Printing Plus Sold to New Minuteman Press Franchise

Hamed Dadgour and Michael Torres

Hamed Dadgour is the new owner of Minuteman Press in Mountlake Terrace, WA. Hamed purchased 47-year business Printing Plus from retiring owner Michael Torres, who owned the business for 35 years. After spending 15 years in the tech industry, Hamed made the leap into business ownership with a clear vision: to build long-term relationships, serve other local businesses, and create something of his own. Drawn to the Minuteman Press franchise model for its strong financial foundation, repeat customer base, and supportive network, Hamed is now focused on carrying forward the legacy of a business that has served the community for more than 47 years while elevating the experience for customers through expanded resources and enhanced support.

Selling the Business

Seller Michael Torres shares, “I’ve owned Printing Plus since 1991. I started planning for retirement in 2024 as there were big family changes happening in 2026 and 2027. When I decided to sell the business and retire, my main message to our customer base was that nothing would change for them. The staff has stayed on, which is huge. Our customers were happy that they would be working with many of the same team members. I also personally met with our larger clients to introduce them to Hamed and ensure a smooth transition. I know the business is in great hands with Hamed and Minuteman Press.”

Michael adds, “Selling the business through Minuteman Press helped me retire in the timetable I wanted while also saving me money on the sale. Previously, I spoke with a business broker who told me there was a cost of $1500 for them to assess the business, plus the broker's fee was 10% of the sale price. At the same time, I’d been contacted by Minuteman Press about their program that doesn’t charge any fees to the seller. I decided to list with Minuteman Press after speaking with Regional VP Chris Jutt. If I had another printing company to sell, I would definitely call Minuteman Press first.”

Background & Buying the Business

Prior to becoming a business owner, Hamed built his career in the tech industry. Over time, he realized he was ready to take on the challenge of entrepreneurship and make decisions independently while still benefiting from an established business model. He says, “I worked in the tech industry for 15 years. I reached a point where I wanted the freedom to make business decisions for myself. In the corporate world, your decisions are often vetted and limited by peers and managers. Earlier in my career, this was a great environment because it allowed me to learn and gain experience from others. However, I eventually felt I had reached a level of maturity that would allow me to succeed on my own,” shares Hamed. “While I initially thought about starting a business from scratch, I quickly realized that acquiring an established, successful business was a much smarter way to achieve my goals.”

Why Minuteman Press?

When researching franchise opportunities, Hamed did his due diligence. He shares, “After doing significant research, I developed three main criteria for my search, and Minuteman Press met all of them:

• B2B Model: I prefer working with other business owners; they tend to be professional and collaborative.
• Repeat Business: I didn't want a ‘one-off’ project model where I had to find new clients constantly. I wanted to build long-term relationships through amazing customer service.
• Solid Financials: Many businesses struggle due to poor cash flow management and low profit margins. The Minuteman Press model offers strong margins and a steady cash flow—unlike more volatile industries like construction.”

Working with Minuteman Press International

Hamed credits Regional VP Chris Jutt and the Minuteman Press International team for making the conversion process a success. He explains that the previous owner’s trust in the Minuteman Press brand helped ensure a smooth transition for the business, employees, and customers alike. “The experience was amazing, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity,” says Hamed. “Chris had built a relationship with the previous owner over a six-year period starting in 2019. When I purchased the business in 2026, a key factor was the seller's trust in Minuteman Press. They wanted a buyer who could close the deal and transition the business without hiccups.”

He continues, “The Minuteman Press brand provided the assurance that the company and its employees would be supported and in good hands. Chris communicated exceptionally well with the seller, addressing all their concerns. Since this was the seller's first time selling and my first time acquiring a business, Chris was essentially working with two rookies—but he landed the project beautifully. It was no surprise the deal was a great success.”

Ensuring a Smooth Transition

Since taking ownership, Hamed has focused heavily on maintaining continuity for existing customers while also introducing the enhanced capabilities and support that come with being part of the Minuteman Press franchise network.

“I met with all of our largest clients one-on-one to reassure them that we aren't changing the core of how we do business; our staff and processes remain intact,” says Hamed. “I shared that by joining Minuteman Press, the service and quality they receive will improve due to higher brand standards and better vendor access. I also provided my direct contact information to every client so they can reach me personally with any concerns.”

Hamed also praised the support system provided through Minuteman Press, including training and guidance from local support staff. “To ensure a smooth transition, I leaned heavily on the training I received from the Minuteman Press program and our local Field Representative, Alonso Lopez-Meza,” shares Hamed. “He has been incredible at providing technical and business support as I absorbed a massive amount of new information. The previous owner also played a vital role in mentoring me. Overall, I leveraged every available resource to ensure stability, though I believe a new owner must always remain diligent and work hard to protect their most valuable assets: the staff and the clients.”

Supporting the Local Business Community

For Hamed, owning a business in Mountlake Terrace is about more than printing—it is about building relationships within the local business community and helping other companies grow through effective marketing and print solutions.

“Owning a business in this community allows me to meet other owners and learn from their diverse experiences and business models—it is essentially the best MBA program in the world, and it comes with zero student loan payments,” says Hamed. “I truly enjoy interacting with other entrepreneurs and seeing how they approach their work. It also provides a unique opportunity to share with them how other savvy business owners use high-quality print products to get in front of the public and generate growth.”

He adds, “Great design combined with quality printing offers a high ROI for our clients, which is exactly why we see so many repeat customers; once they see the tangible returns, they keep coming back.”

Advice for Others

For his part, Michael Torres sums up his experience selling the business: “Know there will be back and forth on offer details. My main concern with listing with Minuteman Press was: Where will their loyalty lie? Would it be with the new franchise owner they would be getting or my want to get the most for my business? I believe Chris Jutt was fair, honest, and sincerely wanted both parties to get the best deal they could. It was a win-win for all involved.”

When asked what advice he would give to others considering business ownership, Hamed emphasized the importance of working with the right people and finding the right opportunity. “Buying a business can be the best decision of your life, or it can turn into a nightmare. It all depends on the type of business you choose to buy, who you are working with, and whether you are truly ready for the challenge. Navigating a business acquisition can feel like crossing a minefield, and if you are a first-time buyer, it is nearly impossible to know every detail to look out for. If you are interested in the printing industry, I highly recommend working with an experienced professional like Chris Jutt.”

Hamed continues, “It is also important to ensure your interests are aligned with the people helping you. Most brokers facilitate a deal and then disappear once they receive their commission, leaving you with the consequences. When you work with the team at Minuteman Press, the incentives are aligned: they want you to buy a business that generates profits for years to come so that both you and the franchise are successful together.”

He concludes, “Buying the business is only the first step. The most important phase is transitioning that business to support your vision. To do that, you need a team. The regional representatives at Minuteman Press provide the support system necessary to ensure the business you purchase is backed by their professional expertise. If you are out there looking to own your own business, give Minuteman Press a chance and see if it’s the right fit for you.”

Source: Minuteman Press