AlphaGraphics Vendor Services facilitator Joe Wise has been watching the monthly volume metrics for some time now, waiting for the magic moment when 17 AG owners across the network would reap the rewards of a reduced production cost for the HP Indigo. It happened last month.

“This is a fantastic piece of equipment, and we were able to get many of them for about half off of the retail price as a result of the franchise network buying power,” Wise said. “But once we crossed six million multicolor impressions a month, the per-piece production cost on these went from five cents to four. That’s a lot of pennies.”

It’s $63,000 in savings, per month, to be exact, spread across the Indigo users group. The 17 owners have worked closely together, meeting on a monthly basis to develop strategies that grow sales. Wise says he’s seen their efforts pay off since those meetings began.

“Over the past couple of years, it’s been the capability of the equipment that’s attracted attention – these franchises are maximizing the machine – so the fact that we’ve done enough volume to drive down cost is a real bonus.”

The HP Indigo digital press runs heavier stock weights in four-color process with a range of synthetic and natural paper options. Wise says the units rarely need service, and maintenance is typically something the owners can do themselves.

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We’re excited to announce that eight of our franchise owners are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. In addition, another 22 franchisees have been in business with AlphaGraphics for more than 20 years! Congratulations, everyone.

· Larry Winzeler, Provo and Lehi, Utah

· Frank and Barbara Kohout, Wheaton, Illinois

· David Orpin, Nashua, New Hampshire

· Connie Levinson and David Goodare, Concord, Massachusetts

· Mike Sparaco, Tempe, Arizona

· David Boone, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

· Cash Bestor, Scottsdale, Arizona

· Tom Hopkins, Hillsborough, New Jersey

“It is incredibly rewarding to see our franchisees reach this milestone anniversary,” said Art Coley, president of AlphaGraphics. “Their longevity is a true testament of the commitment they have made to each of their business centers. We look forward to many more years to come with these franchisee partners!”

Each of these silver anniversary centers has a unique story of success; however, the franchisees have communicated that part of their growth is attributed to the support of the corporate team at AlphaGraphics and the adaptability in the business model.

“Another key factor in AlphaGraphics’ continued success is our nimbleness to change,” adds Coley. “Because of improvements in technology and our relationships with vendors, franchisees are first to benefit, adapt and change as the industry does.”

AlphaGraphics was founded in Tucson, Arizona in 1970. In 1979, the company began franchising its unique business model, which offers a comprehensive suite of marketing and print solutions for B2B customers. Today, there are nearly 300 franchises across 30 states.

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Barbara Harkins in Portland, Oregon had one of those Fridays not long ago. Her project management software crashed on a Friday afternoon, and shortly thereafter the Apple store told her that her Mac was a goner.

Saturday morning, she put the word out to AlphaGraphics’ franchise support team that she needed help. What transpired left Barb shaking her head and smiling with amazement.

Within an hour, she’d heard from one VP on paternity leave, and operations support manager on vacation, and three other team members who were just off for the weekend. One left his family by the pool and jumped in to help with data recovery.

“He was the first to call me on the phone and patiently waited as we gathered information, provided me links to download the master software and stayed on the phone until he knew my back up was restored and my workstations connected,” Harkins says. “THAT IS FANTASTIC!!!! I hate to think where I would have been without his help.”

AlphaGraphics Portland was up and running on Monday morning.

These are the things that make AlphaGraphics a different kind of company. To learn more, visit www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com.

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AlphaGraphics added three new franchisees to its global network in November, the sixth consecutive month of record growth for the brand recently highlighted in the Franchise Times Top 200.

Curtis Gropman in Marietta, Ga. recently acquired an independent print shop and is in the process of converting it to an AlphaGraphics Business Center. He brings 15 years of senior sales experience with the Coca Cola system, most recently as vice president of category management for North America. Gropman holds a degree in merchandise management from Michigan State University.Headquartered in Salt Lake City, AlphaGraphics, Inc. plans, produces and manages visual communications for businesses at nearly 300 owner-operated, locally based business centers worldwide.

Chris Iacuzzo recently acquired an independent print shop and is in the process of converting it to an AlphaGraphics Business Center in Orlando, Fla. He was previously a senior staff engineer at NDI Recognition Systems, having held senior positions with Northrop Grumman and other prominent corporations in the defense and space industry. He is currently completing a master’s in engineering management from the Florida Institute of Technology and holds a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from the University of Florida.

Ken and Barbara Adams of Colleyville, Texas have signed a franchise agreement, and are exploring AlphaGraphics options in the Dallas area and in other states. Ken spent 18 years with Pepsico, serving most recently as national account sales manager. He has also owned two small start-up businesses. Barbara is retired from American Airlines, where she held a position in administration.

“My decision to leave the corporate world and become a small business owner is driven by my need to create a ‘win-win’ scenario, and to utilize skills that I have developed over the last 24 years,” Mr. Adams said. “With AlphaGraphics, I believe I can fully develop my passion and apply my knowledge and skills to a business that will provide me with the financial freedom I work so hard to achieve.”

The AlphaGraphics network, a 41 year-old brand, continues to be at the forefront of the printing franchise industry. Backed by state-of-the-art technology, the world’s highest quality standards and a global network, the company’s trained and experienced team members are committed to delivering creative solutions that enable customers to grow their businesses and increase their reach. For more, visit www.alphagraphics.com or www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com.

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Last year, 15 AlphaGraphics centers made Quick Printing magazine’s Top 100 list – more than any other brand in the industry. The 2012 rankings are out, and AG once again leads the pack - this time with 17 centers!

This prestigious list acknowledges the Top 100 quick and small commercial printers in North America from the previous year, and being a part of it presents a uniquely valuable marketing opportunity.

Chuck Stempler, owner of AlphaGraphics Seattle, received the highest AG ranking on the list at #6, up from #12 last year.

“Recognition of our achievements is for our 66 employees collectively,” Stempler said. “None of our success could have been achieved without all of their outstanding efforts.”

“In a competitive environment, we continue to find ways to grow the business and remain profitable while doing it,” say Mike Sparaco and Darin Osborne, owners of AlphaGraphics on University in Tempe, AZ. Like Chuck, Mike and Darin increased their ranking from last year’s list, jumping from #32 in 2011 to #23 in 2012.  

Other AG center owners who nabbed a spot on the list included Bill and Clare Meehan (US514, #42), Jim and Sally Hewell/ Mike and Martie Cowan (US376, #44), Ed Rothschild (US612, #51), Mike Burgard (US690, #57), Grant Richey (US088, #60), Rudy Baron (US242, #62), Karen Brinker (US162, #63), Larry Furlong (US011, #64), Rob Johnson (US034, #69), Steve Adams (US291, #73), Dick Moran (US525, #82), Carol and Ed LeClair (US398, #94), David Kovacs (US281, #95), Tom and Lisa Slade (US370, #97), and Paul VanVeldhuizen (US451, #99).

Congratulations, all!

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More Franchise Growth for Leader in Print and Marketing Communications Services

Three new franchisees joined the AlphaGraphics network in October, marking another strong month of unit growth for the brand. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, AlphaGraphics, Inc. plans, produces and manages visual communications for businesses at nearly 300 owner-operated, locally based business centers worldwide.

Jeff and Deborah Smith in Missouri have signed a franchise agreement with AlphaGraphics and are currently exploring business location opportunities. Jeff brings an entire career in sales, sales management and marketing to AlphaGraphics, most recently with Coast Brands as vice president of sales for the mid-west region. Deborah works as a recruiter and trainer for the American Greeting Card Company in St. Louis. He holds an associate of arts degree in law from the University of Missouri.

Scott Wethers in California has more than a decade of experience in sales for print, mail and promotional products, including stints in management for companies like Workflowone and SmartSource. He holds a degree in business administration in marketing from Oregon State University, as well as an MBA in marketing, finance and eBusiness from the University of Washington. Wethers plans to open a state-of-the-art AlphaGraphics Digital Business Center in Southern California in the coming months.

Mark Lee in Texas recently took early retirement from his role as director of customer management at Frito-Lay, Inc., having spent his career with that company and, previously, with General Electric. He plans to employ his sales, marketing and customer engagement talents to an AlphaGraphics franchise opportunity. Lee graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in advertising and a master’s in advertising and marketing.

“While a number of brands in the print industry have struggled through the Recession, AlphaGraphics continues to grow because of our vision for the future and the way in which we’ve embraced the rapidly evolving marketing and communications business,” said Dave Buzza, vice president of global development for AlphaGraphics.

“With our focus on serving as an outsource marketing provider, we’ve been able to expand our offering and provide greater value to our customers. New owners like these three recognize the unlimited potential, and we’re proud to have them on the AlphaGraphics team.”

The AlphaGraphics network, a 41 year-old brand, continues to be at the forefront of the printing franchise industry and was recently ranked in the Top 200 Franchises by Franchise Times. Backed by state-of-the-art technology, the world’s highest quality standards and a global network, the company’s trained and experienced team members are committed to delivering creative solutions that enable customers to grow their businesses and increase their reach. For more, visit www.alphagraphics.com or www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com.

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The Ryder Cup Challenge golf tournament in September at the Medinah Country Club in northern Illinois brought in more than 45,000 visitors, and Wood Dale AlphaGraphics owner Jeff Bittner was tapped to help take advantage of the opportunity.

Bittner and his staff created a concierge map and mobile website, incorporating a QR code that allowed tourists to find nearby businesses with the goal of keeping them in the immediate area.

“We were approached by the business development director from Wood Dale about building a map to hand out at each of the hotels,” Bittner said. “A combined 2,700 hotel rooms were sold for the week in the six host communities, and I suggested adding a QR code to the map that would link to a mobile website showing directions to local businesses. We put together a proposal and a demo showing how it could work, and they jumped at the opportunity.”

With a print distribution of 5,000 maps, the site had 2,000 hits during the tournament, and generated local media coverage and more opportunities for Bittner’s AlphaGraphics center.

“I have three appointments with restaurants that want to discuss a site for their own businesses,” he said. “And three of the six communities are interested in keeping versions of the site live for local residents.”

Visit our website to learn more about the innovative ways that AlphaGraphics is helping our owners achieve their personal and professional goals. There’s never been a better time, and we’d love to help you write the next chapter of your career.

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Sam Reed Jr. was a corporate executive, working for PepsiCo in sales and operations before taking an early retirement. He’d always wanted to own his own business, so he contacted Bob Tierno with The Entrepreneur’s Source and started looking at franchise organizations. After completing the TES profile assessment, he identified AlphaGraphics as one that might be a good fit. Sam Reed “I decided I had a little left in my tank, so I started exploring franchise opportunities,” Sam says. “I developed 10 decision criteria, and AlphaGraphics met nine of them.” Sam had some very specific goals in mind: a business-to-business opportunity near to his home in Dallas; the flexibility to sell his business, or pass it down to his children; a comfortable six-figure income down the road; and the scalability that could offer additional locations. He purchased an existing AlphaGraphics business center in Dallas in January of this year, and his sales have increased month over month. “In March, we exceeded January and February’s numbers combined,” Sam says. “I bought this business with the aspiration of doing $2 million in annual sales, and I believe we’ll get there.” He says he noticed an “infectious culture” within AlphaGraphics almost immediately. “I was hesitant to go spend three days in Salt Lake City for AG Discovery Day,” Sam says. “But it was a highly valuable experience. We were evaluating each other to ensure that it would be a good fit, and I appreciated the chance to spend time with the CEO and company leadership, to understand the philosophy and where the organization was going.” He says he was impressed by the competitive advantage of AG’s expansion into marketing services – “anyone who picks up a periodical knows that the printing industry is changing” – and that he could tell he was buying into a very supportive network of other AlphaGraphics owners. “I talked to 25 or 30 other owners during the process, and we have a very active owners group here in Dallas,” Sam says. “This was a significant investment for me, and it wasn’t a decision that I could get wrong.” And while he’s only a few months in, Sam is confident that he is well positioned to meet his personal and professional goals as an AlphaGraphics owner. “I am really enjoying this business, and I’m learning something new every day,” he says. “Many of our customers don’t yet understand the full scope of our capabilities, and that represents an opportunity for huge growth potential.”

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