Press Release

US Army Veteran Mason Hutton Celebrates One Year in Business with Minuteman Press Printing Franchise in Dayton, Ohio

DAYTON, Ohio  – While serving in the US Army for over 22 years, Mason Hutton learned about the importance of hard work. He says, "While assigned as a paratrooper at Ft. Bragg, I learned the challenges of decision making under pressure. I served in various roles and deployed to multiple countries, earning my stripes the old-fashioned way with hard work and determination- constantly seeking self-improvement to achieve new success. My career climaxed with an assignment as a First Sergeant and finally as an Operations Sergeant for 2 different organizations."

Mason retired from the Army in 2013 and worked in various director and supervisor roles before deciding to take charge of his future and go into business for himself. He was able to take advantage of Minuteman Press International's conversion program where an independent print shop was converted into a full-services Minuteman Press design, marketing, and printing center. Mason says, "I opened our Minuteman Press franchise right here in Dayton one year ago in 2017. I had exactly zero years of experience working in a print shop and no significant understanding for print processes or the varieties of material available for our use. As with several other positions, I went in full throttle to learn as much as possible, as quickly as possible, intending to become a knowledgeable owner able to help solve the needs of our clients and leap over small buildings in a single bound."

Today, Mason is serving the business community of Dayton, Ohio with the same passion and fervor as he served his country. He explains, "We are a new Minuteman Press design, marketing, and printing franchise in our area. We provide solutions and assistance for other small businesses within our community. We simply talk with our clients to create a shared understanding for their unique business and identifying courses of action for their marketing needs. Then we collaborate with them for an ideal solution, helping them to achieve their next level of success. We are not just another print shop; we offer real solutions for your business, ensuring you have what you need, when you need it."

Mason continues, "Some of the biggest rewards I receive are the sincere words of appreciation and gratitude that I hear from our clients. Knowing that we not only met their expectations, but that we exceeded their expectations, creating a 'WOW' moment for them is a tremendous reward on which you cannot put a price tag. Earning the respect of our clients and creating rave reviews for our work is always exciting."

One year into his new life as an entrepreneur, Mason reflects, "I thrive on the non-routine day-to-day activities. Each day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity to partner with a client, to find a solution for their business needs. I typically only plan about 4 hours of work each day, because I know that the unexpected will always arrive when you least expect it. This directly relates to the benefit of being my own boss. I can structure my daily meetings and tasks as I see fit and allow myself the maximum opportunity to interact with our clients, whether they are walk-in clients or during brief meetings in their offices. Another great benefit about being my own boss is scheduling my performance review … it has never been easier!"

Why Minuteman Press?

Mason Hutton had the drive to be an entrepreneur, which is an important factor to consider when looking into owning a business. He says, "I wanted to create an environment that would foster and embrace new ideas, accept creativity, and allow new perspectives to find solutions. The obvious choice was to become a business owner myself. While considering my options, I reviewed several franchise opportunities."

When researching the various franchise opportunities available to him, Mason Hutton found Minuteman Press to be the right fit. He says, "Although, Minuteman Press was not the first franchise I reviewed, it is the one I selected to be a part of. The franchise has a great respect for establishing family time and makes that fact well-known. Another attractive point is the latitude that I have as an owner – to promote my shop, to work within the community, and to offer competitive prices. Finally, the franchise fee and monthly royalty cap were equally significant factors in choosing Minuteman Press."

With one year as part of the Minuteman Press franchise family under his belt, Mason is happy with the decision he made. He says, "We have enjoyed incredible support from our field representatives! Our time spent with Rich and Andrew has been of great benefit for our growth and development. They have each assisted with equipment questions, marketing assistance, and unique projects for our clients. Our Regional Vice President Gary Nowak has also been very helpful. Gary has consistently been responsive to our calls and emails for assistance and has provided new solutions to help solve problems. Their combined experiences and knowledge continues to be an invaluable resource for our team. Additionally, we have confidently relied on assistance from Minuteman Press International headquarters."

Getting Involved and Giving Back to the Community

One of the biggest benefits and rewards of owning a business is becoming an active part in the community. Mason explains, "I truly enjoy and embrace the opportunities that are available to become more involved with various community events. At present, we are members of the local Chamber of Commerce and the local Optimist Club. The Chamber of Commerce has provided great assistance with welcoming us to the community and has assisted with introducing us to many other small business owners. They host several networking events each month and keep the community at large engaged with upcoming events. The Optimist Club has been a fantastic organization with which to work. As a club, we are involved with multiple fundraising activities throughout the year- with our primary focus as raising funds for youth activities and presenting a recent high school graduate with an additional scholarship fund. Being able to be involved with these groups and being able to participate within our community is a reward unto itself. Knowing that you get to make a difference for a youth somewhere is always rewarding."

What is a typical day like for Mason Hutton as the owner of Minuteman Press in Dayton? He answers, "This is easy as there is no typical day. Every day is different, offering new challenges and bringing new solutions to our clients. One of my key goals is to remain as flexible as possible, to continue to execute finding a solution or result that meets the needs of the client. I typically schedule about 4 hours each day for key events or tasks, allowing me the opportunity to “flexecute” when a new challenge arises, or as a new and urgent client need is identified. Another key with each passing day is to ensure you leave with a victory. The daily goal is to always 'Win the Day' with each day and with each challenge. Find the victory you enjoyed that day and leave the office knowing that you won another day, planning to come back the next day ready for the next challenge. No matter how the 'typical day' unfolds, when it's over, warm cookies and cold milk makes everything better."

When he gets some time to relax away from the business, Mason enjoys time well spent with his family. He says, "As a new small business owner, I do embrace my work and I do enjoy the many aspects of being an owner. However, I also enjoy traveling and taking short trips with my family. Being able to travel is always refreshing and allows us to give pause and appreciate new things, whether it’s a trip to New York City or a trip to the Appalachian Mountains, each provides a new perspective on life and allows us to consider what is truly important: our family."

Business Goals and Advice for Others

Mason has a plan for Minuteman Press in Dayton, which is in good hands under his leadership. He explains, "The immediate business goals are to grow and develop this shop to consistently achieve our monthly sales goals. Next on our list of goals is to achieve a higher volume of sales, enabling us to provide employment opportunities for others. My 5-year plan is to grow the business and to expand with a secondary location, ultimately creating additional employment opportunities with continued sales and growth."

He continues, "I have to add that Minuteman Press International's IT department is superb! When encountering any related technical issues, I never hesitate to contact this team for guidance and problem resolution. Their professionalism is beyond reproach and their quick results ensure each franchise can capably maintain efficient production schedules."

As for the advice he has for other aspiring entrepreneurs or franchisees, Mason shares, "Always do your homework. Advice from others is helpful but ultimately every decision is yours and you will be the one living with your choice. Do not rush into a decision without doing your due diligence and research. If you are being rushed for a decision, then you really need to slow the process down and understand why there is a rush to decide anything. These choices directly impact your family and your financial well-being; do not rush blindly into the fire without being as fully prepared as you can be. "

Mason concludes, "There are plenty of additional resources available for you to utilize, take advantage of them. If you are considering entering in as a new franchise owner, try to spend a full day or more with the current owner or with the owner of a sister shop. This is the best time to develop a true understanding of your role as the franchise owner and the responsibilities you will incur as the owner.

Minuteman Press in Dayton is located at 2599 Needmore Road, Dayton, OH 45414. For more information, call Mason and his team at (937) 890-0783.

About Minuteman Press International

Minuteman Press International is the number one rated business marketing and printing franchise that offers world class training and unparalleled ongoing local support. Started in 1973 by Roy Titus and his son Bob, Minuteman Press began franchising in 1975 and has grown to nearly 1,000 business service franchise locations worldwide including the U.S., Australia, Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Minuteman Press is ranked #1 in category by Entrepreneur 26 times and 15 years in a row, including 2018. Franchise Business Review has also named Minuteman Press International to its 2018 Top Franchises, 2018 Top Franchise Leaders, and 2018 Top Franchises for Women lists thanks to positive reviews from our owners.

At Minuteman Press, We Are The Modern Printing Industry™ providing high quality products and services that meet the needs of today's business professionals and go way beyond ink on paper. Today, our centers offer innovative branding solutions and produce custom designs, promotional products, branded apparel, direct mail marketing, large format printing (banners and posters), signs and graphics, and much more. Prior experience is not necessary to own and operate a successful Minuteman Press franchise.