COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho –  Action Printers, which operated for over 30 years in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, has been sold to new business owners Ryan and Jana Johnson. Following the sale, Action Printers is operating as International Minute Press, which is part of the Minuteman Press International franchise family. The business remains located at 300 E. Harrison Avenue, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.

Buying & Building the Business

Ryan and Jana purchased the business through Minuteman Press International’s conversion program that connects sellers with buyers. Prior to the purchase, Ryan had no previous printing industry experience. He shares, “I previously taught economics and business strategy. For the last several years, I have been working at the University of Arizona Eller College of Management. One of my top goals in buying this business is to be part of the community. It’s all about the relationships.  This is something I keep in mind as I make marketing calls and network. Whether I get new business is secondary. First and foremost, it is about connecting with people in a meaningful way.”

As Ryan builds relationships in Coeur d'Alene, he is happy to educate his clients on the versatility of the industry. He says, “I love our slogan, We Design, Print & Promote…You! I think it all starts with a great design team. Then, the design can be used in so many different ways whether it is for a mass mailer or for promotional products and apparel. We can design and print anything to help our fellow local businesses grow.”

Ryan adds, “My previous job offered flexibility as I already was able to set much of my schedule and determine how I was going to spend my time. Being a business owner offers similar flexibility for me but also gives me a new adventure and challenge. This is a new opportunity to grow and develop new talents.”

Why franchising?

When asked why he chose to franchise with Minuteman Press International, Ryan shares:

·       “There are a lot of entrepreneurial directions one can take the business. Minuteman Press International is not like a lot of other franchises where most of the details are nailed down for you. When I was exploring the business and visiting different shops, everyone was a little bit different.

·       I wanted the opportunity to build relationships with other business owners in the community and help other businesses succeed.

·       Buying Action Printers and aligning with MPI was simply a great business opportunity.

·       Working with my local RVP Chris Jutt on buying the business was great and it’s still great working with him now as an owner. Chris was very knowledgeable and generous with his time throughout the process and he is there for me now as well. I appreciate his ongoing mentorship.”

A few months into owning the business, Ryan enjoys the freedom of being his own boss but is thankful he doesn’t have to go it alone. “There is a learning curve with becoming a business owner in a new industry. We are producing customized products and there are various moving parts to learn. I am thankful for Chris Jutt as well as the rest of the local field team. Jayson and Alonso have been great, knowledgeable teachers and everyone at MPI is always just a phone call away.”

Ryan’s advice for others is simply, “Don't let good be the enemy of great.”