(VeteransFranchise.com) - By Holli. Updated Feb 6, 2018
JANESVILLE, Wis.—For over 40 years, Todd Duckworth and his family have served the Janesville community with passion, desire, and heart. Todd'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. Todd 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 over 40 years and counting. For their successful efforts and impressive longevity in business, Minuteman Press International recently presented Todd Duckworth with their 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 & 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
Todd Duckworth started working with his parents in the family business in 1976. He explains, 'My familystarted 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, Todd left his finance career and joined the business full-time. The business kept growing as Todd 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. Todd 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, Todd 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. Todd 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!'
Todd 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 Vice President for the Chicago Region, which includes supporting franchisees in Wisconsin. Doug 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.'
Todd is quick to return the favor as he praises Doug 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, Todd Duckworth takes satisfaction in knowing that his franchisor is there to support his business so that he can focus on his customers. Todd 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, Todd 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. Todd 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.'
Todd 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, Todd 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 Todd Duckworth and Minuteman Press in Janesville? Todd 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, Todd 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.'
Minuteman Press in Janesville, Wisconsin is located at 303 W. Milwaukee Street, Janesville, WI 53548. For more information, call Todd Duckworth and his team at 608-752-7428 or visit their website: www.janesville.minutemanpress.com
About Minuteman Press International
Minuteman Press International is the number one rated business marketing and printing franchise that offers world class training and unparalleled ongoing local support. Started in 1973 by Roy Titus and his son Bob, Minuteman Press began franchising in 1975 and has grown to nearly 1,000 business service franchise locations worldwide including the U.S., Australia, Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Minuteman Press is ranked #1 in category by Entrepreneur 26 times and 15 years in a row, including 2018. Franchise Business Review has also named Minuteman Press International to its 2018 Top Franchises and 2017 Top B2B Franchises lists thanks to positive reviews from our owners.
At Minuteman Press, We Are The Modern Printing Industry™ providing high quality products and services that meet the needs of today's business professionals and go way beyond ink on paper. Today, our centers offer innovative branding solutions and produce custom designs, promotional products, branded apparel, direct mail marketing, large format printing (banners and posters), signs and graphics, and much more. Prior experience is not necessary to own and operate a successful Minuteman Press franchise.
To learn about Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and access over 80 testimonials and Minuteman Press franchise reviews, visit www.minutemanpressfranchise.com or call 1-800-645-3006 for more information.
Contact:
Minuteman Press International
Franchise Opportunities, 1-800-645-3006
www.minutemanpressfranchise.com
or
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