I had been working for 1-800-FLOWERS.COM for 16 years prior to becoming a franchisee. I started out literally getting my hands dirty – and pricked, and cut – as a flower cutter in a retail location in Brooklyn. It’s the store I own now, although we’re in a new location. I worked my way up to being a district manager in New York. In 2002, [Vice President of Retail and Franchising ] Ted Marlowe approached me about buying one of the company stores they were looking to franchise. Apparently [company founder] Jim McCann had taken note of my work and my commitment to the company, and had recommended me to Ted as someone who might be a good franchise candidate.

With a growing number of more than 70 participating businesses on their free Bounce Back Buffalo initiative, Minuteman Press in Buffalo is helping area business owners mount a resurgence of growth by making sure they remain connected to their own clients with free advertising and access to resources.

“I fell in love with the Dickey’s Barbecue concept and I can’t wait to meet our guests and serve them great barbecue,” said first time franchise owner, John Schouten. “I’m also looking forward to moving to Las Vegas where I have my parents and older brother nearby.”