SHOP TALK

from Sign Builder March 2021

IN THE INDUSTRY

DAVE WYATT, MINUTEMAN PRESS OF MEDINA, OHIO BY CHRIS BISCUITTI

Print In Demand

From the U.S. Army to the American Dream.

Prior to owning his own Minuteman Press business at the end of 2019, Dave Wyatt spent eight years in the U.S. Army as an Aircraft Electrician and the next nineteen years with Konica Minolta (sixteen years in service and three years in sales). During that time, he did a lot of training and calibrating equipment, which meant he was in many different types of businesses (independent print shops, UPS stores, Minuteman Press franchises, etc.). “When I decided to own my own business, I knew I didn’t want to open without support, so I went the franchise route,” he says.

At Minuteman Press Medina, Wyatt is able to provide high-demand products and services that local businesses need right now—general printing services, custom branded apparel, wide format printing and signage, and direct mail campaigns. “These are all items being ordered and used by our clients during the pandemic,” he says. “For example, we were honored to be able to help our graduating students last year by printing over 1,200 signs for families. We are proud to help keep businesses safe with social distancing signage and branded face masks.”

As a result of his efforts in giving back and building authentic relationships with other local businesses he truly cares about, Wyatt has seen his sales grow 30 percent despite the challenges of the pandemic. “Printing will never go away, but you must be more than a printer,” he says. “You need to be a marketer, a designer, a promoter, and, most importantly, a business partner. People need to trust you and your team. Once you have that trust, you have a customer for life.”

Wyatt also credits his local in-house staff of three employees (graphic designer, customer support rep, and pro-

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duction specialist) who he is able to lean on to make sure his clients receive that personal touch and outstanding customer service. “I am humbled to have the support I do from them,” he says. “As a business owner, you want to be comfortable when you are away from the shop, and they make it that way for me.”

Furthering his local ties to the community, Wyatt makes sure to get involved and stay active. He is a Chamber Ambassador for the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Wadsworth Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Medina County Economic Development Corporation as well. “I join as many networking groups as I can and still be comfortable with my time,” he says. “Networking and growing relationships through the ‘know, like, and trust’ platform was key in thriving during this pandemic.”

As for others who are looking to own a business, Wyatt advises, “Ensure you have enough capital; my bank has been a good business partner, and because of that, I was prepared when the pandemic first hit. With that said, you can’t be afraid to spend money in ways that will help you market and grow. Invest in people, inventory, and equipment where it makes sense. I also encourage you to study, read books, and listen to podcasts. Always be learning and never stop.”

You must be more than a printer. You need to be a marketer, a designer, a promoter, and a business partner.

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