Located at 8210 Wisconsin Avenue, Minuteman Press in Bethesda held its grand reopening event on May 15 in conjunction with the Rockville Chamber of Commerce. Owner Leslie Klein was excited to celebrate the renovations of her center as well as the return of local community events to Bethesda.
“We redid our lobby, added a new envelope printer, and rearranged our layout to optimize our production and best serve our clients,” says Leslie. “It feels fantastic to celebrate our grand reopening!”
As she reflects on her grand reopening as well as the past year, Leslie says, “The pandemic took its toll on everyone and we are just thrilled to be able to move forward. Last year, we remained open as an essential business and continued to support and serve our community in any way we could. For example, I reached out to all of the local school districts and we ended up printing and distributing 3,000 graduation yard signs, which was really gratifying.”
Today Leslie is happy to get back to business.
“As soon as networking events opened back up, I jumped on board and attended all sorts of networking and speed networking sessions. This past week alone, I received two jobs for orders from people who referred me from those events.
“It feels great to get back out there and let people know what Minuteman Press in Bethesda is all about.”
Some of the popular high-demand items that Leslie’s team provides to clients right now include bulk mailings, banners and signs (large format printing), promotional products, and custom printing for events and tradeshows.
“Community events are coming back and this summer is already heating up for us,” says Leslie. “We have already been selected to be the print supplier for two golf tournaments. For one of the upcoming golf outings, we are producing sixty double-sided yard signs, retractable banners, table tents, and promotional magnets.
“As for bulk mailings, I’ve done my research on direct mail and I’ve really made it a point of focus at networking events. I talk about direct mail in Chamber groups, my BNI group, and to my customers. We are able to help them market themselves and our ability to design, print, and do the mailings for them makes it easy for our clients.”
Minuteman Press in Bethesda has been awarded the 2021 Best of Bethesda Award in the Commercial Printers, Designers & Marketers category. The award from the Bethesda Award Program recognizes Leslie and her team for working to “enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community.”
Prior to buying Minuteman Press in Bethesda in November 2019, Leslie Klein worked 25 years as a nurse and also spent time raising her three children.
“I loved being a nurse but I always wanted to do something entrepreneurial for myself,” she says. “My husband and I decided to go to the local franchise show in April 2019 because it was fun to see what opportunities were out there. I always thought I might end up with a business related to gardening since it’s a hobby of mine, and I also looked at other options such as an eyelash/cosmetics franchise.
“I met Minuteman Press Regional Vice President Bob Heimbuch at the show and learned about printing. We did our research, the price was right, and by the middle of May, we put down a deposit for Minuteman Press in Bethesda.”
When asked about the rewards of owning her own business, Leslie answers, “My staff is absolutely amazing and we work well together to best serve our customers. Being able to fulfill custom orders and keeping my clients happy is such a great feeling. Being able to learn and grow with them is my ultimate reward.”
—Press Release
