae Pinkney.

PHOENIX & QUEEN CREEK, Ariz. – Brian Crowe and Maribel Jaquez are the owners of the Minuteman Press franchise in Queen Creek, AZ since August of 2022. As a result of their hard work in their growing community over the past two years, Minuteman Press in Queen Creek won the Emerging Business of the Year Award from the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce. Brian, Maribel, and their team were on hand to accept the award at the Chamber’s 15th Annual Business Awards Dinner that was held on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 at the Encanterra Country Club in Queen Creek.

In the following interview, Brian shares his insights on building the business and why community involvement has helped drive growth. Minuteman Press in Queen Creek is located at 22375 S. Scotland Court, Suite 103, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.

What does it mean to win Emerging Business of the Year? What was the criteria for the award?

“Winning the Emerging Business of the Year Award is incredibly exciting for us. It’s an honor to be recognized, especially here in Queen Creek, one of the 25 fastest-growing cities in the country, where new businesses are opening all around us. This award reflects the dedication and hard work we've put in over the past two years to build something that we’re really proud of. It’s even more meaningful to know that we were nominated by one of our customers, which shows the impact our commitment to quality and service has had.

Criteria for the award was simple. Any business that has opened within the last three years in the City of Queen Creek was eligible to be nominated. The top three finalists were recognized at the Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner where their selection for the winner was announced.”

How would you describe your community in Queen Creek? How important is it to be involved?

“Queen Creek, Arizona is a rapidly growing community that maintains a small town, family-oriented feel. It has a strong sense of community and local businesses play a big part in the community. The surrounding area is a hub for semiconductor manufacturing, software development, aerospace, and other high-tech industries. Marketing is critical for these new businesses and print is an important part of that.

Being involved in the community and supporting local non-profits has helped develop great relationships with our fellow business owners. We have a network that fosters a sense of collaboration and support and has helped all of us grow.”

What are your Top 3-5 ways you’ve been growing/promoting your business?

“Networking has been key to growing and promoting our business. The Chamber of Commerce has been a big part of that. We attend as many of their events as possible, including Ribbon Cuttings for other new businesses. We’ve also found two networking groups that consistently bring us referrals and have helped us develop great relationships in the business community. Finally, over the past year we increased the amount of our SEO spend on the Internet Marketing Program and saw almost immediate results.”

What are your high-demand products and key growth areas?

“Public schools make up a large segment of our customer base which results in a significant amount of digital printing for marketing, day-to-day operations, and mailings. The schools also do a lot of large format printing such as signs and banners. We’ve done several large perforated window projects; the largest was 65 windows at one school. We’ve also been able to capitalize on the growth in our area by offering blueprints and by winning some very large industrial construction projects.”

What is your professional background? Why did you choose Minuteman Press?

“We both have a production background so we love the operational aspect of the process. We were introduced to Minuteman Press when attending a franchise expo. We went with plans to talk to a different franchise but when comparing them to Minuteman Press, we never looked back. The family feel of the Minuteman team won us over immediately.”

What has the support been like for you over the past 2 years?

“Support from the Minuteman Press team has been a huge benefit for us. Our Field Rep Sky Hittle and RVP Jack Panzer are incredibly responsive. On the few occasions we’ve needed support from the MPIHQ/FLEX support team, they have been great. One of the benefits of this franchise is they’re available to help when we need it but allow the autonomy of being an independent business owner.”

What are the rewards of owning your own business?

“We enjoy the sense of camaraderie with other business owners and being a part of a community that supports each other. There is also a level of satisfaction when we deliver to something to our customers that exceeds their expectations. Seeing a positive review online or hearing a customer express their appreciation is very fulfilling.”

What advice do you have for other owners?

“We’re still growing and have a long way to go but I’ve learned not to underestimate the power of building relationships. Networking with other business owners and professionals will lead to valuable partnerships and new business referrals. Marketing efforts can sometimes take a while to show results, so be patient and persistent. Invest in the Internet Marketing Program to boost your online visibility. It’s been one of the most effective tools to generate new business.”

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

“Owning a family business has been a very rewarding experience for us. Building something that we can all be proud of as a family makes every challenge a little easier to face. It has provided our daughter a great growth opportunity, allowing her to develop new skills, gain experience, and understand the value of hard work.”

For more information on Minuteman Press in Queen Creek, visit https://minuteman.com/us/locations/az/queen-creek/ 

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