President’s Club Member Chris McGroder Shares Her Keys to Growth
CONCORD, N.C. – When Chris McGroder and her husband Pat purchased their Minuteman Press franchise in Concord, NC in May of 2014, they knew they had some work to do. By following the Minuteman Press system, marketing the business, making key acquisitions, and providing outstanding service (among many other things), Chris, Pat, and the team at Minuteman Press in Concord have successfully built their business and are recurring members of the Minuteman Press International President’s Club for top performers.
On May 3, 2024, Minuteman Press in Concord celebrated their 10-year anniversary with an event at their center located at 400-50 McGill Ave NW. The event was a well-earned celebration and reflection of 10 years of incredible growth and terrific business ownership. Chris shares, “Celebrating the 10 year anniversary of our ownership was an opportunity to reflect on where we started and remembering all the opportunities, challenges, and successes along the way that got us to where we are today. It was so much fun reminiscing and taking time to appreciate the journey and milestones that got us to where we are today.”
Looking back to where the business was in 2014 to where it is today in 2024, what stands out as far as how you were able to grow the business?
Chris McGroder: “Growth comes when you get out of your comfort zone. For us, that meant looking for acquisitions and opportunities to add new products or services. For example:
· In 2015, we bought our first wide format printer.
· In 2016, we acquired an apparel/promotional products company.
· In 2020, during the pandemic, we offered products we’d never done before such as floor decals, face masks and other promotional products related to safety.
· In 2021, we had another acquisition and the addition of more equipment to expand our mailing services.
· In 2023, we completed our third acquisition.
· Over the past 10 years, we have never lost sight of the need to market and advertise. Because we ask all new customers how they found us, we know that Google and the Internet Marketing Program is an investment we will continue to make.
· Customer Service is an important pillar of our growth strategy. It’s always easier to keep a customer rather than replace them with new ones, so we strive to make their experience with us so enjoyable and stress free that they never have a reason to look somewhere else.
What advice do you have for other owners who are looking achieve such growth?
Chris McGroder:
· “First and foremost, follow the system and utilize the expertise of MPIHQ staff, RVPs, and Field Reps.
· Don’t get in a rut or get comfortable – always look for additional opportunities, especially acquisitions. They are the fastest way to get that first million.
· Build your reputation by treating your customers well. After Google leads and acquisitions, customer referrals are the next source of new customers.
· Build a team that shares your passion and values and take good care of them.”
What year did you first join the President’s Club? What does that accomplishment mean to you and what’s the secret to continuing to grow beyond that ‘first million’?
Chris McGroder: “Our first year was 2021. Being invited to President’s Club was a goal I set during training with a target date of 2020 but fell short by $33,000 that year. Reaching that goal is one of my greatest achievements considering I started with monthly revenue averaging between 10K to 15K. Our formula for continuing to grow beyond the first million is to never be satisfied or complacent about where we are.
In my opinion, the first million is the hardest because you’re learning the business, trying new ideas, testing marketing strategies, adding new products and services, and possibly even managing the first acquisition. With all of this knowledge and experience, we just focused on maintaining our momentum while always looking and listening for new opportunities for growth.”
What can you say about the support you’ve received over these 10 years?
Chris McGroder: “We definitely could not have accomplished our goals or enjoyed this much success without the support of everyone at the home office, our Regional VP Dave Walton and current Field Rep Valerie Pinnock. Anytime we have had a question or needed assistance, we’ve received a prompt response. We’ve attended every World Expo, Regional Meeting, and most local meetings over the past 10 years. The knowledge gained and relationships that have developed from attending these events are priceless. The FLEX/Tech Support team have been amazing to work with, as well. We appreciate all the continuous improvements that are made which allows us to continue to grow and improve.”
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Chris McGroder: “The past 10 years have been an incredible journey of building this business to the level of success we are currently experiencing. We could not have done it without the training, support, and continuous improvements made by Minuteman Press. I am so thankful for all the relationships I’ve developed and friends I’ve made during this journey.”