Veteran Transitions to Owning Minuteman Press Franchise

Darin Overstreet, co-owner of the Minuteman Press franchise located in Aurora, Colorado has retired from the Colorado National Guard where he served as chief public affairs officer for the Joint Task Force — Centennial. Today, Overstreet, who also served in the U.S. Air Force, runs Minuteman Press in Aurora along with his wife Anne. Together, the couple provides local businesses and non-profits with design, printing, marketing, and mailing services.

Applying military skills to business ownership

With Minuteman Press in Aurora, Overstreet says he has found the perfect opportunity to apply the skills he acquired during his years of military service. He remarks, “There are so many lessons and experiences I have taken with me — community relations, messaging, public relations, photography, and building relationships with so many different types of people. As the director of community outreach, I was already connecting people who may not otherwise meet and I learned the value of simply helping others by providing service.”

He adds, “90% of our clients are other local business owners like me. If I see that they can benefit from one another, I make meaningful connections and I see working with my clients as a two-way street. I love working with them on all of their marketing promotions and social media, and just building relationships. I want to serve and strengthen my community just as I did when I was in the National Guard.”

One other benefit that Overstreet sees in the transition to business ownership is his ability to endorse and promote businesses, which was not the mission of the National Guard. He says, “For example, during the pandemic, I’ve been working to promote local artists. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in photo/video, and so I’ve been art-adjacent all my life. With Minuteman Press, I am able to help these incredible artists print on demand and promote their stories.”

Buying during the pandemic and operating as an essential business

The couple bought their business in June 2020 and have remained open and operating throughout the pandemic as an essential business. They say they have seen high demand for a wide variety of products as businesses continue to ramp up their marketing efforts. Overstreet says, “We’ve seen high demand for direct mail and every door direct mail. We help businesses reach out to targeted geographic and demographic areas so they can tell their customers about operations changes, new guidelines, and of course, special offers.”

When asked about starting his franchise, Overstreet says, “I’ve always been interested in printing. I have a passion for art, photo, and video, and with this business, I feel like I can help others bring their visions and branding to life.”

He adds, “Regional Vice President Jack Panzer and Area Manager Todd Golberg are there for us whenever we need them and it is a tremendous benefit to us to have their continued guidance and reassurance.”