Minuteman Press International

LANSING, Mich. –&nbsp;<a href="https://minuteman.com/us/locations/mi/lansing/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=minuteman-press-franchise-in-lansing-mi-passes-torch-to-new-ownership-2731124" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Minuteman Press in Lansing, MI</a> has officially transitioned to new ownership as longtime owners Cary and Lyle Ritter retire after 13 years of dedicated service to their community. The business has been purchased by local entrepreneur Val Orlando and his brothers Anthony, Greg, and Paul, continuing the center’s proud tradition as a family-owned operation invested in supporting Lansing-area businesses. The Ritters leave behind a legacy of community involvement, strong customer relationships, and steady growth, while the Orlando family brings fresh energy and a deep commitment to carrying that legacy forward.A Personal Reflection: Our 13-Year Journey with Minuteman PressBy Cary &amp; Lyle Ritter, Retiring OwnersWe opened our&nbsp;<a href="https://minutemanpressfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=minuteman-press-franchise-in-lansing-mi-passes-torch-to-new-ownership-2731124" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Minuteman Press franchise</a> in July of 2012 after researching several franchise opportunities. Minuteman stood out as the perfect fit, offering not only a strong business model but a supportive network that helped us thrive from day one. With Minuteman Press, we felt we were joining a family, not just buying a franchise. As a result, we stepped into the world of business ownership with energy, optimism, and a commitment to becoming part of our community.Community Engagement &amp; GrowthDuring our first six months, we threw ourselves into local involvement, joining as many organizations and groups as possible to get our name out and build relationships. Each group contributed uniquely to our growth:<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Rotary Club connected us with larger, long-term customers.</li><li>BNI delivered immediate referrals and steady opportunities.</li><li>Women’s Realtor Group introduced us to realtors, title companies, and bankers—an exceptional group that drove meaningful business.</li><li>“Old Folks Meeting” (as we lovingly called it) brought us two lawyers who remain loyal customers to this day.</li><li>Local Chambers of Commerce—we joined five—opened doors in every nearby community.</li><li>Bowling alley advertising helped us stay visible in a fun and unexpected way.</li><li>Joining churches, choirs, and bands at customers’ invitations strengthened our ties and reinforced our reputation as a business that cares.</li></ul>Ultimately, our growth came largely through word of mouth, fueled by genuine relationships and a passion for helping customers bring their projects to life. We truly loved the people we worked with, and that connection made every day rewarding.Support from the Minuteman Press FamilyOur success didn’t happen alone. The ongoing franchise support we received from Minuteman Press International played a major role in our journey. Looking back, we believe our success was directly tied to the support we received from Minuteman Press:<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>The Internet Marketing Program was one of the strongest tools we used, driving real growth year after year.</li><li>New product updates ensured we always knew what was trending and could offer customers the latest solutions.</li><li>Direct mail guidance was a huge part of our success, and Minuteman provided the training we needed to excel.</li><li>FLEX software made managing the business easier; we appreciated the constant updates and improvements.</li></ul>“The combination of strong franchise support and our deep community involvement created a foundation for lasting success. Whenever we faced a challenge, the Minuteman Press Team was ready to help. That support made all the difference.” -Cary Ritter&nbsp;Retirement &amp; Passing the TorchAfter 13 wonderful years, we decided to retire so we could spend more time with our children, grandchildren, parents, and extended family. It was bittersweet—our customers and staff made every day enjoyable, and we will always cherish the projects and people that filled our shop with energy and purpose. These relationships made going to work fun, meaningful, and rewarding.As we pass the torch, we want to extend our warmest wishes to Val, the new owner, and his brothers Anthony, Greg, and Paul. We are confident in Val’s ability to continue serving our community with dedication and passion. This business has been a worthwhile and exciting adventure, and we know Val and his brothers will carry our legacy forward.&nbsp;Our time with Minuteman Press has been rewarding, meaningful, and deeply fulfilling. We are grateful to have been part of the Minuteman family. Thank you for every moment, every customer, and every success along the way.A New Chapter for a New Family: Val Orlando Carries Business Forward with Brothers Anthony, Greg, and PaulA Special Q&amp;A with Val OrlandoWhat was your background before Minuteman Press?&nbsp;“My background is in business. My brothers and I own a few businesses in Greater Lansing that primarily focus on hospitality. We had been customers of Minuteman Press for more than a decade, utilizing the great services provided by Cary and Lyle to promote our own businesses.&nbsp;When the opportunity to purchase Minuteman Press in Lansing arose, we knew it would be another way to further invest in the community we love, and we couldn’t wait to grow and change as entrepreneurs.”&nbsp;You come from a family of entrepreneurs. What does it mean to you to own this business?“It’s true, the entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in our family. My parents and uncle modeled what it meant to be entrepreneurs, pouring hard work and dedication into every professional venture. From their grocery store in downtown Mason to expanding their business portfolio with FunTyme Adventure Parks, seeing firsthand the fulfillment that comes from interacting with customers and making a difference in our community has continued to be what guides us.”“To own the Minuteman Press franchise here in Lansing means everything. This is the town where we live, have made our careers, and have raised our families. It’s exciting to continue to keep serving our community in this capacity. We are very grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to continue to help others promote the moments that matter most to them.” –Val OrlandoWhat are the top 3 reasons you chose Minuteman Press?<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>“Creative business with multiple revenue streams: Minuteman Press offers a wide variety of services businesses need and regularly reorder.&nbsp;</li><li>Support! Minuteman Press offers unmatched support in my opinion. The initial training, field support, marketing/Internet marketing, and proprietary management FLEX software is priceless.</li><li>Freedom with flexibility:&nbsp;The financial benefits and the flexibility of owning your own business along with the strength of being part of an international organization.”</li></ul>What is your message to your customers in Lansing? How is the transition going?&nbsp;“We’re proud to be a family-owned business in Lansing, a community that is so important to us. We continue to offer quality work, personalized service, fast turnaround, and commitment to our community. In addition to making good on our promises, we are looking forward to finding new and different ways to helping other businesses grow and thrive. The transition is going really well! Cary and Lyle have been such gracious partners during this time period offering their expertise. We’re really thankful for their help.”What has the training and support from Minuteman Press been like for you so far?&nbsp;“The multi-stage training and support from the first contact through store setup has been a great experience. The initial training focuses on equipping you with all the knowledge you need to manage and market your business. The onsite training shifts the focus to setting up and launching your Minuteman Press franchise location to be successful.&nbsp; Finally, the ongoing training provides the “face-to-face” support with my RVP and my Field Rep that makes Minuteman truly unique.” Why do you think printing remains so vital to businesses today?“Print is still an integral tool in communication. Whether it’s the promotion of a business or the celebration of a special moment, and everything in between, print matters. And we’re finding new and innovative ways to keep it fresh, while meeting the needs of our community.”&nbsp;What are your goals for the business?“Our goals are simple, but if done well, we will make a big impact:<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Provide quality products that help businesses grow.</li><li>Be Lansing’s go-to center for all printing and marketing needs.”</li></ul>Is there anything else you’d like to share?“We are really excited about the future of Minuteman Press in Lansing as we honor the foundation that Cary and Lyle Ritter have built in the community for over 13 years. The culture of Minuteman Press is rooted in family and mutual support for each other. I know that MPIHQ is invested in our success, and they care about us as people, not just as numbers. My brothers and I are looking forward to connecting and continuing to grow in Lansing.”Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at&nbsp;<a href="https://minutemanpressfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=minuteman-press-franchise-in-lansing-mi-passes-torch-to-new-ownership-2731124" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://minutemanpressfranchise.com</a>&nbsp;

Minuteman Press franchise, Lansing, MI. Pictured L-R: Paul, Val, Cary, Lyle, and Greg.

Minuteman Press Franchise in Lansing, MI Passes Torch to New Ownership

1851 Franchise

Minuteman Press franchise in Lansing, MI has transitioned from retiring owners Cary and Lyle Ritter to entrepreneur Val Orlando and his brothers Anthony, Greg, and Paul.

This brand page has been paid for by MINUTEMAN PRESS INTERNATIONAL. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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Own a Minuteman Press Franchise

Dennis and Debbie Murray are the owners of&nbsp;<a href="https://minuteman.com/us/locations/tx/galveston/">Minuteman Press in Galveston, Texas</a> since February of 2024. As they celebrate two years in business, Dennis talks about making a career change from electrical engineering and the oil and gas industry to printing, why he chose to own a&nbsp;<a href="https://minutemanpressfranchise.com">Minuteman Press franchise</a>, and growing the business.Prior to Minuteman Press, Dennis shares, “I started my career as an electrical engineer and eventually transitioned into executive corporate compliance within the oil and gas industry. My wife Debbie owned and operated her private practice as a physical therapist specializing in balance and neurological care. We chose Minuteman Press for the business hours (work life balance away from corporate demands – hours, travel, work demands, etc.); Minuteman Press’ track record and reputation in franchising and the printing industry; and leveraging previous printing and computer/software experience I had when I worked for USA Today while going to college.”The training and support were huge factors in helping Dennis feel comfortable with the business. He says, “The initial training helped us get a quick start in the business. The training included classroom training via Zoom and then hands-on setup by the field representatives at our location.&nbsp;Both were invaluable to our early and ongoing success.&nbsp;The support team at Minuteman Press is amazing.&nbsp;There has never been a time when our issues were not resolved, or our questions were not completely answered. Minuteman Press is always available to help us.”On growing the business, Dennis shares, “I've been running this business for two years now, and I truly believe my success comes down to a few key things. First and foremost, it's all about adding real value to every customer, making sure they get more than they expect. You've got to separate yourself from the competition; otherwise, you're just another option. Referrals have been huge for us; they're such a crucial part of our multi-pronged marketing strategies.Dennis continues, “Repeat business is absolutely a key factor; loyal customers are what keep the doors open. We've been fortunate to take advantage of this close, tight community around us, where word travels fast. Positive feedback from clients keeps us motivated and brings in new faces.”He adds, “Having a graphic designer right here on site has made a world of difference in keeping our branding sharp and consistent. I always tell my team to take the time for outstanding customer service and to go that extra mile; it pays off every time. And none of it would work without great teamwork, trusting each other, supporting one another, and growing through our mistakes. That's the foundation of everything we've achieved here.”Dennis concludes, “As with any other business, what you put into it is what you get out of it.&nbsp;We work hard but we couldn’t do it without the support from the local and corporate teams, a system to manage our business (Minuteman Press FLEX software), trade vendors that Minuteman Press provides, and brand recognition.”Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at&nbsp;<a href="https://minutemanpressfranchise.com">https://minutemanpressfranchise.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Minuteman Press franchise team, Galveston, Texas.

Dennis and Debbie Murray own the Minuteman Press franchise in Galveston, Texas. Dennis talks about making a career change from electrical engineering to printing.

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Dennis Murray Talks Career Change to Printing in Galveston, TX

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Daniel Hsu is the owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://minuteman.com/us/locations/ca/covina/">Minuteman Press in Covina, CA</a> since February of 2025. As he celebrates one year in business, Daniel shares his journey to Minuteman Press as well as his thoughts on the training and ongoing support provided by&nbsp;<a href="https://minutemanpressfranchise.com">Minuteman Press International</a>. He also talks about attending his first Minuteman Press World Expo last summer and what it means to support local businesses in Covina.Journey to Minuteman Press:&nbsp;“I was actively searching for a business opportunity when I came across Dan Byers’ listing for the Covina location. What ultimately sold me were two key things: the incredible level of support offered by the franchisor—especially in hiring, marketing, and acquisitions; and the strong sense of community among Minuteman Press owners.”Training &amp; Support:&nbsp;“Minuteman Press International Regional VP Dan Byers and Area Manager Damien Neitzke have been incredibly understanding and accommodating every step of the way. We also had the chance to meet many of the Southern California owners at the World Expo, which was an amazing experience. The energy, encouragement, and willingness to share advice was truly motivating for us.”World Expo:&nbsp;“If I had known how impactful the World Expo would be, it might have been the deciding factor in choosing Minuteman Press! It far exceeded our expectations. My wife and I gained tremendous value from the seminars, vendor exhibits, and—most importantly—the networking opportunities. Talking with experienced owners and exchanging ideas was incredibly inspiring.”Marketing: “The Internet Marketing Program has been the most effective by far. We’re only a few months in and we’ve already seen noticeable growth. That said, we’re also beginning to ramp up our Direct Marketing efforts, which we just ramped up in September. We are excited to see where it takes us.”Supporting Local Businesses:&nbsp;“We feel like we are just getting started as we focus on building relationships locally. One thing I’m proud of is how we’ve started to win over our local City Office. After stepping in to handle a few tight, same-day turnaround jobs, they’ve been coming back with more projects. That kind of trust is something we’re excited to build on.”Final Thoughts:&nbsp;“The level of support is unlike anything I’ve seen with other franchises. What really stands out is how personal it feels; you’re not treated like just another number. We’re referred to as owners, and they always call us by name. That sense of belonging and recognition means a lot. Although we’re still new, we have high expectations for our future growth, and we’re confident we’ll get there with the continued support of the Minuteman Press community. We’ve seen so many success stories among owners, and we’re excited to be part of this journey.”For more information on Minuteman Press in Covina, CA, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://minuteman.com/us/locations/ca/covina/">https://minuteman.com/us/locations/ca/covina/</a>Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at&nbsp;<a href="https://minutemanpressfranchise.com">https://minutemanpressfranchise.com</a>

Minuteman Press, Covina, CA. Pictured L-R: Daniel Hsu, Adriana Hsu, and Christine McBurney.

Daniel Hsu is the owner of Minuteman Press in Covina, CA since February of 2025. Daniel shares his journey to Minuteman Press and why he chose franchising.

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Daniel Hsu Achieves One Year in Covina

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Minuteman Press franchise owners John & Daryn Harrell, High Point, NC

Minuteman Press Franchise Review: From Food to Print in High Point, NC

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In September of 1985, Al and Vivian Calis signed their agreement to purchase their&nbsp;<a href="https://minutemanpressfranchise.com/">Minuteman Press franchise</a> in Washington, DC. When they officially opened for business in February of 1986, Al and Vivian’s son Mark Calis was hired as their first employee. 40 years after he first joined the business working in bindery press operating, Mark is proud to still be carrying the family’s legacy forward to new heights today in 2026.&nbsp;Regional VP Bob Heimbuch presented Mark with the Special Achievement Award commemorating 40 years in business for the Calis Family. Bob says, “This incredible achievement is very well-earned by Mark, his family, and his team. I congratulate Mark on his continued success.”&nbsp;In the following interview, Mark offers his own personal reflections on joining the business in 1986, the evolution of the business and the printing industry, and why keeping customers happy never gets old.What does it mean to you to reach 40 years in business?&nbsp;“I’m honestly amazed by how much our industry has changed over the past 40 years—and proud of how we’ve adapted along the way to stay relevant. We started as a purely offset print shop, using blue-line proofs (which were literally blue lines), pricing jobs on a Tandy TRS-80—our very first ‘computer’—and doing cut-and-paste work entirely by hand. Everything was manual. When I look at where we are today, it feels like a lifetime ago. Having the opportunity to witness and be part of that evolution firsthand has been both humbling and incredibly rewarding.”When did you join the family business? What do you remember most from those early days?“My parents started the business in 1986 after my father retired as an airline pilot, and I was their first employee. I began in bindery, which at the time was entirely manual work. From there, I learned to run a press—the Multilith 1250—and took on whatever tasks needed to be done. I would come to the shop after school to help out and once I started driving, I handled deliveries as well. Those were truly the early years. After spending a few years away and graduating from college, I returned to the family business.At that point, sales weren’t strong, and my dad offered me a position based on 100% commission. I was young and naïve, so I hit the streets to make a living. It took time to land paying customers, and that experience taught me to appreciate every single print order. My first year, I made just under $16,000. I’ve never forgotten that, and it’s why I believe owners must stay involved in selling—even after 40 years in business.”How has your business evolved over the years? What are you most excited about today?“Technology has transformed nearly every aspect of our business, making us more efficient and opening new opportunities—from marketing and advertising to pricing, prepress, and digital printing. Watching the cycle of technology never gets old. Seeing a booklet coming out of a machine fully saddle-stitched, trimmed, and ready to box still brings a sense of nostalgia and pride."How have your customers grown with you over the past 40 years?“Over the years, we’ve worked with many organizations that began with just a few employees and grew into much larger operations. Seeing them stay loyal to us while remembering where they started has meant a great deal. Growing together builds lifetime relationships. Being located on Capitol Hill has also given me the opportunity to work with many politicians. There are moments when I go home, turn on the national news, and see one of our printed pieces on TV. That never fails to bring a smile to my face.”After 40 years, what everyday moments still bring you joy inside the shop?“Happy customers. Watching someone’s idea go from concept to finished product never gets old. Often, a new customer comes to us in a panic because another printer couldn’t meet a deadline or a shipment was lost. Being able to step in, pull off what feels like a miracle, and turn that customer into a long-term relationship is incredibly rewarding.”“Our motto has always been customer service, customer service, customer service. We truly live and die by our customers.” –Mark CalisIf you could talk to your younger self, what would you want to say?“It hasn’t always been easy. Business isn’t always a bed of roses. But if you stick with it, work hard, and treat your customers and employees with kindness and respect, this business can reward you tremendously. I’d say, ‘Good job for sticking with it—even on the tough days.’”What advice do you have for other owners looking to replicate your success and longevity?“Stay with it. Follow the program. Take full advantage of everything Minuteman Press World HQ and your local representatives offer. Also, my advice is to always go above and beyond customer expectations—it pays off tenfold. Tough days come and go for everyone, but if you’re honest and trustworthy, customers will recognize that and reward you with loyalty.”Is there anything else you’d like to share?“Overall, it has been a great ride. We started with Roy Titus, then worked with Bob Titus, and now with Nick and Jackie Titus. The Titus family has always been incredibly supportive, and for that we are deeply grateful. A special Thank You goes to Mike Jutt, who has always been a guiding light.I’ve met so many great people—both at MPIHQ and fellow owners—who have helped us along the way. Without Minuteman Press, we would not be where we are today. This business has allowed my wife, our kids, and me to live a good life, and for that, we are truly thankful.”Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at&nbsp;<a href="https://minutemanpressfranchise.com">https://minutemanpressfranchise.com</a>&nbsp;

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Mark Calis proudly displays his 40-Year Special Achievement Award.

Minuteman Press franchise owner Mark Calis celebrates over 40 years of family business ownership in Washington, DC, awarded Special Achievement Award.

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Mark Calis Celebrates 40 Years in DC

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Jeff and Diana Merritt are the owners of the&nbsp;<a href="https://minutemanpressfranchise.com/">Minuteman Press franchise</a> in Salisbury, MD since March of 2010. Regional VP Bob Heimbuch presented Jeff and Diana with their Golden Minuteman Award celebrating 15+ years in business. Bob shares, “Through their continued marketing efforts and they're selfless approach to giving back to the community, the Merritts have enjoyed 15 years of continual growth.”In the following interview, Jeff shares his insights on community-building, generating customer referrals, and being a consistent business partner for clients of&nbsp;<a href="https://minuteman.com/us/locations/md/salisbury/">Minuteman Press in Salisbury</a>.Congrats on 15+ years in business! What are your keys to longevity and success?“Some of our keys to longevity are customer service, networking, and adapting to changes in the industry. In a time where outstanding customer service is becoming the exception and not the rule, we try to stay laser-focused on the best ways we can serve our customers. Networking is a great way to meet business owners that are looking for quality printing services and we are finding that more and more people want to shop local. For every problem, there is a solution, and we try to remain solution focused.”“We have a very high referral rate when it comes to acquiring new clients and getting repeat business. We are proud of the fact that our focus on customer service and doing right by our clients has been a key contributor to our success and longevity. We are consistent; we are reliable, and customers appreciate that more than anything.” -Jeff Merritt&nbsp;What changes have you’ve seen in 15 years?“The biggest change we’ve seen is the many different products that are available today vs. 15 years ago. Technology has changed quite a bit as well and we feel it is important to move and adapt with these changes. One thing that has remained consistent is that business-related printing remains a valuable commodity in our community for the past 15 years.”You are very active in your community. What does that mean to you to give back?“Being involved in the community is something we have always enjoyed. We started a nonprofit organization 18 years ago called Operation We Care, which supports our military and First Responders. We are members of many local civic groups and Chambers of Commerce. It is important to give back to the community and there are always areas of need. It’s a good feeling when you can help someone who might not be having their best day.”What is your background? What has the support from Minuteman Press meant to you?&nbsp;My background was in the service industry and business ownership/partnership of one type or another. Diana had some background in printing, so the transition was very easy for us. The support from Minuteman Press International has been excellent from the very beginning. We get calls from Bob Heimbuch to check and see how we are doing and anytime we have to reach out with a question or concern, it is handled immediately.”What are the biggest rewards of owning your business?“The biggest reward is building the business from where we started and getting it to where we are today. We have developed some amazing relationships along the way, and we are grateful for the opportunities we get and the people we meet.”What advice do you have for other owners?&nbsp;“I would say the best advice I can give is to show up every day and be ready to serve your customers. Use the resources that Minuteman Press has available and get out and network. People like to do business with people they know and respect. Get involved in your community, whether that is volunteering or starting a project of your own.”Is there anything else you’d like to share?“In closing, we are very happy we signed on with Minuteman Press. They have always been there to help when we needed it, and we look forward to what the future brings.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://images.1851franchise.com/fit-in/filters:format(webp)/story/editorarticle_editor-1765982351.jpg"></figure>Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at&nbsp;<a href="https://minutemanpressfranchise.com">https://minutemanpressfranchise.com</a>&nbsp;

Minuteman Press franchise owners Jeff & Diana Merritt, Salisbury, MD.

Minuteman Press franchise owners Jeff and Diana Merritt celebrate 15 years of community-driven success as printing business owners in Salisbury, Maryland.

Minuteman Press Franchise in Lansing, MI Passes Torch to New Ownership

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