Darin Overstreet, co-owner of the Minuteman Press franchise located at 14190 E. Jewell Ave., Suite 1, has retired from the Colorado National Guard where he served as Chief Public Affairs Officer for the Joint Task Force – Centennial.
Today Darin, who also served in the U.S. Air Force, runs Minuteman Press in Aurora along with his wife Anne. Together Darin and Anne provide local businesses and non-profits with design, printing, marketing, and mailing services.
During his time of service, Darin was an integral part of several missions both at home and abroad. He shares, “We (the National Guard) did both federal and state missions that could take us anywhere from The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to El Salvador to right here in Colorado,” says Darin.
One mission that hit close to home for Darin was the Colorado floods that took place in 2013. “The flood ripped through a dozen counties, and I was part of the Colorado National Guard’s Joint Staff,” he says. “We coordinated everything from sandbagging and evacuations to helping people in flooded areas. After the floods, our team was brought in to help rebuild the highway that leads to Estes Park, Colorado. We were able to get the roads paved and, during the rebuild, I coordinated with the media including interviews, public relations, photography, video, and writing articles.
“I am most proud of the fact that I was part of team that truly made a difference and helped people when they needed us most. Over fifteen years, our Public Affairs team received seventy-five National Military awards. I really enjoyed community relations, which is something I am still doing today in a different capacity with Minuteman Press, our Veteran-owned family business in Aurora.”
Applying Military Skills to Business Ownership
With Minuteman Press in Aurora, Darin has found the perfect opportunity to apply the skills he acquired during his years of military service.
“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.”
Darin adds, “Ninety percent 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 Darin 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, “Now I can promote other businesses and help them, and I love being an active part of the Aurora community in this way,” 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 the Business During the Pandemic and Operating as an Essential Business
Darin and Anne bought their business in June 2020 and have remained open and operating throughout the pandemic as an essential business. They have seen high demand for a wide variety of products as businesses continue to ramp up their marketing efforts.
“We’ve seen high demand for direct mail and Every Door Direct Mail,” says Darin. “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.
“Throughout the pandemic, popular items have included large format printing (banners, posters, and signage), updated restaurant menus, stickers, and dye sublimation (face masks and apparel). We’ve also helped clients come up with special offers for subscription boxes featuring relevant printed and promotional items that their customers will appreciate and remember.”
When asked why he chose Minuteman Press, Darin answers, “I looked at other franchises but 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.”
Darin also credits the local support team in Colorado for being there every step of the way. “Regional Vice President Jack Panzer and Area Manager Todd Golberg are there for us whenever we need them,” he says, “and it is a tremendous benefit to us to have their continued guidance and reassurance.”
—Chris Biscuiti
