For Minuteman Press franchise owner Eric Shank, World Expo 2025 was a full-circle moment—both a celebration of his remarkable journey and a recognition of his outstanding success as the new owner of Minuteman Press in Catonsville, MD. Shank’s career with Minuteman Press spans over a decade, from serving as a Field Representative for the Mid-Atlantic Region (2013–2019) to managing the Catonsville location for nearly six years before officially purchasing the business in May 2025.
Within his first full month as owner, Eric hit record-breaking sales milestones, putting him on pace to join the President’s Club next year—an elite recognition for top-performing Minuteman Press franchisees. His dedication, leadership, and consistent growth earned him an award and a standing ovation at World Expo 2025, where franchise owners and corporate staff from around the world applauded his achievements.
Eric’s love for printing began in 1999 at a small quick print shop, where he learned to run offset presses and gained hands-on experience in every aspect of the business. “I quickly found a passion for the printing industry and all that goes with it,” he says. After honing his craft in both small and large print operations, he joined Minuteman Press International as a Field Representative in 2013, assisting franchise owners across the Mid-Atlantic Region.
When the opportunity arose to join Minuteman Press in Catonsville as Store Manager in 2019, Eric embraced it wholeheartedly. “The owners were moving out of state and entrusted me to manage the entire business,” he recalls. “Over the next six years, we focused on top-quality products and expanding beyond digital print to include signage, apparel, and promotional products. We quadrupled sales since 2019.”
Purchasing the business earlier this year marked a defining moment in Eric’s professional journey. “It has been quite a journey—from a press operator to now owning my own business,” he says. “Working for the corporate office equipped me with the tools to run a successful printing and marketing company. My family and I are thrilled about what the future holds.”
Breaking new sales records and achieving President’s Club-level performance are milestones Eric doesn’t take lightly. “To become part of that elite group of owners is an incredible honor,” he adds.
At World Expo 2025, Eric’s story came full circle. Having once supported franchise owners from the corporate side, he now stood among them as a peer and success story. “Being presented with an award and receiving a standing ovation was overwhelming,” he says. “To be recognized by my colleagues, friends, and mentors was a moment I’ll cherish forever. The support from everyone—corporate staff, fellow owners, and the MPIHQ team—means the world to me.”
As both a former Field Rep and now a business owner, Eric values the resources and relationships available through Minuteman Press. He credits much of his recent success to embracing innovation and leveraging the Internet Marketing Program (SEM+). “Half of our Top 10 customers have come from Internet Marketing leads,” he explains. “It’s been our best platform for growth.”
At the Expo, Eric also took advantage of the Vendor Show, purchasing two key pieces of equipment to increase production efficiency. “I left feeling more motivated than ever to take our sales to another level,” he says.
Minuteman Press in Catonsville serves a wide range of local clients, including nonprofits, schools, and churches. “We work hard to provide competitive pricing to those organizations,” Eric says. “By supporting their outreach and marketing efforts, we’re helping strengthen the community as a whole.”
Education and training materials remain a staple of his business, while custom-branded apparel has become the fastest-growing segment. “Once you create a standard and build a reputation, word-of-mouth growth becomes unstoppable,” he adds.
Eric credits his success not only to Minuteman Press International’s support system but also to his own dedicated staff. “Our local support team and Regional VP Bob Heimbuch have been tremendous resources,” he says. “As an owner, I’ve learned that surrounding yourself with good people is everything. My staff truly cares about our customers, and that makes all the difference.”
Beyond the numbers, business ownership has allowed Eric to create a healthy balance between work and family life. “I have three young children with busy schedules, and being able to have the flexibility to be present for them is priceless,” he says. “I also make sure my staff feels valued—because I know firsthand what it’s like to be undervalued. Taking care of my team is a top priority.”
Eric’s advice to other franchise owners is simple yet powerful: “Surround yourself with quality people. Never miss a deadline, never produce an inferior product, and never treat customers like numbers. When customers feel appreciated, trust builds—and sales follow.”
Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com
Minuteman Press International
SPONSORED
Minuteman Press franchise owner Eric Shank earns a standing ovation at World Expo 2025 for record-breaking growth and community impact in Catonsville, MD.
For Minuteman Press franchise owner Eric Shank, World Expo 2025 was a full-circle moment—both a celebration of his remarkable journey and a recognition of his outstanding success as the new owner of Minuteman Press in Catonsville, MD. Shank’s career with Minuteman Press spans over a decade, from serving as a Field Representative for the Mid-Atlantic Region (2013–2019) to managing the Catonsville location for nearly six years before officially purchasing the business in May 2025.
Within his first full month as owner, Eric hit record-breaking sales milestones, putting him on pace to join the President’s Club next year—an elite recognition for top-performing Minuteman Press franchisees. His dedication, leadership, and consistent growth earned him an award and a standing ovation at World Expo 2025, where franchise owners and corporate staff from around the world applauded his achievements.
Eric’s love for printing began in 1999 at a small quick print shop, where he learned to run offset presses and gained hands-on experience in every aspect of the business. “I quickly found a passion for the printing industry and all that goes with it,” he says. After honing his craft in both small and large print operations, he joined Minuteman Press International as a Field Representative in 2013, assisting franchise owners across the Mid-Atlantic Region.
When the opportunity arose to join Minuteman Press in Catonsville as Store Manager in 2019, Eric embraced it wholeheartedly. “The owners were moving out of state and entrusted me to manage the entire business,” he recalls. “Over the next six years, we focused on top-quality products and expanding beyond digital print to include signage, apparel, and promotional products. We quadrupled sales since 2019.”
Purchasing the business earlier this year marked a defining moment in Eric’s professional journey. “It has been quite a journey—from a press operator to now owning my own business,” he says. “Working for the corporate office equipped me with the tools to run a successful printing and marketing company. My family and I are thrilled about what the future holds.”
Breaking new sales records and achieving President’s Club-level performance are milestones Eric doesn’t take lightly. “To become part of that elite group of owners is an incredible honor,” he adds.
At World Expo 2025, Eric’s story came full circle. Having once supported franchise owners from the corporate side, he now stood among them as a peer and success story. “Being presented with an award and receiving a standing ovation was overwhelming,” he says. “To be recognized by my colleagues, friends, and mentors was a moment I’ll cherish forever. The support from everyone—corporate staff, fellow owners, and the MPIHQ team—means the world to me.”
As both a former Field Rep and now a business owner, Eric values the resources and relationships available through Minuteman Press. He credits much of his recent success to embracing innovation and leveraging the Internet Marketing Program (SEM+). “Half of our Top 10 customers have come from Internet Marketing leads,” he explains. “It’s been our best platform for growth.”
At the Expo, Eric also took advantage of the Vendor Show, purchasing two key pieces of equipment to increase production efficiency. “I left feeling more motivated than ever to take our sales to another level,” he says.
Minuteman Press in Catonsville serves a wide range of local clients, including nonprofits, schools, and churches. “We work hard to provide competitive pricing to those organizations,” Eric says. “By supporting their outreach and marketing efforts, we’re helping strengthen the community as a whole.”
Education and training materials remain a staple of his business, while custom-branded apparel has become the fastest-growing segment. “Once you create a standard and build a reputation, word-of-mouth growth becomes unstoppable,” he adds.
Eric credits his success not only to Minuteman Press International’s support system but also to his own dedicated staff. “Our local support team and Regional VP Bob Heimbuch have been tremendous resources,” he says. “As an owner, I’ve learned that surrounding yourself with good people is everything. My staff truly cares about our customers, and that makes all the difference.”
Beyond the numbers, business ownership has allowed Eric to create a healthy balance between work and family life. “I have three young children with busy schedules, and being able to have the flexibility to be present for them is priceless,” he says. “I also make sure my staff feels valued—because I know firsthand what it’s like to be undervalued. Taking care of my team is a top priority.”
Eric’s advice to other franchise owners is simple yet powerful: “Surround yourself with quality people. Never miss a deadline, never produce an inferior product, and never treat customers like numbers. When customers feel appreciated, trust builds—and sales follow.”
Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com
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