Press Release

Local Owners of Portland Minuteman Press Locations Make Community Outreach a Priority

PORTLAND, Ore.–Steve Ryan opened his first Minuteman Press location in 1997. In 2006, Steve Ryan and Walter Sofko joined their companies together. The two collaborated to bring two Minuteman Press locations to the area, with locations at 3382 SE 20th Ave and a downtown location at 1308 SW 2nd Ave. Together, the business partners have consistently provided the Portland metropolitan area with two indispensable contributions: digital print, design and marketing services with the company Entrepreneur Magazine rated as top in its industry in its 2015 Franchise 500® ranking, and an impressive outpouring of charitable contributions to local causes.

For 22 years, Steve Ryan worked in the beauty salon industry and distribution sales, while Walter Sofko was a vice president for an educational products business. Though both come from seemingly unrelated industries, the two were unified by their experiences using print to expand their respective businesses.

“Both Walt and I knew the impact our services can have on branding for a business,” said Ryan. “We came upon Minuteman Press separately owing to its reputation of excellence, both having reached the peak at our respective jobs. Minuteman Press provided a seamless transition from working for others to working for ourselves.”

Walter and Steve are very involved as In-kind sponsors with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, SW Washington Oregon Girl Scouts and Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. They are committed to giving back to their community through these endeavors,” said Steve Cooper, Minuteman Press Regional Vice President, Pacific Northwest. He added, “Their stellar service, quality of work and pursuit of customer satisfaction has resulted in them being able to grow a million-plus dollar business.”

Minuteman Press provides a host of services including digital print, promotional and tailored marketing services and much more. Franchising since 1975, Minuteman Press is celebrating its 40th year providing opportunities for entrepreneurs to own a business with the brand consistently rated #1 in its industry.

But more than running an excellent business, Steve Ryan and Walter Sofko also give back to the Portland community in a big way.

“Each year we give away thousands of dollars to support local events,” said Steve Ryan. “We sponsor the local Girl Scout Chapter, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, an art walk to support local artists, a YMCA golf tournament, National Multiple Sclerosis Oregon Chapter and a BBQ Championship. This past Christmas we also donated roughly 300 toys. Being a good business is about more than just providing good service; it’s about being a good member of the community as well.”

Entering his 18th year in business with Minuteman Press, Steve Ryan offered advice to other would-be franchisees entering the printing industry.

“My partnership with Walt worked because I found another person who was just as passionate as I was about the industry,” and as a result of the partnership we went from a small 1,000-square-foot facility to an 11,000-square-foot facility and we’ve become a top franchisee in the Minuteman Press system. The right partnership, I’ve found, can make all the difference in the world.”

?