Peter Castorena, owner of the Minuteman Press printing franchise in Lancaster, California, is already a member of the Minuteman Press International President’s Million-Dollar Circle for achieving yearly gross sales of at least $1 million. He has continued to grow his sales even during the COVID-19 pandemic, crediting the hard work of his team, the loyalty of his local business community, and the support of his franchisor Minuteman International.
“There is nothing more that Minuteman Press International could have done to support franchise owners like me during this unprecedented time. We really appreciate the leadership and communication shown by Nick Titus [President of Minuteman] as well as the additional marketing resources and ongoing support we have received when we needed it most,” Castorena says.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Minuteman Press in Lancaster has remained open as an essential business. According to Castorena, high-demand products and services include direct mail, wide format printing including banners and signage for social distancing, and custom branded apparel such as shirts and face masks. He further explains:
- Direct mail: “We have received a huge number of requests for direct mail, particularly from schools and hospitals/healthcare. They need to quickly and effectively communicate with their students, patients, and their families. Since they knew we are direct mail providers, they trust us with these critical communications.”
- Wide format printing and signage: “We have seen a huge uptick in wide format signage, social distancing posters, banners, and floor decals. These were products that businesses needed to keep their customers and employees’ safe, and to help them follow guidelines.”
- Custom branded apparel: “This actually goes beyond face masks. Some of our clients have asked for branded shirts and uniforms for their teams. They have told me that since people can’t see their faces, they’d like their teams to be outfitted with branded apparel to better promote their respective businesses.”
He credits the team at Minuteman Press International for “pushing the envelope” even before the pandemic hit to make sure that all franchisees have the ability to adapt and expand their products and services and quickly meet the needs of their customers.
“My needs might be different than another Minuteman Press owner, but we all are looking for ways to easily meet the current and future needs of our client base. Minuteman Press International reached out to us every day asking us how they can support us during this time and they provided us with real, actionable feedback and answers to our questions. That was huge for us and my fellow Minuteman Press franchisees. We are lucky to have such high demand for our essential services, but with the support we have received from Minuteman International; luck had nothing to do with our ability to rise to the occasion. We have the knowledge. We get the support. We’re getting it done.” — Peter Castorena, owner of Minuteman Press printing franchise in Lancaster, California
Dan Byers is Minuteman Press International Regional Vice President for the Southern California Region. He helped Castorena transition from his previous career as a retail buyer and has been supporting him as a Minuteman Press franchisee for nearly 15 years since August 2006. “Peter is an exemplary Minuteman Press franchise owner and his efforts to continue to grow his business during the pandemic have really paid off. He has taken full advantage of our products and services as well as our marketing programs we have made available to all franchisees. Peter listens intently, and then he takes actions that best serve his clients in Lancaster. I commend him on his well-earned success,” Byers says.
To show his appreciation for his franchisor, Castorena had a very unique surprise in store for Nick Titus and the team at Minuteman Press International World Headquarters located all the way across the country in Farmingdale, NY. “Every year, I receive a rebate from our paper vendor that Minuteman Press International negotiates for all of its franchisees. I usually like to take that rebate and re-invest it into my business to make us better. This year, with all the unwavering support we received from everyone at World HQ, I wanted to pay it forward. I decided to send them something special.”
That “something special” was a beautiful, custom 8-foot tall “Giant Minute Man” that Peter had made and delivered to Titus. “When we first received this huge box, I had no idea what to expect. After we opened it up and saw what was inside, I was simply blown away. I called Peter and he explained to me how much our support during COVID-19 meant to him. For us as a team and for me personally, there is nothing more gratifying than helping our franchisees. The fact that he went out of his way to do this for us and send us this incredible piece, it’s really moving and also very cool.”
For years to come, Castorena is looking forward to continuing to grow his business in Lancaster. “I’ve learned so much during this time including the fact that the printing industry is adaptable and resilient. Also, I am so fortunate to be part of a franchise family in Minuteman Press International that truly cares about us no matter what the circumstances are.”
As for the “Giant Minute Man” that is now proudly displayed in the reception area of Minuteman Press International World Headquarters, Titus says it is a welcome addition to the office and “a great reminder of why we do what we do. We are all in this together and it means the world that Peter showed his appreciation with this beautiful gift.”
For more information on Minuteman Press in Lancaster, CA, visit https://www.scav.minutemanpress.com. For more information on #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and to read Minuteman Press franchise reviews, visit https://minutemanpressfranchise.com.
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