Minuteman Press Franchise in Wisconsin Celebrates 40 Years

Todd Duckworth is a second-generation Minuteman Press printing franchise owner. His successful Janesville, Wis., center first opened in 1976.

JANESVILLE, Wis. - February 6, 2018 - For more than 40 years, Todd Duckworth and his family have served the Janesville community with passion, desire, and heart. Duckworth's Minuteman Press design, marketing, and printing franchise located at 303 W. Milwaukee Street, is a community-focused business that helps other local businesses grow. Duckworth reflects on one of the most valuable lessons his parents taught him as they mentored him, saying, "Work hard; earn everything. Don’t take shortcuts and expect it to work out. Do it right the first time."

It is that mentality that has kept Minuteman Press in Janesville going strong for more than 40 years and counting. For their successful efforts and impressive longevity in business, Minuteman Press International recently presented Duckworth with its prestigious Pioneer Award.

"Minuteman Press started franchising in 1975 and in 1976 we were fortunate enough to find Len Duckworth and his son Todd to open their printing business in Janesville, making this our first center in Wisconsin," says Bob Titus, Minuteman Press International President and CEO. Bob continues, "They have always been the pioneers of Minuteman Press in the Midwest, and I couldn’t see a more fitting award to go to Todd than our Pioneer Award commemorating 40 years in business. The Duckworth name is synonymous with the Minuteman Press franchise family, and we look forward to many more years together."

Growing the Family Business

Duckworth started working with his parents in the family business in 1976. He explains, "My family started this in 1976 after working with Minuteman Press co-founder Roy Titus. In 1976, we worked on building the printing business. In the first year open, I would come down and collate manuals for one of the customers that we still have today. In 1979, I started to run the press and bindery operation as needed. When I graduated from high school, I pursued an accounting degree and continued my press work and added bookkeeping to my responsibilities."

In 1986, Duckworth left his finance career and joined the business full-time. The business kept growing as Duckworth and his parents continued to provide essential products and services and expand their capabilities into areas such as short run forms printing and in-house thermography. Duckworth continues, "In 1997, I bought the business from my father and continue today to expand products and services to meet our customers' growing printing and marketing needs."

Today, Duckworth and his friendly, professional team have embraced the product and service capabilities that Minuteman Press franchise owners are able to offer as the leaders of the modern printing industry. Duckworth says, "If we can put ink on it, we can print it. We produce letterhead, business cards, signs, promotional products, and also provide professional graphic design services. We are your one stop solution for all things printing and marketing ... and we are ready to promote you!"

Duckworth further explains the benefits of the modern printing industry that he is able to share with his clients, adding, "Today, everything is expected in hours, not days, and we can do it all. In this digital printing era, we are able to print targeted marketing pieces, use variable data printing and provide direct mail services for all of our current and future customers. Mailing is becoming an even larger part of our business as we have expanded that service to meet the needs in our area." 

Franchise Support from Minuteman Press International

Doug Harlan is Minuteman Press International regional VP for the Chicago Region, which includes supporting franchisees in Wisconsin. Harlan says, "Todd Duckworth and his team at Minuteman Press in Janesville are great people who work hard and run a solid marketing and printing franchise. I applaud Todd, his staff, and his entire family for celebrating over 40 years in business and for their continued dedication to their customers and their community."

Duckworth is quick to return the favor as he praises Harlan and Minuteman Press for being a trusted printing franchise business partner. He states, "The Minuteman Press franchise team has always been there to support us when we have questions or concerns about how things are going. Through the years, they have provided training for press operators and marketing personnel when needed. They have been a tremendous help with research on equipment or suppliers and advice when asked."

At the end of the day, Duckworth takes satisfaction in knowing that his franchisor is there to support his business so that he can focus on his customers. Duckworth explains, "Helping our customers succeed in their business is by far our biggest reward. We really enjoy helping them meet their critical product deadlines and getting the finished products to their end users so they can continue to grow."

Giving Back to the Community

 Like his fellow Minuteman Press franchise owners, Duckworth prides himself on being an active member of his local community, supporting causes he is passionate about, and making a positive impact on both a professional and personal level. Duckworth says, "I am very involved in the Boys and Girls Club of Janesville, the local Chamber of Commerce, and GIFTS Men's Shelter. I have been on the Board of the Club and Chamber, help with meals at the shelter, and donate to other local groups as well. Meeting the needs of disadvantaged youth is one of the most important reasons we need to be involved within our community. They are our future. Future workers, future leaders, future helpers. Showing them they are loved and respected goes a long way to keeping them on the right path."

Duckworth adds, "We have had many success stories in the 30 years the club has been open and we have been a supporter of them since they opened in 1988. When you are involved in the community and support of the community, people know that you care about more than just your success. You care about the success of everyone, young or old, new or established. You become a leader by example."

When he is not working or attending a community meeting, Duckworth enjoys unwinding with friends and family. He says, "A relaxing day is to be able to sit and look out at the beautiful surroundings, the peace and tranquility of our great land with friends, or take in a live show or local sporting events, some of which we also support."

Business Goals and Advice for Others

What's next for Duckworth and Minuteman Press in Janesville? Duckworth answers, "I am always looking for ways to expand our product offerings to continue to meet our customers' needs. I want to continue to be an innovator and leader in our local print market as we have been for 40 years."

With so many years in business, Duckworth offers these parting words of advice for others who are looking to own their own business or franchise: "Do not be afraid of the challenges in starting or running your business. It is okay to dream big but always remember to work hard and take care of your customers and employees, and they will reward you. You can do anything you set your mind to if you have the desire to succeed." 

Source: Minuteman Press.

The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated withPrinting Impressions. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of Printing Impressions.