30-Year Business Apexgraphix Converts to Minuteman Press Franchise
Apexgraphix Owner John Runy retires at 82 & sells the business to franchisee Ken Holloway.
Apexgraphix, which has served Columbia, South Carolina, businesses for 30 years, has been sold by retiring owner John Runy to Ken Holloway. Moving forward, Apexgraphix will operate as Minuteman Press in Columbia. All staff members have been retained and the business remains located at 1415 Gervais St.
“I am now 82 years old and decided it was simply time to retire,” explained Runy. “Ken Holloway is the perfect fit for this shop and the transition has been easy. I can assure my customers that they will get the same level of service and my employees will be treated well with Ken as the new owner of the business.”
On buying the business, Holloway remarked, “The transition could not have gone better. John Runy is 82 years old and he is one of the sharpest, kindest people I’ve met. He has been truly invested in my success and I am humbled to carry his legacy forward. We will continue the great tradition of providing the best customer service in Columbia. We have retained all of the current staff of Apexgraphix and our clients are excited about the investments we are making in bringing them new products and services.”
My advice to other sellers is to try it out and see if a new owner fits. Minuteman Press found the right fit for us. I felt very comfortable selling the business to Ken and working with Dave Walton and the team at Minuteman Press. I am now able to retire knowing my customers and employees are being well-served by the new ownership.
— John Runy, retiring owner, Apexgraphix
Building Apexgraphix & selling the business
“I retired from the U.S. Army and started as another printing franchise. I then expanded as the first digital color print shop in Downtown Columbia,” summarized Runy. After building the business for 30 years, it was time for him to secure his exit strategy.
He shared, “I was contacted by Minuteman Press and decided to respond to them. After meeting with Regional VP Dave Walton, I knew I was dealing with a professional and trustworthy group. The fact that this was a non-commission sale made me feel that this was a relatively easy way to sell the business.”
Buying the business
Holloway has been part of the Minuteman Press franchise family since January of 2023 when he purchased his first location in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. “I have been very pleased with my first Minuteman Press in Myrtle Beach and all of the support I have received from Dave Walton. Dave and I talk regularly and he knows I am looking to grow with Minuteman Press. He has been invested in our partnership,” stated Holloway.
For Holloway, buying Apexgraphix and opening Minuteman Press in Columbia was the perfect opportunity to expand his footprint while also coming back to Columbia. He said, “My wife and I both graduated from the University of South Carolina and lived in Columbia for many years. This shop is bigger than my first location and has amazing growth potential.”
Holloway continued, “I have bought 12 businesses in my career. It is always about the timing and making sure you have the funds to move fast. Dave Walton understood the great potential of this location and encouraged me to move swiftly to complete the purchase.”
A business is always about the people first. I knew that with John’s character and how great the shop looked that the team was going to reflect his core values of professionalism, quality, and service. I am proud to say that they do.
— Ken Holloway, owner, Minuteman Press Columbia
Quick hits from Ken Holloway
Career background: “In addition to Minuteman Press in Columbia and Myrtle Beach, I currently own two automotive parts franchises and two independent diesel truck service centers. My son has worked for me in those businesses and now runs the day-to-day operations for me.”
Training & support: “Dave and our local field reps Clay and Val have helped tremendously. Their ability to train and support our staff and respond quickly to questions has been a huge help that reduces stress and makes for a smooth transition.”
Minuteman Press core values & support: “I have owned three other franchises and by far Minuteman Press is the best. The capped royalty says a lot about the Titus family and their character. The support from my field team — Dave, Val, and Clay — is outstanding. They are always willing to help and quick to answer my questions. The support from MPIHQ also reflects the core values of Minuteman Press International. Whether I have questions about equipment, marketing, Google, FLEX, IT, etc., I can always count on an expert on the other end of the phone who genuinely wants to help.”
