Minuteman Press Franchise Reviews – 10 Questions with Ken Barton, Dublin, OhioKen Barton worked as a CPA in Ohio for 30 years. This is how he made the transition to business ownership...

Minuteman Press Franchise Review – Ken Barton, Dublin Ohio

Ken Barton took over his Minuteman Press franchise in Dublin, Ohio nearly 1 year ago. Here is what Ken has to say about that crucial first year as a business owner in a new industry he was not previously familiar with, what it means to be involved and give back to the Dublin community, and how Minuteman Press has helped him along the way.

10 Questions with Ken Barton

Minuteman Press franchise owner, Dublin, Ohio

See more Minuteman Press franchise reviews, owner stories, business tips and more at http://www.minutemanpressfranchise.com.

1. What was your background before franchising with Minuteman Press?

Ken Barton: “I purchased this Minuteman Press location in January 2016. Prior to that, I served privately owned businesses as a CPA with 3 different Central Ohio CPA firms over a 30-year career. As an owner of two of those firms, I experienced business ownership not only through my experiences dealing with the issues of a CPA firm, but also through my role as an advisor to the clients I worked with.”

2. Why did you choose to franchise with Minuteman Press?

Ken Barton: “When I decided that I was ready for something new, I was fortunate to meet Gary Nowak (Minuteman Press International Regional Vice President for the Ohio region) who shared with me that a successful Minuteman Press franchise owner is one who enjoys being out with customers and prospects. The role of consulting with customers and helping them market their products and services is one I enjoy. I also like the business to business aspect of Minuteman Press, which lends itself to having normal business hours Monday through Friday.”

3. How would you compare your experience as a Minuteman Press franchise owner to your

previous career/industry/life?

Ken Barton: “I try every day to empower the people that I work with to take care of our customers, to make the decisions that they would like a business to make if they were the customer, and to do the right thing.”

4. How has the ongoing local support you’ve received from Minuteman Press helped you

along the way?Ken Barton: “I have learned that there are lots of people in the Minuteman Press organization out there willing to help. My local field representative Rich DeRosa has been invaluable in helping to train me to be an effective marketer. He helped me learn to ask the right questions to ask and how to identify prospect motivations and pain points. In our second week of ownership, we also had another field representative from MMP named Eric Shank come here to help us with onsite setup of the business. Eric’s knowledge of Minuteman Press’ proprietary FLEX software and the printing industry was very helpful to me and our entire staff.

A couple of months ago, I sat down with successful Minuteman Press franchisees and pick their brains about how they built such successful locations. Mike Geygan in Lebanon, OH and Steve Heaney in Toledo, OH each spent a morning answering my questions and sharing with me what they believe made them so successful. That type of camaraderie across the board is refreshing and appreciated.”

5. What is a typical day like for you as a Minuteman Press owner?

Ken Barton: “My day typically consists primarily of delivering products to customers (which gives me a great opportunity to learn about their businesses and figure out ways we can help them grow) as well as meeting with prospects and customers to listen to what they want in a printer (and marketer).”

6. What is your ideal day off or vacation?

Ken Barton: “Our family has been vacationing in Rehoboth Beach in Delaware for 20 years. We enjoy getting away for a week of laid back beach life and great seafood.”

7. What local organizations (charities, non-profits, business organizations) do you work with and what

causes are you passionate about?

Ken Barton: “For several years (starting before my involvement), our store has been a sponsor of the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer, which raises thousands of dollars each year for research at The James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State University. I am proud to continue that sponsorship and it means so much to us to be able to give back in that way. In addition, I serve on the boards of the Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce (Delaware is a growing city near Dublin), Joan’s Foundation (an oral cancer charity), and Community Capital Development Corporation (an SBA lender for small business real estate). I think it is critical to be involved in your community – both as a civic responsibility and to meet people.”

8. What are your goals for the rest of 2016/2017?

Ken Barton: “Our overall goal for Dublin is to grow our revenue by 20% a year. We intend to do that by expanding our promotional products business to existing customers and by meeting with business owners and decision-makers in the area. I really enjoy introducing myself and our products to people to see if we can help them. The high level of service that we provide definitely helps us build those relationships as well.”

9. What is one inspirational quote that has helped you along the way either in life or in

business?

Ken Barton: “There is a Winston Churchill quote that I think applies well to business owners: ‘Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.'”

10. What are one or two pieces of advice you would give to potential franchise owners?

Ken Barton: “Advice I would give to potential franchise owners: Surround yourself with people (employees, vendors, advisors) who are smarter than you and give them the freedom to do what they are good at.

And of course, enjoy what you do! No one wants to see a grumpy person walk through the door.”

Minuteman Press Franchise Review – For More Information…

Interested in owning your own business? Read Minuteman Press franchise reviews, frequently asked questions, business

tips and more at www.minutemanpressfranchise.com or call 1-800-645-3006.