SPOKANE, Wash. – US Marine Corp. Veteran Clinton Neal is the owner of the Minuteman Press franchise in Downtown Spokane, WA located at 256 West Riverside Avenue. Clint purchased the business in November of 2023, which previously operated as Standard Printworks. With a long history dating back to 1909, Clint was thrilled to buy the long-established print shop with the help of Pacific Northwest Regional VP Chris Jutt and the rest of the team at Minuteman Press International.
Clint shares his journey to becoming a business owner, why he chose Minuteman Press in Downtown Spokane, and what it means to take over a business that has been long established in the community for over 100 years.
What appealed to you about buying this business?
Clint Neal: “Standard Printworks has been around since 1909. I bought the business because:
- This is an industry that I thought I could easily wrap my head around.
- This business is an appropriate size to make things work financially.
- The business has been around a really long time and I liked the history.
- The previous owners had invested regularly into great equipment.
- The current employees made it so that I can be an owner and not a front line worker.”
What was it like working with Minuteman Press on the purchase of your business?
Clint Neal: “Minuteman Press International RVP Chris Jutt was great. He did a good job of explaining the process, coordinating things along the way and connecting me with the resources needed to complete the transaction.”
What was your background before franchising? What made you want to switch careers?
Clint Neal: “I was in the US Marine Corp. (USMC) and then I was a double major in finance/accounting. I spent 10 years working in corporate accounting. I decided to own my own business because I felt I could do a better job than most of the owners that I worked with as a corporate accountant. I love being an independent leader and doing my own thing.”
Why did you choose Minuteman Press International?
Clint Neal: “The top 3 reasons I chose Minuteman Press are:
- The industry is easy to understand.
- The FLEX software makes administration easy.
- I get to be creative and solve problems for customers that are trying to get their jobs completed. They just can’t get the help they are looking for at copy centers like FedEx, etc., which is where we come in.”
What has the training and support from Minuteman Press been like for you?
Clint Neal: “The 2-week onboarding training was great; it was very thorough, easy to understand and supportive. The current employees, previous owners and field rep made the transition smooth and easy. Training the current employees on FLEX took some time and practice but overall it went well.Ongoing support through my field rep and the FLEX/IT support team has been great. They are always friendly, responsive and easy to work with.”
What does it mean to own your business in your community?
Clint Neal: “Business ownership gives me a sense of independence and freedom to blaze my own trail through life. In regards to the community, I am able to make connections with MANY other local business owners and continue on with the tradition that Standard Printworks has held up for over 100 years. As we move forward as Minuteman Press, we’ve been able to help other businesses by taking care of routine projects, special events, last second requests and solving problems that other printing companies have not been willing or able to take on.”
What do you love the most about being a business owner vs. having a job?
Clint Neal: “I love the freedom of being my own boss. I didn’t always feel right as a ‘corporate employee’ having to work for others but I know I’m good at management and team leadership.”
What advice would you give to other newer owners?
Clint Neal: “You are buying your salary, so budget accordingly. Be a good leader and lean on the existing employees to teach you the day-to-day operations of the business. I also believe in following the system. Minuteman Press has been great to work with, providing tremendous help with minimal interference in how I run my business.”
Minuteman Press in Downtown Spokane (formerly Standard Printworks) is located at 256 West Riverside Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201. For more information, visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/wa/spokane21/
Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com.
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