NOVEMBER 11, 2022 – US Navy Veteran Todd Harmon is no stranger to owning his own business. Prior to joining the Minuteman Press franchise family in April 2018, Todd had previously owned other small businesses and franchises. His Minuteman Press design, marketing, and printing center is located in the Kenwood area of Cincinnati, Ohio, at 7681 Montgomery Road.
Todd shares why he chose Minuteman Press, how his military and business experience has helped him in the printing industry, and how products such as signage and mailings with a heavy focus on Every Door Direct Mail have helped spur the growth of his printing business.
Military & Franchising Background
On his military and professional background, Todd says, “I am a United States Navy Veteran. Prior to franchising, I owned an independent small business that manufactured new and refurbished pallets in the wood products industry. I have also previously owned two other franchises in the retail and restaurant industries. I chose Minuteman Press due to its #1 ranking in print franchising and the excellent work-life balance it would provide my family. Both of my children now work in the business with me. It also appealed to me as a privately owned company with a great royalty structure for franchisees.”
When asked about the support he’s received from Minuteman Press, Todd shares, “Local support from my field rep Ryan McIntyre and RVP Gary Nowak has been outstanding. They are a great resource when I need to discuss hiring/personnel and major business decisions. The FLEX software support team is always very responsive to our needs.”
Building & Growing the Business
Todd has grown his business by focusing on the needs of his business community. He says, “We enjoy a very dense business community around our shop. There are offices, medical facilities, restaurants, and many non-profit firms in our local area, as well as schools and many large church organizations. All of our clients demand a high level of professional customer service that we strive every day to meet.”
When reaching out to his clients, Todd delivers a strong message on how Minuteman Press can help them grow. He says, “I explain to clients that we are actually a print and small business marketing and consulting firm. Because of my previous business experience owning two other successful local franchises prior to Minuteman Press, I can really relate to these folks and help them reach their target customers through effective print and mail marketing strategies. Our customer service and fast turnaround times really set us apart from the competition.”
According to Todd, customer service is key.“Our high level of customer service and fast turnaround times have led to many referrals. We have grown through participation in a local BNI networking group. I am committed to consistent SEO/SEM marketing, email blasts, direct mail, and always promoting our EDDM services at every opportunity.”
He also shares which high-demand printing products his clients have found to be the most helpful. “Signage, including installation if applicable, with fast turnaround times have really helped our clients. We can drop ship anywhere for them even on weekends. Quick design services for budget-conscious small businesses are much-appreciated by our customers. Our #1 key growth area is in direct mail services. We have also built a very strong Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) business. We work with and educate our customers through every step of the EDDM process.”
Todd adds, “Print is a more trustworthy advertising medium and can allow you to reach a more targeted audience. For instance, I believe an engaging, tangible EDDM mail piece with a strong offer will yield a higher ROI than other advertising mediums, especially for restaurants and home repair/service businesses.”
Rewards & Advice for Others
Todd reflects on the path he has taken from the US Navy to entrepreneur, saying, “Following my military service, I have always owned my own business. I get great satisfaction from operating a profitable customer service focused small business. I enjoy the challenge.”
His advice for others is this: “Minuteman Press gives you the freedom to make the print shop your own, allowing you to focus on your strengths. Embrace it and have fun. Also, hire staff that will help you build a culture of customer service in your shop.”
Todd Harmon’s Minuteman Press franchise is located at 7681 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236. For more information, call 513-531-7600 or visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/oh/cincinnati22/
Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and see Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com.