Minuteman Press Franchisee Sherri Winslow Reflects on 20+ Years in Business in Palm Desert, CA & Joins President’s Club

Minuteman Press International, a leading printing franchise with nearly 1,000 locations, is all about providing a reliable and scalable path to successful business ownership. As long as franchise owners are willing to put in the work, they will have a proven blueprint to follow. 

Sherri Winslow, a Minuteman Press franchise owner in Palm Desert, California, is a prime example of a resilient and dedicated owner who has transformed personal tragedy into professional triumph. When her husband suddenly passed away in 2012, Winslow made the difficult decision to carry on as she took a more prominent role in the business as the sole owner and operator. Since then, Winslow has continued to build her business, recently joining the ranks of the Minuteman Press President’s Club after crossing the $1 million revenue mark in 2022. 

“Reflecting on our 20 years in business makes me realize that we were fortunate to partner with a good franchisor,” said Winslow. “Very few small businesses were able to make it through this period without a strong management and operational program to follow. That, along with proper training and support from people that have been in the print business, have made a huge impact. We will always be thankful for this.”

A 20 Year Franchising Journey

Winslow’s tenure at Minuteman Press began two decades ago when she and her husband first decided to open the business in their community of Palm Desert. The duo decided to purchase an existing Minuteman Press location, bringing in $19,000 in their first month. After spending a decade growing the business, tragedy stuck and Winslow found herself at a crossroads. 

“In 2012, I lost my husband, and I personally went from part-time to being the boss,” said Winslow. “My staff and Minuteman Press local support led by RVP Dan Byers helped me through one of the most difficult times in my life. It was a very foggy year but we made it.” 

Over the past few years, as Winslow grew more comfortable in her role as sole owner-operator, she says the team set their sights on a new goal: $1 million in revenue. “My staff and I worked very hard to make sure we reached that goal,” she said. “A lot of hard work and determination helped us get there.”

Fueled by this mission, 2022 proved to be a landmark year for Winslow and her team, celebrating not only two decades of ownership, but also achieving yearly gross sales over $1 million. 

“Joining the Minuteman Press International President’s Club was a proud moment for us,” Winslow said. “It symbolized our steady growth over the years, from our modest start to reaching this significant milestone.”

Keys to Success: Customer Service and Evolving Services

Over the past 20 years, Winslow attributes much of her success to exceptional customer service and the loyalty of her staff. “Our longevity and success are primarily due to our staff and customer service. We've received many referrals through the years, and now we’re focusing on actively seeking them out through various channels,” she said.

Minuteman Press’s ability to offer a wide-array of services has also played a crucial role. “We started with wide format printing, then added signage, direct mail and blueprints,” Winslow said. “These additions have been crucial in diversifying our offerings and meeting evolving client needs.”

And when it comes to the demand for these services, Winslow says the Minuteman Press business model proves that printing will never go out of style. 

“Printing remains vital to businesses today because it provides a connection that stays with the consumer as opposed to the internet or email,” said Winslow. “Your printed materials end up in someone’s hand, which can make that lasting impression. How many people swipe left or delete emails without reading them? They will always take the time to look at a business card, postcard or holiday card that they receive.”

Throughout her franchising journey, Winslow says the Minuteman Press team has been incredibly supportive. “We would not be where we are today without the local franchise support, training and the IT department that Minuteman Press International provides,” she said. “We owe a lot of our success to this.”

That support also comes from the expansive network of other franchise owners. For example, Winslow says it was other franchise owners who first emphasized the importance of her online presence. 

“At one meeting before the pandemic hit, there were around 50 people in attendance from many franchises in Southern California,” said Winslow. “We talked about how important Google Reviews are. We shared materials used to get reviews and it really blossomed here. I got a lot of new customers because they did a search and noticed how many good reviews we have.”

And of course, as anyone in the printing industry will tell you, external signage has also played a huge role in Winslow’s success. 

“My shop is on the main highway where people travel from one end of the valley to the other,” said Winslow. “You can’t miss my shop because we went big and bold with the signage. I would do more, but the local laws don’t allow it. People always tell me they find me from our signage.”

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Looking back on her experience as a business owner, Winslow says it has been uniquely rewarding, both professionally and personally. “I would say my biggest personal reward is that I have been able to achieve everything that I have wanted to in my life,” she said. “I can’t really ask for more personally except for time. My biggest professional reward has been reaching that $1 million goal and making the Minuteman Press President’s Club.”

Winslow's journey with Minuteman Press in Palm Desert is an inspiring testament to overcoming adversity and achieving success. Her experience underscores the importance of resilience, adaptability and the strong support of a franchise network like Minuteman.

For more information on franchising with Minuteman Press, visit: https://minutemanpressfranchise.com