Minuteman Press International

CHICAGO &amp; LYONS, Ill. – In January of 2024, Lora Noel purchased her <a href="https://minutemanpressfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=minuteman-press-franchise-owner-lora-noel-talks-growth-in-lyons-il-2731920" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Minuteman Press franchise</a> in Lyons, IL. Lora’s daughter Emily has been by her side the entire time and helps her manage the business. Lora says, “I can’t believe it has been two years already! Personally, I feel we’ve made a smooth transition. Clients old and new were very accepting and welcoming. They made us feel great about our decision to become Minuteman Press owners. We certainly feel accomplished.”Over the past two years, Lora, Emily, and team have grown&nbsp;<a href="https://minuteman.com/us/locations/il/lyons/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=minuteman-press-franchise-owner-lora-noel-talks-growth-in-lyons-il-2731920" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Minuteman Press in Lyons</a> through customer service, coming through for her clients, and marketing. Lora shares, “We have found that providing personalized customer service helps bring referrals and Google reviews.&nbsp; We go above and beyond to produce and deliver last minute/odd requests. Investing in the MPIHQ Internet Marketing Program is worth it as it’s helped us grow in our community.”Lora continues, “We have many small businesses and non-profit organizations in our area. We have become friends with other local business owners in Lyons, and we tend to help and promote each other. Making small nonprofit donations of some print helps with advertising.&nbsp; Joining our local Chamber of Commerce and other small business networking organizations has also been a plus for our business.”On the product side, Lora adds, “We are currently receiving a lot of wide format orders for banners, outdoor signage, and yard signs. Our in-house apparel is taking off.&nbsp; We’re also fulfilling custom die-cutting orders for customers such as refrigerator-shaped business cards and corrugated flowers for a zoo garden. Offering quick turnaround and delivery service has been beneficial in keeping our customers coming back to order more.”Journey to Minuteman PressPrior to Minuteman Press, Lora says, “I started out in retail and worked my way up into management.&nbsp; I stepped away to focus on family and helped start an electrical business with my husband.&nbsp;My husband passed away three years ago, so I started looking into purchasing a business of my own.&nbsp;Minuteman Press became an opportunity that I am grateful for every day.”Lora shares how Minuteman Press was the right fit for her. She explains, “The first reason I chose Minuteman Press is the location couldn’t have been closer to my house, as it’s just three blocks away. Another reason I chose to buy this location is because the business was already successful. The previous owner, Steve, is an amazing mentor and he still works in the business on our team.&nbsp; I also get to be my own boss and can be available for my children.”The training and support have also been huge for Lora over the past two years. She says, “The initial training was very thorough. Trainers were always available to answer questions. Our local regional team, Steve and Tom, are consistently checking in with us and they are super quick in answering our questions. FLEX is a very useful tool and program; it certainly makes running this business much smoother.”Rewards &amp; What’s Next?When asked about the rewards of owning her business, Lora says, “I am full of pride for what we have accomplished these last two years.&nbsp; Offering more services to our clients was one of my top goals to build the business. Personally, working with my daughter Emily and being available for my other four kids was super important to me. I want to set a good example for my kids.”Lora’s advice for others is tried and true: “Kindness sure goes a long way. When you make a mistake, admit it, fix it, and make the customer happy. Also, be patient and give guidance. When we collaborate and listen, we can better fulfill our customers’ needs.”What’s next for Minuteman Press in Lyons? Lora answers, “We are always staying on top of new trends and adapting.&nbsp; Once we master one service, we look to master another. In addition, our goal is to try to beat last year’s monthly sales, with a goal of 25% year-over-year growth each month.”Lora concludes, “One last thing I want to share is this: Always be friendly outside the shop. Make friendships everywhere you go. Someone always needs a print job, and they should know who to contact.”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-owner-lora-noel-talks-growth-in-lyons-il-2731920" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://minutemanpressfranchise.com</a>&nbsp;

Minuteman Press Franchise, Lyons, IL. L-R: Steve, Devin, Emily Noel (Manager), and Lora Noel (Owner)

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Lora Noel Talks Growth in Lyons, IL

1851 Franchise

In January of 2024, Lora Noel purchased her Minuteman Press franchise in Lyons, IL. Lora's daughter Emily has been by her side and helps her manage the business.

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

In February of 2022, Tamika and Martin Neal opened the doors of the brand-new Minuteman Press franchise in Libertyville, IL. Four years since their grand opening, Tamika and Martin have successfully built their business from the ground up. How did they do it?&nbsp;In the following interview, Tamika and Martin share their journey to Minuteman Press, how they’ve grown the business, giving back to the community, and why this journey to entrepreneurship means so much to their family.What does this four-year milestone mean to you?“Reaching four years in business is a significant accomplishment for our family and our company. We opened our Minuteman Press center in Libertyville, Illinois, as a brand-new location in a highly competitive print market. Building a business from the ground up, in a community with no existing relationships, required resilience, consistency, and a clear vision for the type of company we wanted to build.We also launched during the pandemic and welcomed a new baby during that same season of life. Balancing business ownership and parenthood during uncertain times stretched our capacity in unexpected ways. Those challenges ultimately strengthened both our leadership skills and our partnership. Growing steadily through those early obstacles reinforced our belief in discipline, faith, and hard work. We take pride in the reputation we have established and the loyal client base we have built over the past four years.”How have you accomplished consistent growth since opening?“Our growth has been intentional and strategic from the very beginning. We committed to focusing on three foundational pillars: exceptional customer service, high-quality production, and consistent visibility in the community. For example, every order is handled with careful attention to detail, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving. In the print industry, small details have a significant impact. File preparation, paper selection, color accuracy, and finishing options all influence the final result. By educating customers and guiding them through these decisions, we ensure that their materials are not only printed correctly but also positioned to function as effective marketing tools.Marketing and networking have been key drivers of our expansion. Through our participation in the Internet Marketing Program, we’ve steadily increased our investment in step with revenue growth. Aligning marketing efforts with sales performance helps maintain momentum, strengthen brand visibility, and support sustained growth. A strong online presence also ensures that when businesses search for printing and direct mail services, our company stands out as a trusted local resource.Beyond digital visibility, we remain active members of two BNI chapters and our local Chambers of Commerce. Regular networking events and scheduled one-to-one meetings allow us to strengthen relationships within the business community. We also execute targeted direct mail campaigns to businesses in specific industries. As printing professionals, we believe in demonstrating the power of print by integrating it strategically with digital marketing to create consistent brand exposure. In addition, we intentionally practice gratitude by including thank you cards with every order, sending holiday greetings, and recognizing top customers. Customer retention is just as important as acquisition, and genuine appreciation builds long-term loyalty.”Specifically, what are the keys to your sales growth?“Several key factors have contributed to our growth. We’ve stayed committed to producing consistent, high-quality work, supported by a disciplined networking approach that keeps us connected with local business leaders. Continued investment in both digital and print marketing has also helped us maintain strong visibility within the community.These efforts work hand in hand with the customer experience we aim to deliver. Completing projects ahead of schedule, offering complimentary delivery, and keeping the ordering process streamlined all reinforce the reliability our clients expect. Our involvement in community organizations and sponsorships further strengthens brand recognition and trust.”What was your background before Minuteman Press?“Before Minuteman Press, Martin served as a police officer, and Tamika worked in education before moving into real estate. Those roles taught us discipline, clear communication, and strong relationship-building skills, which now play a major part in how we operate and grow our business. In addition to our primary careers, we operate a real estate investment company focused on renovating properties in low-income neighborhoods. Our mission has been to provide quality housing and contribute positively to the communities we serve.”What are the top reasons you chose Minuteman Press?“We chose Minuteman Press because we were ready for a career transition and wanted to build something together after years of working opposite schedules. The opportunity to combine entrepreneurship with a structured support system was highly appealing. The comprehensive training program, experienced field representatives, and proven operational systems gave us confidence as first-time owners in the print industry. Our Field Representative, Tom Ganoe, has offered valuable guidance in both marketing strategy and production decisions. Our Regional VP, Steve Szymanski, provides practical operational insight that has helped us navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. Additionally, the strength of the established brand reputation, the approved vendor network, and access to predesigned marketing resources have allowed us to operate efficiently and strategically from the start.”What has the training and support from Minuteman Press been like for you?“The training and support have been reliable and well-structured. The FLEX software tutorials make it easy to find answers quickly and keep our operations running smoothly. In addition to the technical resources, having access to advisors who understand both print production and business management has helped shorten the learning curve. Altogether, the combination of technical guidance and practical business support has played an important role in our development and steady growth.”How would you best describe your business community? How are you active?“Libertyville has a very supportive business community where relationships truly matter. We stay active by participating in both our local and county Chambers of Commerce and by being members of BNI. Being part of these groups has helped us build meaningful relationships that extend well beyond quick introductions. These ongoing networking efforts strengthen trust and help us build genuine relationships with other local business owners. Strong relationships have been essential to our success, because clients naturally prefer to work with people they know, like and trust.”What are your high-demand products, and how did you build your client base from first orders to repeat business?“Digital printing and direct mail represent our highest demand services. We identified these areas by analyzing FLEX reports and studying consistent purchasing trends among clients. Rather than dividing attention equally across every product category, we focus marketing efforts on services that deliver the greatest demand and measurable value.Collaboration and education are also central to our process. We guide clients on mailing formats, paper selection, and effective calls to action so that their printed materials produce meaningful results. Lastly, quality control remains a top priority. If an error occurs, we take full responsibility and resolve it promptly. That level of accountability fosters long-term trust and encourages repeat business.”What are the biggest rewards of owning your business?“One of the most meaningful professional rewards has been earning referrals from clients. When someone recommends our business, it reflects their confidence in our work and the way we operate. It’s also gratifying to see the materials we produce contribute to successful events and marketing efforts throughout the community. On a personal level, business ownership has strengthened our ability to work as a team and pushed us out of our comfort zones. We’ve learned to lean into our individual strengths—Martin leading operations and production, and Tamika focusing on marketing and community partnerships. This is when our business operates most effectively.”What advice do you have for others?“Keep your marketing simple and consistent. Commit fully to the Internet Marketing Program and approach networking with clear intention. Purchasing decisions are built on trust, so focus on building relationships before expecting results. Effective networking also requires structure—follow-up communication, an organized database, scheduled one-to-one meetings and a mindset centered on providing value. When relationships are built with consistency and purpose, long-term growth naturally follows.”What is next for your business?“We’ve outgrown our current space and are actively searching for a larger location. This expansion will strengthen our direct mail services and allow us to invest in additional mail‑processing equipment to handle larger campaigns. The added space will also improve workflow, increase production efficiency, and create opportunities to introduce new services that align with our long-term vision.As we grow operationally, we remain equally focused on expanding our community impact. We are committed to giving back and strengthening our support of nonprofit organizations in meaningful and sustainable ways. Our goal is to continue building a business that not only serves clients with excellence but also contributes positively to the Libertyville community.”&nbsp;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 franchise owners Martin & Tamika Neal, Libertyville, IL.

Minuteman Press franchise owners Tamika and Martin Neal have successfully built their business from the ground up since their grand opening in 2022. How did they do it?

Minuteman Press Franchise Owners Tamika & Martin Neal Celebrate 4 Years in Libertyville, IL

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Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Wes Froebel at his center in Amherst, NY.

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Wes Froebel Grows Through Acquisitions

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Minuteman Press franchise owners Elena Galkina and her son Vlad Galkin, Santa, Clara, CA.

Minuteman Press Franchise Review: Elena Galkina & Vlad Galkin

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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 Lora Noel Talks Growth in Lyons, IL

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