Minuteman Press Franchise in Tigard, Oregon Transitions to Second Generation After 35 Years
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Minuteman Press Franchise in Tigard, Oregon Transitions to Second Generation After 35 Years

Minuteman Press Franchise in Tigard, Oregon Transitions to Second Generation After 35 Years

Minuteman Press in Tigard, OR is celebrating 35+ years in business and now features two generations of business ownership. Pictured L-R: Carolyn & Craig Davidson, Bob & Ruth Davidson, and Christopher & Lisa Brown.

Bob and Ruth Davidson first opened their Minuteman Press franchise in Tigard, OR (a suburb of the Portland, OR greater metro area), in December of 1987. After 35+ years of hard work and dedication to their clients and their community, Bob and Ruth are ready for their next chapter and have made way for the next generation of owners. 

Bob and Ruth also just recently renewed their franchise agreement for the next 35 years. Their son Craig Davidson with his wife Carolyn and longtime manager Christopher Brown with his wife Lisa, have purchased the business as of February 1, 2023, and are continuing with Minuteman Press as a strong, viable and supportive franchise model, that has been one of the key components to the long-term success of this location. Minuteman Press in Tigard is located at 7555 S.W. Hermoso Way, Tigard, OR 97223.

Bob reflects on 35 years of ownership, sharing his keys to success and longevity, growing the family business, and why the future is bright for Minuteman Press in Tigard. He shares, “Life is a series of changes and this is one of them.  Frankly, it is time for the next generation to have their opportunity to build on, and create, their own success story.  And, it is past time for Ruth and I to enjoy some of the rewards that we have been blessed with, by the success of our business.”

When asked about 4 keys to his success and longevity, Bob answers:

“FIRST: Ruth and I thank God for his blessing on us in this endeavor. My prayer at the time of starting the business was: ‘God, I am not the smartest guy in the world, so please open the doors if it is in your will, or if not, hit me over the head with a brick to get my attention.’

SECOND: I would have to say without any qualification, my wife, Ruth. When we first started our business, we were 37 years-old and I left a nearly 20-year seniority position with a national trucking company as a Teamster employee truck driver. She has stood beside me as a full partner, and fully supported the decision to start our own business. Our primary roles in the business gradually formed over time, with Ruth managing the office and all that entails and also the bindery portion of our business. I was the salesman, customer service and vendor liaison for outside services and supplies.

THIRD: Would be the advice, support and assistance of the Regional Minuteman Press staff and also the other local Minuteman Press owners in the area. Their advice, suggestions, guidance, experiences, help and information were of great value in our beginning years.

FOURTH: This would of course be our customers.  We obviously would not exist without them. While we have ‘busted our tails’ to serve them over the years, they have in turn been incredibly loyal. We still have customers today, that initially became customers in our first year of business. We are thankful for them.”

With Bob and Ruth approaching retirement, it means a great deal to them that Minuteman Press in Tigard will remain in great hands for the next 35 years. Bob shares, “It means a great deal to us, to be able to see what my wife and I have built over the years, continue on into the next generation and chapter. We have been blessed, in having Craig and Christopher both with us for so long.  That has allowed for a gradual and nearly seamless transition.  For the past two years, Ruth and I have been gradually turning over more and more of the management and decision-making to ‘the boys’ as we call them. They have made all of the equipment purchases and hiring decisions for the past 2 years. They have also attended the past two Minuteman Press World Expo Conventions.”

He continues, “Also, if Minuteman Press HQ was not the company that it has been, there would have been no reason for us to renew our franchise agreement. Our experience has been one of excellent, ongoing support in all aspects from Minuteman Regional & HQ. We truly appreciate their business franchise model; their ongoing support, the network of ‘Preferred Vendors’; and their early adoption of computerized pricing, which has evolved into the FLEX program that does so many functions today that were not even dreamed of 35 years ago.  All these and more make a great package and a desirable business model to follow and continue with.”

Bob also says, “And then there is the family aspect, not only mine, but also the Titus family. It had been my privilege to know the founder, Roy Titus. And then to also know his son Bob Titus and now Nick and Jackie Titus, as they have all ‘grown up’ in the business and taken on their leadership roles.  What is most impressive to me is that they have all been ‘just folks’ … unpretentious and unassuming, kind and caring, and have become personal friends. They have never lost sight, now through three generations, that they are stewards of an amazing corporation, that while it first and foremost is a major business, it also at the same time cares for and treats everyone like extended family.”

Minuteman Press International also makes sure to recognize individual achievement. It is only human to be gratified, when our best efforts are recognized by others. Minuteman’s system of recognition for various sales levels, marketing, print quality, shop appearance and other awards, are all appreciated as tangible markers of various achievements. As a 25-year (now retired) veteran of the Army, I see many parallels to Minuteman’s system of such recognition, to the military’s awards of ribbons and service medals for exemplary service.”

After 35 years, Bob has plenty of advice and wisdom to share when it comes to marketing and growing the business. He notes three key areas – products, marketing, and networking:

PRODUCTS: Through Minuteman HQ’s urging, guidance and vendor connections, we have branched out into many areas that we previously did not do, or consider. Mailing services, checks and deposit slips, signs and banners, promotional products, clothing / wearables.  All of these are later additions to our original business model.

MARKETING: When we initially began in 1987, marketing was almost exclusively ‘cold calls’ on local businesses. The follow-up was a 3” x 5” Index Card file that was sorted by ‘call back’ dates (which I still have). That and the Yellow Page ads were your two primary sources for getting your name out.

Now, digital is the primary method and our Google Reviews rating of 4.9 stars along with the reviews posted there, are critical.  A frequent response from new customers when we ask, ‘How did you hear about us?’, is almost always our high Google standing. Following that would be that they received a referral from another customer.

NETWORKING: Do it! We have many, many customers that have come to us through our contacts in Rotary, our local Business Leads group (LeTip) and several local Chambers of Commerce. Some of those customers are among our largest accounts.

The printing industry has certainly evolved and yet the benefits of print remain strong. Bob says, “People respond well to a tangible, physical piece that you can hold in your hand. It also has a tendency to be saved, whereas a digital ad piece is quickly passed by and forgotten.”

Bob reflects on the rewards of owning his own business, sharing, “Having some control of your own future, I also find it rewarding to do something that you enjoy or find satisfaction in.”

His advice to other aspiring franchisees is this: “If you never try, you will never know if you could have done it. Be bold. Join a service organization, business group and local chambers and PARTICIPATE. People do business (and refer others who they know) with those that they know and trust.

Attend the regional meetings and learn from Minuteman Press and your fellow owners. Attend the World Expos and learn even more and be boosted up by your shared experiences. Follow the Minuteman Press program and advice as much as is possible. You paid for it, and it works, so use it.”

Lastly, Bob concludes, “I’d like to share a famous quote from Winston Churchill, which is also the attitude of those of us who have served in the military: ‘Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never – in nothing great or small, large or petty – never give in………’”

Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at minutemanpressfranchise.com.

SPONSORED BY:
Minuteman Press Int'l.
Minuteman Press is the world's largest & number 1 rated printing & marketing franchise. Our business model features multiple revenue streams, a high repeat business factor, normal hours of operation, a royalty cap and much more! Learn More

Published: March 3rd, 2023

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