CHICAGO & HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. – Wende Walker and Christian Camden are the owners of the Minuteman Press franchise in Hoffman Estates, Illinois since December of 2022. On Tuesday, August 22, 2023, Wende and Christian held their grand opening event celebrating the move to their new location. The event was sponsored by the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce. Their Minuteman Press business is now located at 2500 W. Higgins Road, Suite 800, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169.

Wende shares, “Our community, including our Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce & Industry, is immensely supportive. Many old and new customers are thrilled about our grand reopening and our change in location, which is more convenient.  We have been part of many sub-groups for the Chamber and we are continually working to get our name back into the community. We do this by supporting major functions like our Bon Appetit and Golf outing that was held on September 21^st.”

Since buying the business, Wende and Chris have been working to educate their clients on the wide variety of products and services that Minuteman Press offers. Chris says, “I would say our high-demand paper products are flyers, pamphlets, and brochures. We have also seen strong movement in signage, apparel, decals, and NCR forms. One thing we are doing right now is educating our clients on our EDDM services to let them know there is a reasonable mailing option for them. It is always important for us to stress that we do more than just paper products and when we do it creates that “ah ha” moment for clients that we can be their one-stop shop.”

Chris adds, “Printing is important because it allows the customer of a business to look at the information right in their hands and on their own time or save it front and center versus deleting it quickly from email. Printed designs in their hands are certain to catch their eyes.”

Journey to Minuteman Press

Prior to buying the business, Wende and Chris had very different career paths. Wende shares, “My family has owned a campground for 84 years that I worked at seasonally for 18 years, so I learned first-hand the beauty of a family-owned business.” She continues, “I was also a flight attendant by trade; we were the only major airline without a union and our treatment was appalling. After 27 years, I was ready to start the next chapter of my life and show employees how they should be treated by an employer and give my daughters an option for their futures.”

Chris shares, “I am a US Marine Corps Veteran and was also a professional musician. I’ve always worked various customer service and sales jobs to make ends meet. Minuteman Press gives me the ability to be my own boss and create the healthy work environment I always wanted as an employee. Owning this business has allowed me to put all of my strengths to good use.”

Chris adds, “Honestly, owning this business was a left turn that just felt right. We went to a franchise expo and spoke with Minuteman Press. The 3 reasons we chose to join the franchise are simple: 1. We liked the initial meeting and follow-up the next day; 2. Their willingness to help and explain how much field help we’d receive; and 3. The price was right for us.”

Support & Advice for Others

Nearly two years into owning their business, Wende and Chris reflect on the ongoing support they have received as well as what it means to be part of the Minuteman Press franchise family. Chris says, “I cannot say enough positive things about the support. We have nicknamed our immediate field support team “the holy trinity” – our regional vice president Steve Szymanski and two field reps. The tech support we’ve received from Minuteman Press International has also been tremendous.”

He continues, “We have made friends with some local franchise owners and we all help each other – we answer questions and work with each other since some of us have different knowledge strengths and capabilities.”

Wende adds, “As part of Minuteman Press, help is overwhelmingly easy to get. This company wants us to succeed – it is so refreshing having that support and not working for other employers or corporate interests.”

When asked what advice they would give to other business owners, Wende and Chris share the following four tips based on their experiences to date:

“1. Communicate…Communicate…Communicate! You are truly not alone in this. Communicate with your customers – if you are delayed tell them! Keep them in the loop and I guarantee it makes an easier working relationship.

2. People need to know you exist – always market yourself.

3. Keep your shop or business location clean! First Impressions do count. We have been told by so many customers that we have the cleanest shop of any printer they have ever used. Trust us, a clean business space is essential.

4. No job is too small. Do not turn away small jobs and never make any customer feel like they are inconvenient or insignificant. You never know who will spread your name to the next big business or million-dollar company.”

Lastly, Wende and Chris conclude, “Treat others like you want to be treated and you will be rewarded.”