Frank Bittner, Jr. started his career in the printing industry when he was just 18 years-old working alongside his father Frank, Sr.; he has certainly learned a lot along the way. Today, Frank is the second-generation owner of Minuteman Press in Cherry Hill, NJ, which is celebrating 24 years in business as part of the world's largest digital printing, design, and marketing franchise. 

CHERRY HILL, N.J.—Frank Bittner, Jr. has gained highly valuable knowledge over his 26 years in the printing industry. Of course, he had a great mentor in his father Frank, Sr., who first joined the Minuteman Press franchise family in Ewing, NJ in 1989. In 1992, the Bittners bought the Minuteman Press location in Cherry Hill, NJ, where they are now celebrating 24 years in business. 

Family-friendly franchise

"Printing is my life. It's everything I know and love," says Frank Bittner, Jr. This is not a surprising sentiment coming from a man who has helped his father build their Minuteman Press franchise business since he was a teenager. Minuteman Press has proven to be a family-friendly franchise for the Bittners: Frank, Jr. is running the business in Cherry Hill, NJ, while his Uncle Joe is operating in nearby Hainesport.

"I love that we have established a family business that we can all be proud of," says Frank. "It's amazing to see what we have been able to accomplish as business owners, but there is no greater feeling than being able to help our customers. As the printing industry has changed over the past three decades and new technologies have emerged, the most rewarding thing about what we do is still the same as it was when we first started – providing valuable services to businesses."

Richard Hornberger, Minuteman Press Regional Vice President for Philadelphia and South Jersey, extended his congratulations to the Bittners, saying, "Frank, Sr. and Frank, Jr. are exemplary Minuteman Press franchise owners and an incredible team. It is no surprise that they are celebrating 24 years in business because they have done and continue to do everything the right way. They truly care about their customers their business has thrived as a result."

What is the Modern Print Industry?

Celebrating 24 years in business allows Frank Bittner, Jr. to reflect on the evolution of the printing industry. "When we first started, we had a dark room and would design a newsletter in 4-6 weeks. Now it can all be designed, printed, and delivered in a matter of days." Frank notes that print remains in high demand, but the turnaround time is faster than it has ever been. "We can turn around projects anywhere from 2 hours to 1 week. We can produce everything so much quicker, and the quality today is far superior to what it used to be."

As Frank indicates, the modern print industry is faster, higher quality, and more versatile than ever before. As the world's largest and #1 rated design, print, and marketing franchise, Minuteman Press International remains at the forefront of the industry. "Minuteman Press always looks towards the future and helps us stay on top of the latest trends. Instead of shying away from new technology, they welcome it with open arms, implement it, and say, 'Let's look at the next step.'"  

One prime example of this is the fact that Minuteman Press has fully embraced digital printing and all of its benefits that get passed along both the franchise owners and their customers. It allows owners like Frank Bittner, Jr. to meet customer demand and even exceed expectations when it comes to the superior products that are being produced. "With digital printing, the quality is superb and the turnaround time is fast. We can keep color profiles for companies to ensure brand consistency, and projects that used to take 10 days can be done in 2 days instead."

Expanding Business Capabilities with Help from Xerox

Recently, Frank's Minuteman Press franchise has expanded its digital printing capabilities by adding the Xerox® Versant® 80 Digital Press to its design, print, and marketing center. In addition to the benefits outlined earlier, digital printing also makes full-color printing more efficient and affordable for businesses that are looking to take advantage of the power that print marketing has in increasing brand awareness and driving customer engagement. From custom full-color brochures and catalogs to personalized direct mail campaigns that Minuteman Press can design and deliver from start to finish, digital printing has truly brought in a new modern era for the printing and marketing industries.

For Frank Bittner, Jr., the Xerox® Versant® 80 also served a more practical purpose. He explains, "The Versant enabled us to eliminate our offset press, opening up more room in our shop." 

Favorite Things and Advice for Others

26 years in printing and 24 years in business in Cherry Hill, Frank Bittner, Jr. has a solid grasp on a few of his favorite things. When asked about his customers, Frank says, "I love keeping them happy with their expectations in both quality and turnaround. Coming through for my clients and getting the job done is extremely important and equally rewarding to me and the business."

As for the Minuteman Press franchise, Frank offers this review: "I love that they are there for me whenever I need them, but they don't interfere in my day to day operations. Minuteman Press really is like one big franchise family, and I am honored to be continuing my father's legacy as a second-generation owner."

Frank's advice for others who are seriously considering owning a Minuteman Press franchise is this: "Print is not dead. We have seen in the last few years that there are so many markets out there where print is in high demand and delivers results. People want to be connected, to have that paper in their hands, and they want to hold those products that then grab their attention. I just feel that businesses and people are always open to print. That is never going to go away and this will continue to be a solid business."