News Hub | News Direct

Transportation

Airlines Automotive Electric Vehicles Logistics Maritime
Article thumbnail News Release

Rebecca and Kirk Treece Open Minuteman Press Franchise in Missoula, Montana

Minuteman Press International Inc

Rebecca and Kirk Treece are the new owners of Minuteman Press in Missoula located at 2100 South Avenue West. They bought the long-running independent printing business Advertiser Montana Printing, which has a 40-year history in Missoula, and are now operating as a Minuteman Press franchise. Rebecca says, “It is a real honor to become part of Missoula’s thriving business community. The Palmers (former owners) had a 40-year long relationship with this community and their loyal customers have welcomed us and trusted us with their service, which has given us a great start here in Missoula.” She continues, “We are enjoying the opportunity to help others promote and grow their business. Getting the word out to the community that we are so much more than just a copy center has been key! We have been out meeting new people, marketing, and making connections through the Missoula Chamber of Commerce and BNI groups. Over the course of these six months, people have been welcoming and genuinely happy for us when we tell them about our new venture. Many have stopped by for a tour and have been responsive to learning more about the services we provide.” One of the ways Rebecca is looking to stand out as a new business owner is by expanding on the products and services offered by Minuteman Press and educating clients on what is in high demand right now. She explains, “Our high-demand products are business cards, menus, point of sale products like invoices and forms, and medical facility materials. As businesses open up, the demand for envelopes, letterhead, and other consumables has grown. Being part of Minuteman Press family has given us a huge opportunity to share with customers our expanded line of products like mailing, signage, apparel, and promotional items. It has really given us the ability to help people promote their business.” “Missoula is a growing, vibrant, and diverse community that includes the University of Montana. We are sitting on the confluence of three beautiful rivers, between two amazing national parks. Owning a business for me is all about making connections. My goal is to help people market their business so they can use their unique skills to serve their clients. These growing businesses make our community stronger and I am proud to be part of that.” -Rebecca Treece, owner, Minuteman Press Missoula (formerly Advertiser Montana Printing) Career Transition Prior to Minuteman Press, Rebecca and Kirk had varying careers. Rebecca shares, “Before owning my own business, I was utilizing my teaching degree as a vision therapist at an optometry office in Missoula, working with children and adults to improve their visual skills. My husband Kirk was previously a financial and operational manager for a large company. He and I also own a franchise of Fish Window Cleaning and Sunbelt Business Brokerage. We are familiar with business and the franchise concept, but were really drawn to the Minuteman Press structure, training, support and record of success.” While Rebecca and Kirk have experience owning a business, they had never been involved in the printing industry before. Minuteman Press really helped them fill those knowledge gaps and was crucial in finding the right business for them to buy through their special conversion program that connects sellers of independent print shops with qualified buyers. Rebecca says, “Advertiser Montana Printing was an independent print shop that had been in business for 40 years and they had a very loyal base of long-standing customers. An established customer base was the opportunity we were looking for when buying a new business. Our goal is 100% retention and we have worked diligently to meet and develop relationships with each customer. We hit the ground running and it gave us an opportunity to get experience across the board. Our local Minuteman Press field representatives were able to train us on every aspect of the business, which gave us the confidence to meet the demands of our customers.” “The support from Minuteman Press has been exceptional. The training was very comprehensive, and we felt like we were well-prepared for starting up and getting straight to work. We also know exactly who to call when we have a question or issue to manage. The network of Minuteman Press is amazing in the way that everyone is there for you at any time and in any capacity that you need. The expertise of the training and the continual mentoring are the powerful tools we need to succeed.” Owning a Business vs. Having a Job Reflecting on her experiences as an employee and as a business owner, Rebecca shares her insights on the key differences between the two. “As an employee, you work hard and serve the customer. However, you have very little control over the direction of the business. As business owners, we have the power to create the type of business we want and control its presence in the community.” As for Minuteman Press in Missoula, Rebecca and Kirk know exactly where they want to go. She says, “Our goal is to become the premier printing and advertising design company in Missoula and the Greater Northwestern Montana area. We want to develop the reputation for supplying the highest quality products and having superior customer service. We strive to make Minuteman Press in Missoula the place to go for all advice and services. The main lesson Minuteman Press impressed upon me is that if you do not like the current state of your business, change it! Get up, get out there, market, make connections, and grow your business. We have been given the tools and the support to create something great and that is extremely exciting for us.” When asked about the rewards of owning her own business, Rebecca answers, “We are truly fortunate to have a highly skilled and dedicated staff and I love coming in every day to work side-by-side with these incredible people. It is personally rewarding to create a workplace that fosters teamwork and allows employees to create and take pride in their work. It is also very satisfying to develop quality relationships with customers and members of the community.” She continues, “Professionally, our goals are to grow this business significantly over the next year and become more involved members of the community. Business ownership has many challenges but the rewards are well worth it. Owning our own business allows us to balance our work and home lives and gives us the power to make the right decisions for our future.” Minuteman Press in Missoula is located at 2100 South Avenue West, Missoula, MT 59801. For more information, call (406) 728-5200 or visit their website: https://missoula-mt.minutemanpress.com. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Independent printers looking to sell their printing business can learn more about Minuteman Press International's conversion program at http://bit.ly/minutemanpressconversions. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

July 26, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Agora Data Announces Antonio Rajan as Chief Revenue Officer

Agora

In its continuing mission to provide Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) dealers and small to mid-sized finance companies access to abundant and affordable capital, Agora Data is pleased to announce the appointment of Antonio Rajan as Chief Revenue Officer. Antonio has served the BHPH community in various roles for more than 12 years. In addition to his loyalty to the industry, expertise in overall sales strategy and energy in helping dealers grow to the next level, his values are closely aligned with Agora Data’s purpose. Antonio’s broad expertise in the industry includes Dealer Management Software, CRM, Underwriting, GPS, and Finance Solutions. Prior to joining the industry, he served as Vice President of Sales at LexisNexis. He is a thought leader with an entrepreneurial vision and an exceptional record of positively transforming sales, marketing, operations, and go-to-market strategies. Throughout his career he has achieved remarkable revenue results, improved performance tracking, and implemented methods for leadership to gain important key business insights. Steve Burke, CEO of Agora Data, commented, “Antonio brings Agora Data a wealth of knowledge about BHPH dealer operations and a keen appreciation of the needs to help grow the dealers’ business while enabling them to have a level playing field with the large dealer groups. He’s a great asset to the strong leadership team already in place at Agora. We are very excited to have a person of his caliber as part of the Agora Family.” Antonio Rajan commented, “I would like to thank Steve and the Agora Leadership Team to entrust me with the mission of helping small to medium-sized finance companies and BHPH dealers with their capital needs. Agora Data is the first technology company that frees up dealers spending countless hours on collecting and instead spending more time on growing their operations, inventory, or business development centers. Having access to capital with no recourse will allow forward thinking dealer principles to grow rapidly. When Steve described the unique solutions Agora has and his vision for disrupting the industry with innovative products, I knew I wanted to be part of the team. I’m relishing this opportunity and invite anyone that thinks they’re the best of the best to come and join us in this incredible journey.” About Agora Data, Inc: Founded in 2017, Agora Data’s mission is to provide access to capital for Buy Here Pay Here dealers and small to mid-sized finance companies. Pioneered by Agora Data, AgoraCapital, AgoraCredit and AgoraPoint all provide critical funding so small- to mid-sized originators can obtain all the cash they need to fuel growth. Agora’s proprietary, radical, AI-infused technology connects dealers and finance companies with the capital markets. Agora Data made history by closing the first-ever Crowdsourced Subprime Auto Securitization in 2020 and followed that up with its second transaction in early 2021. For more information, visit agoradata.com or contact us at 877-592-4672. Contact Details Shelly Vandeven +1 682-282-4130 media@agoradata.com Company Website https://agoradata.com/

July 23, 2021 09:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Foresight Received Notice of U.S. Patent Allowance for All Weather and Lighting Conditions Vision System

Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd.

Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq and TASE: FRSX), an innovator in automotive vision systems, announced today that it has received a notice of allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its patent application, number 16/960,452, for the Company’s “multi-spectral vehicular system for providing pre-collision alerts”. The patented technology involves a multi-spectral automotive vision system comprised of a pair of stereoscopic infrared sensors and a pair of stereoscopic visible-light sensors. The system includes a data fusion module that fuses received data from both infrared and visible-light channels to enable accurate obstacle detection and distance estimation. The fusion between the two stereoscopic channels also addresses corner-case scenarios, especially in harsh weather and lighting conditions, while reducing false alerts. The system’s automatic calibration module is designed to ensure that stereo cameras remain calibrated regardless of their configuration or position, in order to create accurate and continuous depth perception. This patent serves as the underlying technology of the QuadSight® automotive vision system, one of the Company’s flagship products. Foresight’s four-camera vision system offers exceptional obstacle detection capabilities for semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicles. Through sensor fusion, QuadSight leverages reflected light from visible-light cameras with thermal energy captured by long-wave infrared cameras for robust, accurate object detection of any shape, form or material, in all weather and lighting conditions - including complete darkness, rain, haze, fog and glare. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other Federal securities laws. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. For example, Foresight is using forward-looking statements in this press release when it discusses the uses and benefits of its vision technology. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on Foresight’s current expectations, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results, performance or achievements of Foresight could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release. The forward-looking statements contained or implied in this press release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Foresight's annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 30, 2021, and in any subsequent filings with the SEC. Except as otherwise required by law, Foresight undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. References and links to websites have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference into this press release. Foresight is not responsible for the contents of third party websites. About Foresight Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq and TASE: FRSX) is a technology company developing smart multi-spectral vision software solutions and cellular-based applications. Through the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Foresight Automotive Ltd. and Eye-Net Mobile Ltd., Foresight develops both “in-line-of-sight” vision systems and “beyond-line-of-sight” accident-prevention solutions. Foresight’s vision solutions include modules of automatic calibration, sensor fusion and dense 3D point cloud that can be applied to diverse markets such as automotive, defense, autonomous vehicles and heavy industrial equipment. Eye-Net Mobile’s cellular-based solution suite provides real-time pre-collision alerts to enhance road safety and situational awareness for all road users in the urban mobility environment by incorporating cutting-edge AI technology and advanced analytics. For more information about Foresight and its wholly owned subsidiary, Foresight Automotive, visit www.foresightauto.com, follow @ForesightAuto1 on Twitter, or join Foresight Automotive on LinkedIn. Contact Details Investor Relations Contact Miri Segal-Scharia, CEO, MS-IR LLC +1 917-607-8654 msegal@ms-ir.com Company Website https://www.foresightauto.com/

July 22, 2021 08:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Cooper Standard Announces Date for Release of Second Quarter 2021 Results, Provides Details for Management Conference Call

Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc.

Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc. (NYSE: CPS) expects to release its financial results for the second quarter 2021 on Wednesday, August 4 after market close. The Company’s earnings results will be posted to the Cooper Standard website ( http://www.ir.cooperstandard.com ) once released. Cooper Standard will host a conference call on Thursday, August 5 at 9 a.m. ET. The Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Edwards and Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Banas will discuss the financial results, provide a general business update and respond to investor questions. A link to the live webcast of the call (listen only) and presentation materials will be available on Cooper Standard’s Investor Relations website at http://www.ir.cooperstandard.com. To participate by phone, callers in the United States and Canada should dial toll-free 877-374-4041 (international callers dial 253-237-1156) and provide the conference ID 7365064 or ask to be connected to the Cooper Standard conference call. Representatives of the investment community will have the opportunity to ask questions after the presentation. Callers should dial in at least five minutes prior to the start of the call. Individuals unable to participate during the call may visit the investors’ portion of the Cooper Standard website ( http://www.ir.cooperstandard.com ) for a replay of the webcast. About Cooper Standard Cooper Standard, headquartered in Northville, Mich., is a leading global supplier of sealing and fluid handling systems and components for diverse transportation and industrial markets. Cooper Standard employs approximately 25,000 people globally and operates in 21 countries around the world. For more information, please visit www.cooperstandard.com. ### CPS_F Contact Details Media Contact Chris Andrews +1 248-596-6217 candrews@cooperstandard.com Analysts Contact Roger Hendriksen +1 248-596-6465 roger.hendriksen@cooperstandard.com Company Website https://www.cooperstandard.com/

July 20, 2021 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Foresight: Eye-Net Launches Pilot Project With Multinational Japanese Company

Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd.

Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq and TASE: FRSX), an innovator in automotive vision systems, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Eye-Net Mobile Ltd., initiated a pilot project with the IT subsidiary of a multi-billion dollar multinational Japanese company to test its Eye-Net™ Protect cellular-based vehicle-to-everything (V2X) accident prevention solution. The pilot project will evaluate Eye-Net’s solution for possible integration as an application layer into the car-to-everything (C2X) platform of the Japanese company to create potentially safer driving environments. This additional pilot project expands Eye-Net’s activity in the automotive-related market, potentially enabling the Japanese company to extend its communication capabilities to include more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, in addition to drivers. “Eye-Net continues its efforts and activities to establish its position in the automotive market, offering a software-based accident prevention solution that can be used either as a standalone product or as an application layer on top of existing platforms. We believe that starting a fourth pilot project in Japan indicates a vote of confidence from the Japanese market and demonstrates a real need for a readily available solution that provides real-time pre-collision alerts and has the potential to save lives. We believe that the current pilot project will open up new collaboration opportunities for Eye-Net in the cellular-V2X market,” said Dror Elbaz, COO & Deputy CEO of Eye-Net Mobile. For more information about Eye-Net Mobile, please visit www.eyenet-mobile.com, or follow the Company’s LinkedIn page, Eye-Net Mobile; Twitter, @EyeNetMobile1; and Instagram channel, Eyenetmobile1, the contents of which are not incorporated into this press release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other Federal securities laws. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. For example, Foresight is using forward-looking statements in this press release when it discusses that the pilot project will be used to evaluate Eye-Net’s solution for possible integration as an application layer to the C2X platform of the Japanese company, the belief that a fourth pilot project in Japan indicates a vote of confidence from the Japanese market and demonstrates a real need for a readily available solution that provides real-time pre-collision alerts and has the potential to save lives, and that the current pilot project will open up new collaboration opportunities for Eye-Net in the cellular-V2X market. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on Foresight’s current expectations, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results, performance or achievements of Foresight could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release. The forward-looking statements contained or implied in this press release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Foresight's annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 30, 2021, and in any subsequent filings with the SEC. Except as otherwise required by law, Foresight undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. References and links to websites have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference into this press release. Foresight is not responsible for the contents of third party websites. About Foresight Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq and TASE: FRSX) is a technology company developing smart multi-spectral vision software solutions and cellular-based applications. Through the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Foresight Automotive Ltd. and Eye-Net Mobile Ltd., Foresight develops both “in-line-of-sight” vision systems and “beyond-line-of-sight” accident-prevention solutions. Foresight’s vision solutions include modules of automatic calibration, sensor fusion and dense 3D point cloud that can be applied to diverse markets such as automotive, defense, autonomous vehicles and heavy industrial equipment. Eye-Net Mobile’s cellular-based solution suite provides real-time pre-collision alerts to enhance road safety and situational awareness for all road users in the urban mobility environment by incorporating cutting-edge AI technology and advanced analytics. For more information about Foresight and its wholly owned subsidiary, Foresight Automotive, visit www.foresightauto.com, follow @ForesightAuto1 on Twitter, or join Foresight Automotive on LinkedIn. Contact Details Investor Relations Contact Miri Segal-Scharia, CEO, MS-IR LLC +1 917-607-8654 msegal@ms-ir.com Company Website https://www.foresightauto.com/

July 20, 2021 08:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Diamond Sponsor for Zero Emission Event at COP26 Named

Morgan Marketing & Communications

The Zero Emission Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs) Madadh MacLaine, Secretary-General of ZESTAs (Zero Emission Ship Technology Association) announced Sterling Plan B Energy Solutions (SPBES) will be the Diamond Sponsor for “SHIP ZERO – Charging to Zero”. This 3-day in-person/virtual hybrid event will run from 1-3 November, coinciding with the kick-off of COP 26 in Glasgow, Scotland. Sterling PlanB is a world leader in providing energy solutions in the marine sector, with Brent Perry SPBES CEO, and Chair of ZESTAs Board of Directors, considered a subject matter expert in zero emissions power systems-- both on and off the seas-- for decades. “COP 26 needs ZESTAs SHIP ZERO as industry needs to show regulators that we can achieve this. We have what it takes to get to true zero now”. (Brent Perry) The three-day workshop will include robust technical presentations from zero-emissions solutions providers, as well as finance, insurance, classification, and regulators. Speakers’ panels, audience Q&A, and brainstorming sessions will follow each session to facilitate collaborative solution building, as well as giving stakeholders an opportunity to examine how solutions will fit with their individual business cases. “This is not just a talk shop” declared Madadh MacLaine. “SHIP ZERO is about seeing what’s possible, making deals, and getting solutions built from zero-emissions vessels to the infrastructure required to make that happen; ports, shipyards, energy systems, you name it.” The event takes place well before COP26 transport day, which will give the team of researchers and stakeholders time to summarize the outcomes to be taken into consideration by regulators beforehand. A report, film, and programme of actions will be carried forward to COP 27, via the virtual platform, as well as through a programme of concrete actions. “The shipping industry must begin to make change now,” continued Perry, “I know our sector can change course and make a difference in climate change. But it must happen much faster than has been discussed in international fora. Industry can, and should, take the lead. That’s why my company is proud to be sponsoring SHIP ZERO in Glasgow. And we hope a lot of other companies join us.” ““SHIP ZERO” presents a unique opportunity to discuss and create a new vision for the industry with fellow industry thought leaders and initiators in brainstorming breakout groups to formulate ways that policy, finance, market, and technology can all be used to leverage a rapid transition to a true zero-emissions sector.” continued MacLaine. “Our mission is to produce a navigational chart with action waypoints guiding industry to the safe haven of true zero.” There will be networking opportunities throughout the three days, including buffet lunches and drink receptions with hors d’oeuvres at the end of each day. Attendance will be limited through an application process with priority going to first movers, thought leaders, disruptors, influencers, and change-makers. For more information, or to align your company with this even, please visit: Ship ZERO | ZESTAs ( https://zestas.org/ship-zero/ ) Contact Details Morgan Marketing & Communications Carleen Lyden Walker +1 203-260-0480 c.walker@morganmarketcomm.com Company Website https://morganmarketcomm.com/

July 19, 2021 06:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Purify Fuel to Present at Clean Equity Monaco 2021

Purify Fuel

Purify Fuel is pleased to announce it will be presenting its nanO2 ESG combustion catalyst technology at CleanEquity® Monaco 2021 on July 22 nd & 23 rd at the Fairmont Hotel Monte Carlo. CleanEquity® is an annual invitation-only event hosted by Innovator Capital, the London based specialist investment bank. The event provides an intimate and collegial setting for inventors and entrepreneurs to share their stories with investors looking to assist them with reaching their commercial and strategic goals. “Our company is honored to be recognized at CleanEquity® Monaco 2021” stated Purify Fuel’s CEO John Carroll who will be presenting their nanO2 ESG combustion catalyst at the event. “It is a testament to CleanEquity’s vision that we need both short- and long-term solutions to today’s climate crisis. The reality is the majority of industries are still (despite their best efforts) dependent on heavy diesel now and for the foreseeable future. There are limited options to help this primary fuel source burn cleaner; we are proud to be one of the few companies offering solutions today”. Other partners and sponsors of the conference include Prince Albert II of Monaco’s Foundation, Cision, Covington & Burling, Cranfield University, the Monaco Economic Board and Taronis Fuels. Purify Fuel has been identified as one of the world’s most innovative sustainable technology companies and will be presenting to selected sovereign, corporate, family and professional investors,policy makers, end users and international trade media. Its nanO2 ESG combustion catalyst technology provides a transitional solution that will help fight climate change until alternatives are invented. The product has been extensively tested since the middle of last year and has been aggressively launched across multiple industries (rail, marine, oil and gas, and mining). Purify Fuel develops and manufactures a line of patented nanO2 Combustion Catalysts that optimize diesel, biodiesel and dual fuel engines to help operators in heavy duty diesel industries save money, increase power, and reduce emissions. Our nanO2 ESG Combustion Catalyst achieves a more complete combustion that chemically alters the timing of a compression combustion engine to use a larger percentage of the fuel to create power which reduces unburned fuel escaping in the exhaust as smoke. Testing has demonstrated a 6-10% improvement in fuel efficiency and 25-50% reductions of harmful emissions without any engine modifications. Purify Fuel nanO2 ESG catalysts reduces fuel consumption while eliminating nitrous oxide to lessen the Global Warming Potential by 7-15%. Successful testing across multiple sectors (marine, oil and gas, rail) has demonstrated that our product works to reduce greenhouse gases, eliminates harmful emissions while saving our customers money – an ESG home run. Contact Details Purify Fuel Carleen Lyden Walker +1 203-260-0480 c.walker@purifyfuel.com

July 19, 2021 05:21 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Minuteman Press Syosset, NY Employee Todd Brown Hits 50 Years in Printing

Minuteman Press International Inc

In 1971, Todd Brown began his career in printing through a special program that gave him paid work at the school district print shop. 50 years later, Todd shares his incredible story of longevity in the industry, which includes over 40 years as an integral employee of Minuteman Press in Syosset, N.Y. The Syosset franchise is one of the original ten Minuteman Press locations. Todd says, “I started with Minuteman Press in September 1977. It was an entirely different business back then, and I was hired by Mike Jutt (Executive VP & Director of Training) as a press operator for the Syosset location. We had the original husband and wife owners and myself. I did whatever needed to be done and I already had six years of experience doing the kind of printing that we did during those early years.” Speaking on his printing background before Minuteman Press, Todd shares, “The school district print shop is where I was first hired while I was in high school. I was able to learn how to run a printing press and it’s where I cut my teeth in the industry and learned how to deal with paper and ink. After graduation, I worked for several print shops. One of my jobs was with Hills Supermarkets doing their printing. I was laid off and that’s when I replied to an ad for Minuteman Press.” Todd’s original run with Minuteman Press in Syosset lasted eight years. “I left for three or four years to learn more and take other positions. The owners reached out to me to come back and I agreed it was the best fit. I was now married, I had a house, and I agreed to come back to run the back of the shop and become Shop Manager.” “I simply know printing and I love what I do. I always took the attitude of treating the shop and customers like it was my own. You can’t work in this business and say ‘that’s not my job.’ It’ll get you and the business nowhere.” -Todd Brown Evolution of Printing Todd reflects on how the printing industry has changed over the years as well as how he has been able to keep up with the changes. “The entire industry has evolved. Digital printing is constantly changing as is technology.” He further explains how he was able to adapt to new technology over the years: “When computers became more prevalent, I made it a point to learn graphic design on my own with whatever programs were available. I’ve been a musician my entire life so I would use different programs like Adobe PageMaker, Photoshop, and Print Shop Deluxe for passion projects but also to learn more about graphics from a printing standpoint.” He adds, “As the business changed, I was able to pretty seamlessly move into that side of the business. When I created flyers for my band, I knew what I needed to do in terms of matching the design to the plates.” “The main thing about the printing side of this business that most people don’t realize is that it’s still about paper. Paper is the one thing that has remained consistent no matter what else has changed. Paper has certain characteristics and when you do a job, even digitally, you have to know the intricacies of the process. As a professional printer, you know what’s required in order to print, cut, bind, and assemble a job. If you want a button pusher, go to Staples.” -Todd Brown Team Effort & Todd’s Role Today For Minuteman Press in Syosse t, their success and longevity all comes down to a team effort. Owner Mitch Parker has been running the business since February 2008, and Todd works hand-in-hand with graphic designer Denise to make sure jobs are fit to print. Todd explains, “I am responsible for printing virtually any job that requires printing on digital machines. Denise does a fantastic job. She sets up the files, I double-check them, and then we go to print. We work together to make sure things are set up properly and I help fine-tune the printing end of everything. She has also taught me about the software and design aspects as well, which is really helpful.” One of the biggest differences between printing for clients 40 years ago vs. today is how the artwork is provided. Todd explains, “Back when I first started, you essentially made the artwork for clients. They would bring something in such as a sketch and you then created the specifications required for printing. Today, you are given the artwork and a lot of the job is educating customers on print specifications. It goes back to the fact that paper is different than a smartphone or computer screen. A little knowledge can be dangerous when you need the bigger picture to really get the job done right. So that’s where we come in.” Todd continues, “For example, we open up files from phones that are low resolution. We go back to the customer as early as we can in the process to make sure they are informed and to make sure the job goes out correctly. The quality of the finished product justifies the extra time in educating them and reaching out so it’s important to stay on top of customer-supplied artwork. It comes with experience.” “Customers have changed dramatically. The 80-year-old lady that comes in probably knows more than the younger customers about printing. It’s important to educate all of our clients with the knowledge we have so we can produce the best finished products for them. Most of the time, they do come back and say how much they appreciate our work. Once they see the high-quality work we have done for them, they are thankful.” -Todd Brown Outside of the business, Todd has taken up a new passion as his days as a musician have faded. “I am now 67-years-old so I am no longer doing as much music. Today, I am really into slot cars. I build tracks, I detail them, and I even create signage for the ‘town’ I’ve put together. I am on Facebook groups where people share their slot car photos. People have even asked me to make slot car signs for their towns after seeing my photos and the details I add. It’s a fun community.” Secrets for Success What are the key lessons that Todd has learned during his 50 years in printing? He answers, “Care, that’s the most important thing. Also, stay one step ahead of the customer and lead them in the right direction. You’re the professional, so use that experience to help them.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Syosset, visit https://www.syosset.minutemanpress.com. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

July 19, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Tips on Avoiding Common Boating Blunders

YourUpdateTV

In 2020, boat sales reached a 13-year high, corresponding with higher volumes of people hitting the water to enjoy outdoor recreation activities. However, with the rise in activity, Travelers data shows a corresponding jump in boating claims for the year. Recently, world renowned yacht captain and star of Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean, Captain Sandy Yawn, teamed with Travelers on a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss common boat blunders and what you can do to avoid costly mistakes. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/k8aWoTcD-Lo Ahead of the 2021 boating season, keeping basic safety tips in mind can go a long way to protect your family, friends and vessel. The most common boat blunders include: Navigating Negligently: 37% of all Travelers Boat and Yacht claims were the result of collisions, especially with submerged objects. Always stay alert and aware of your surroundings when operating a watercraft. Wild Weather: 16% of claims were due to damage from windstorms. Monitor your local weather and create a storm preparedness plan you can enact in the event of a tropical storm, hurricane, or other inclement weather in your area. Ignored Inspections: 11% of all claims were due to mechanical breakdown. Make sure your vessel is shipshape by having it professionally inspected at the start of every season and making any necessary repairs. Ensure Your Vessel is Insured: About half of the 12 million registered boats nationwide aren’t covered by insurance – a staggering number. Unfortunately, even when following every precaution, unforeseen circumstances can cause costly mishaps. So it’s important to make sure your vessel is covered by the right policy. For more information and safety tips, visit Travelers.com/boat About Captain Sandy Yawn: A Fort Lauderdale native with over three decades of yachting experience under her belt, Captain Sandy is one of the most respected captains in the industry. Captain Sandy knew she wanted her career to revolve around the ocean from a very young age and was not discouraged when she discovered yachting to be a male-dominated field. Knowing the difficulties that come with leading an entire team while providing 5-star service, she makes it her mission to know everything and every department on the boat. Coming off the most trying season of her career yet, Captain Sandy hopes for a return to calmer waters and is determined to give charter guests an unforgettable experience. This season, the crew goes to the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia and Sandy is up for the challenge as she attempts to cultivate a new dream team aboard 180-foot mega yacht “Lady Michelle.” About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

July 16, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
1 ... 979899100101 ... 122