Opting for this form of self-employment is also a good way for those who aren’t familiar with the sign and print industries to explore a new market. The risk of start-up failure is also lower – according to the British Franchise Association, the contribution of franchising to the UK economy is now thought to be £15.1bn.
Maintaining strong relationships with clients is crucial to the successful running of any business and at global franchise, Minuteman Press, this is made even more possible by its 125 centres that have been passed down through generations.
Second-generation Minuteman Press franchisees, Michael and Lindsey Weber have recently been recognised for their high turnover of a yearly gross sale of at least $1m (£790,000). The couple owns two franchises in Enfield, CT and Springfield, MA.
Having a diverse customer base – people in every industry – means that we don’t experience a slow month because one industry has a downturn”
This achievement means the couple are the latest franchisees to join the Minuteman Press International President’s Million-Dollar Circle – joining Michael Weber’s parents and franchisee’s Gail and Steve Weber who have been part of the Circle for many years.
Michael Weber explains how he spent much of his childhood in the Minuteman Press family, helping his parents set up their shop in Norwich, CT. It was only when a Minuteman Press store in Enfield, CT came up for sale that Michael and Lindsey Weber considered the possibility of owning their own centre.
“We’ve always worked well together, and we like the flexibility that our business affords us,” Lindsey Weber explains. “Michael came to the business with a good understanding of printing and shop management.
The couple owns two Minuteman Press franchises in Enfield, CA and Springfield, MA
“Our regional vice president Ron Rubin and the local field reps in New England have always been there to help with questions, unusual requests and brainstorming. They are a great resource.”
Having been franchise owners for 15 years, Lindsey Weber is confident that the print industry is only getting stronger with the addition of promotional print and personalisation.
Commenting on how the pair have managed to grow the business to achieve a $1m turnover, Michael Weber says: “Diversifying our growth strategies and our customer base has helped us continue to grow and stay relevant.
These community relationships are important. Acquiring competitors gave our customer base an instant boost”
“Meeting people through cold-calling and networking helped to build our customer base from the ground up. These community relationships are important. Acquiring competitors gave our customer base an instant boost.
“Having a diverse customer base – people in every industry – means that we don’t experience a slow month because one industry has a downturn. Our outside salespeople don’t ‘cherry pick’ and look for the easy customers. They stop in and talk to every business and they are sometimes surprised by the types of orders they earn from these conversations.”
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