BURNSVILLE, Minn.—Dan Reeves is a 35-year veteran of the printing industry who has seen it all. He once owned a competing print franchise that he was unhappy with and then worked in the corporate world for ten years before finding the right opportunity to rejoin the world of entrepreneurship. That opportunity came in the form of a Minuteman Press franchise for sale in Burnsville, Minnesota. Located just two miles from his house, Dan did his research on Minuteman Press, liked what he saw in terms of local support and a unique capped royalty structure, and was sold. He bought the franchise, brought his son Mike on board to help grow the business, and they are now celebrating one year together as a dynamic father and son business success story.

In a radio interview with Real Estate Chalk Talk Radio on AM1280 The Patriot (WWTC in Minnesota), Dan and Mike Reeves spoke about the state of the print industry, how they secure and serve clients, and why they chose Minuteman Press.

Changes in the Print Industry

In 35 years, the print industry has certainly seen its share of changes. One thing that will never change is that businesses need print to operate and use print as a vital piece of their marketing and advertising programs. The emergence of digital printing has bolstered businesses like Minuteman Press because it enables franchise owners to provide cost-effective, high quality products at a rapid pace. Dan says, “Today it’s primarily digital, so short run full color has taken the market by storm. It’s very popular, very affordable for businesses.” 

In a service-based economy where everything needs to be done accurately with fast turnaround, digital printing meets those requirements and Minuteman Press is able to fulfill the needs of business owners as a result. Dan explains, “Quite often you decide Monday morning and you need something Monday afternoon. We see it constantly.” 

Growing the Family Business

Mike Reeves spends his time working to grow the family business. He says, “I’m in the community every single day … just basically introducing ourselves.”  Mike’s approach is effective: “You know we’re new owners, a local business, dropping off some information, following up. We’re just offering what everybody needs, offering competitive pricing and then it’s just a lot of following up. I’m back out there every day continuously.”

After securing new clients, Dan and Mike Reeves do everything they can to make sure they provide the highest levels of quality and service, along with fast turnaround. When relationships are built the right way and customers can put a face to the name, there is a high level of trust that develops naturally. Then, during those times when clients need important projects to be completed as quickly as possible, they will turn to those familiar faces they know they can trust. That is what Minuteman Press is all about.

Internet Marketing is a Powerful Tool

While Mike Reeves builds those all-important relationships in the community, the Minuteman Press franchise in Burnsville also takes advantage of search engine marketing programs that are made available to them by Minuteman Press International.  Dan says, “The Internet is a powerful tool. We’ve gotten some of our biggest clients simply Googling in a radius. You know we work hard on our search engine marketing so we get to the top.”

After being found by prospects, the follow-up is the key to converting them into clients. On this point, Dan states, “They call us, we visit them. They email, they download on the Internet. They bring in zip drives. We do have a full-time graphic designer so we welcome sketches. We’ve branded brand new brands for a number of companies. Logo design, those sorts of things.” With Minuteman Press, Internet marketing is indeed a powerful tool for franchise owners, as is the ability to communicate and share files with clients in any way they prefer. Face to face, over the phone, via email or online, it is all available conveniently for customers.

The Minuteman Press Difference

As for how Dan Reeves found and ultimately decided on Minuteman Press, he explains, “I was just searching online, saw an opportunity, and learned about the franchise. It’s really important to learn about the franchise, that they’re going to be there to support you. Take care of you if you are stumbling and falling, try to educate you. I just loved it right away.”

When comparing Minuteman Press to his earlier experiences with a competing print franchise, things couldn’t be more different. Dan elaborates, “The biggest difference is the royalty structure. My old one there was no royalty cap. As we grew, we just sent them more and more money. Mine is now capped at 6 percent. That’s huge.”

“With one year now under their belts as Minuteman Press owners, Dan and Mike Reeves can rest assured that as they continue to grow their business in Burnsville, they will be able to keep those profits rather than constantly pay more in royalties,” says Matt Peretz, Minuteman Press International Regional Vice President for Minnesota. He adds, “As with many of our owners, the royalty incentive program is a huge benefit and relief to them, and we are proud to make it available.”