CT BUSINESSES

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Matt Bloom Continues Tradition of Success in Norwich, CT & Joins President’s Club

13 May 2025

Minuteman Press franchisee Matt Bloom has officially joined the President’s Club after just one year of ownership in Norwich, Connecticut. Here’s how the former venture capitalist made a seamless transition and built on a 31-year legacy to grow the business past $1 million in gross sales.

New Ownership, Same Trusted Print Shop in Norwich CT

In September 2023, Matt Bloom took over ownership of Minuteman Press in Norwich CT, a leading local print shop with over 30 years of success. The business was previously owned and operated by Gail and Steve Weber, who built a trusted name in the Norwich community.


Matt continued their legacy while adding a growth-focused mindset and fresh business perspective—leading to a standout first year and a spot in the Minuteman Press President’s Club, which honors franchise owners who surpass $1M in gross sales.


“The real credit goes to the previous owners and our core team here in Norwich,” said Matt. “Some have been working together for over two decades.”


Why a Tech Entrepreneur Chose a Printing Franchise

Matt’s background is in venture capital and early-stage tech investing. After 10 years helping startups scale, he decided to shift gears.


“I loved investing in entrepreneurs, but I missed the operational side. With two young kids and less desire for travel, starting from scratch wasn’t realistic. That’s when I came across this printing franchise opportunity in Norwich CT.”


Despite having no previous print experience, Matt saw strong fundamentals in the Minuteman Press franchise model. What sealed the deal?

  • Established team and customer base
  • Healthy financials
  • Low competition in the local printing market
  • Built-in franchise training and support
  • Clear growth potential


A Seamless Franchise Transition in Norwich

Upon acquiring the business, Matt made it a top priority to retain the entire staff, which includes experienced professionals across production, customer service, and delivery.

He also invested time into customer relationships, shifting the shop’s focus from simply fulfilling print orders to offering strategic, consultative support.


“We want to be seen as problem-solvers, not just printers,” said Matt. “That positioning is already driving growth.”


Scaling a Local Print Shop to Over $1M in Revenue

For the first year, Matt focused on stability and integration. But by mid-2024, his attention turned toward growth—and the results came quickly.


Keys to Franchise Growth:

  • Invest in team development and trust
  • Cross-sell products and services to existing customers
  • Deliver exceptional first impressions to new clients

Top Marketing Strategies:

  • In-person networking and outreach
  • Customer referral programs
  • Leveraging the Minuteman Press Internet Marketing Program (MMP iMpact)


“We’re doubling down on relationship-building—meeting clients face-to-face, listening to their needs, and becoming an extension of their business.”


Why Print Still Matters in 2025

Even with a background in tech, Matt now sees the staying power of the printing industry—especially for small businesses and local marketing campaigns.


“Digital fatigue is real. Consumers are bombarded with online ads. But print? It’s physical, personal, and actually gets noticed.”


He continues:


“People engage with brochures, signage, business cards, direct mail, menus—without realizing how much they rely on print. That’s why this Norwich printing franchise has such a bright future.”


The Future of Minuteman Press Norwich CT

Looking ahead, Matt and his team plan to continue building momentum by expanding outreach in Southeast Connecticut, offering new print solutions, and exploring innovative growth strategies.


“We’ve shifted our internal mindset from stability to scale. Now it’s time to invest in growth marketing and further strengthen our presence in the Norwich business community.”


About Minuteman Press Norwich CT

Minuteman Press Norwich CT is a full-service commercial print shop serving small businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout Southeast Connecticut. From custom business cards and brochures to direct mail and signage, the shop offers fast turnaround times and hands-on service.


Visit them at: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/ct/norwich
Call for custom print quotes and local delivery options.


Interested in Owning a Printing Franchise?

Minuteman Press is consistently ranked as a top franchise opportunity in the printing industry, with extensive training, ongoing support, and scalable growth potential.


Learn more at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com


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