Georgia Minuteman Press Franchisees Win Community Award

Chantal and Clifton Gideon have been the owners of the Minuteman Press franchise in Forest Park, Georgia, since June 2021. Over the past two and a half years, Chantal and Clifton have built meaningful connections with their clients and business community.

As a result of their remarkable efforts, Chantal and Clifton were recognized earlier this year in August during National Black Business Month and awarded a special proclamation from the City of Forest Park. The proclamation credits Chantal and Gideon with “serving the community with great distinction and pride” as well as “their strong grit and determination to go into business for themselves.”

In addition, Chantal also completed the Leadership Clayton program offered by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce and was recognized as a member of the class of 2023 for the program. Chantal shares her insights on networking and community involvement, building the business for over two years, and the support she’s received from Minuteman Press.

What does this special proclamation award mean to you? What are some of the ways you are active in the community?

Chantal: “To me, this award serves as recognition of our involvement with the community of Forest Park and the positive relationships we’ve fostered together. It’s very important to be involved in the community as a business owner because the more people know our brand, the products and services we offer as well as the quality of our work.”

“Clifton and I are active members of our local chamber of commerce, we attend city council meetings to keep abreast of community happenings as well as the rapid economic development occurring on the main street corridor in which our business is located. I also serve as an ambassador for our chamber of commerce, where I attend ribbon-cuttings for new businesses and assist with welcoming new business members, etc. while offering print and marketing services to them.”

What are your high-demand products and key growth areas?

Chantal: “Our high-demand products and services include business cards, books, EDDM, and flyers/brochures. We do a lot of paper printing for a wide variety of clients.”

What marketing strategies have you found to be effective?

Chantal: “Increasing our internet marketing spend has been very effective in keeping a constant flow of new customers/orders coming in. I am looking forward to further increasing our Minuteman Press internet marketing program spending by the end of this year due to how profitable this has been for us.”

What was your background before franchising? What has the support been like for you?

Chantal: “Before Clifton and I purchased our Minuteman Press franchise, I was a high school biology teacher and Clifton was an engineer at a local steel manufacturing company. Clay Trussell is our field representative, and he is always super responsive with whatever we need. He’s always just a text, phone call, or visit away whenever we need him. Tech support is always consistent and our Regional Vice President Dave Walton stays involved with our overall growth and long-term strategy.”

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Chantal: “Networking within the community and building our brand awareness has been very rewarding. I anticipate continuing to cultivate these relationships!”