South Calgary Print Shop Owners Honored with Top Customer Service Award
Ray and Joan Wiens, the dedicated owners of Minuteman Press in South Calgary, Alberta, are celebrating a significant milestone as they approach seven years in business. Their journey, which began in April 2019, has been marked by substantial growth and recognition within the local business community.
Expansion and Accolades Mark Business Success
Over the past two years, the Wiens have been exceptionally busy expanding their operations. They have not only enlarged their physical business location but also strategically acquired a local sign shop, broadening their service offerings. Their hard work and commitment to excellence were recently recognized when Minuteman Press International Regional Vice President Neil MacLeod presented them with the prestigious Top Customer Service Award. This honor highlights their outstanding dedication to serving clients in the Calgary area.
Diverse Backgrounds Lead to Entrepreneurship
Prior to entering the printing industry, Ray and Joan Wiens had rich and varied careers. Joan dedicated 26 years to education, serving as both a teacher and a principal. Ray's path was equally diverse; after university, he played CFL football for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for two seasons while working as a mechanical engineer. Following his football career, Ray returned to university to earn an education degree and taught high school mathematics. Together, the couple spent 18 years teaching at American private schools in Kuwait and Dubai before returning to Canada.
Ray's connection to printing dates back to his high school days in Saskatchewan, where his first job involved cleaning printing presses. "For me, returning to the print world has always felt like coming full circle," he reflects. Upon their return to Canada, equipped with Ray's MBA and a desire for entrepreneurship, they conducted thorough market research and ultimately chose Minuteman Press for its proven benefits.
Key Benefits of Choosing Minuteman Press
The Wiens identified several advantages that made Minuteman Press an ideal choice for their business venture:
- Established B2B Network: They purchased a well-established business with an extensive customer database in a prime location surrounded by other businesses. Recognizing that printing, signage, and marketing materials are essential infrastructure for all Calgary businesses, they valued the potential for repeat orders from satisfied clients.
- Proven Systems and Business Model: Minuteman Press provided access to established systems that would have taken years to develop independently. This included integrated workflow management software (FLEX), customer tracking systems, buying power options, equipment support, and a robust web presence. The hands-on assistance from the franchise has been described as "phenomenal" by the owners.
- Brand Recognition: As a globally recognized leader in the printing industry, Minuteman Press offered instant credibility within the Calgary business community, where the name is synonymous with quality and reliability.
Their strategic approach and dedication have clearly paid off, as evidenced by their recent award and continued growth. The Wiens' story serves as an inspiring example of how diverse experiences can converge into successful entrepreneurship, benefiting both the owners and the local economy.
