After nearly 40 years as a trusted name in Palos Hills, Park Printing at 9903 S. Roberts Road has undergone a transformation — becoming part of the Minuteman Press franchise.
Under the ownership of Douglas Harrell since Oct. 28, the business is evolving to meet the needs of its community while staying true to its roots.
“We want the community to feel like Park Printing never went anywhere—it just got better,” Harrell said.
For him, the transition is about honoring a legacy while bringing a fresh perspective to the table. Harrell, a CPA with an MBA and a background in finance, has long believed that his skills in understanding business fundamentals can translate across industries. When he learned about the opportunity to purchase Park Printing through Minuteman Press, it seemed like the perfect fit.
“I wanted to take on a business that could be both community-focused and financially sustainable,” Harrell said.
He saidthat the franchise’s robust support network has been instrumental in easing the transition. “Minuteman Press provides guidance from corporate headquarters, which has been invaluable as we integrate new offerings and adapt to the needs of our customers.”
For loyal customers, one thing is certain: the files, pricing, and customer relationships from Park Printing remain intact.
“The Parks built something special here, and we’re honored to carry that forward,” Harrell said. His team, including skilled graphic designers, is dedicated to maintaining the personal service and high standards that have defined the business for decades.
While the heart of the business remains unchanged, the rebranding brings exciting opportunities.
“Customers now have access to a larger product line—anything with a name, image, or logo can be printed,” a Minuteman representative said.
This includes everything from vehicle wraps and signage to promotional products like hats, pens, and office essentials. Harrell said this is a way to elevate the business to new heights.
“We’re working to provide services that meet the demands of both large commercial clients and individual walk-in customers,” he said.
Navigating the transition hasn’t been without its challenges. Harrell said the adjustment period, particularly during the busy holiday season, has required flexibility.
“We’re in a training phase, and while it’s not perfect right now, we’re committed to making sure customers feel supported throughout,” he said.
The expanded offerings reflect the franchise’s resources and support, which Harrell said will enhance the customer experience.
“This isn’t just about adding more products—it’s about giving people the options and tools they need to grow their businesses,” he said. “Whether it’s a restaurant needing brochures or a school requiring promotional items, we want to be their go-to resource.”
Looking ahead, Harrell envisions even more growth. One of his goals is to create a self-serve area for walk-in clients, which would streamline small-scale printing tasks.
“In five years, I hope we’ll have expanded our services and potentially opened additional locations,” he said. For now, he remains focused on ensuring that every customer, whether they need three copies or 3,000, receives the same attention to detail.
Customers can also take advantage of the updated Minuteman Press website, which is user-friendly and connects directly to the Palos Hills location. Harrell said this is an essential step toward streamlining the customer experience.
“The website makes it easy for clients to place orders and access information,” he said. The franchise model also allows Minuteman Press to remain competitive in an evolving industry while keeping the community at the heart of its operations.
The rebranding represents more than just a change in name; it’s a promise of growth and innovation while staying true to the principles that have anchored the business for nearly four decades. “This is an exciting chapter,” Harrell said. “We’re grateful for the community’s support and look forward to continuing to serve as a trusted resource.”
