Minuteman Press creates celebratory signs for graduates

A Minuteman Press franchise unit in Arizona has been making sure local graduates’ achievements are being celebrated.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, business partners Tracie and Glenn Hansen had only been operating their Minuteman Press branch in Falstaff, Arizona for around 18 months. Despite their concerns surrounding the virus, the franchisees were pleased with the level of support offered by the printing franchise. Tracie explained:

“Right off the bat, I found comfort and camaraderie by logging into our owners’ portal each day, where our peers were sharing ideas and advice to navigate the uncertainty and help spark business. I was blown away by the genuine care our brand had for all of us as owners.”

While searching for ways to help the community, the Hansen duo were inspired by Dawn Brown, the owner of a Minuteman Press franchise unit in Kent, Washington. Dawn shared her own ‘Class of 2020’ yard sign scheme, showing how she’d made personalised placards for graduates which families could put in their front gardens.

The Hansens introduced a similar scheme in their own franchise unit, and it wasn’t long before they’d had 60 orders. Then came a “crazy rush of activity”, with customers calling up and emailing in, so the franchisees had to act fast.

“We are a family business, so it was ‘all hands on deck’ – even our kids played a role, delivering them to homes all over the city.”

The franchisees were glad to be able to support young people in the community:

“It felt so good to help them celebrate their accomplishments, especially as they were missing out on all the traditional customs and rituals because of the pandemic.”

As part of the scheme, a road was cordoned off as decorated cars drove through.

“Families lined the street as graduates drove up to receive their diplomas in cars decked out in balloons, streamers and even our repurposed yard signs.”

Tracie and Glenn even received requests from customers without children who wanted to give a sign to graduates who might have otherwise missed out. They had orders from as far afield as Hawaii. Looking back, they’re surprised at how their business has changed as a result of the pandemic:

“Every day, we are fulfilling orders for products we never could have predicted – floor decals to promote social distancing, branded hand sanitizers and custom promotional items to make up for lost in-person events.”

Now, the franchise team are preparing to recognise college graduates in December too.