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Roberts & Ryan Investments Inc., America's first Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned broker-dealer, is pleased to welcome John Schoger as their newest Senior Advisor of Equity Capital Markets

Roberts & Ryan Investments, Inc.

Mr. Schoger joins Roberts & Ryan as their latest Senior Advisor, focused on equity capital markets and corporate access. He brings more than 20 years of capital markets expertise, including extensive experience in non-deal roadshow origination and execution. John began his career in finance as an institutional broker at Financial Asset Management before co-founding Voyager Institutional Services. He served as President of Voyager until it was acquired by Strategas Securities, LLC in 2013. While at Strategas, John served as Managing Director of Corporate Services. “Roberts & Ryan is proud to welcome John Schoger to its Advisory Board. John has over 20 years’ experience in the Equity business and will share his insights and market knowledge with the Roberts and Ryan team, furthering our efforts to build our brand,” commented Roberts and Ryan’s Head of Equities, Jim McDevitt. John serves as Vice President at AssetWatch, Inc. and is a member of the Board of Trustees for The ARC of Ohio, advocating for the rights of the developmentally disabled community. John earned a BA from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio and holds SIE and FINRA Series 7, 63, and 79 licenses. About Roberts and Ryan Investments, Inc. Roberts & Ryan Investments, Inc. is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned (SDVO) broker-dealer with execution capabilities in the capital markets, equities, and fixed-income trading. The firm was founded in 1987 by a United States Marine Corps Vietnam combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient. With over one million dollars in committed donations, Roberts & Ryan is active in donating to charitable foundations that make significant positive impacts in the lives of Veterans and their families, primarily focusing on general wellness, mental health, and career transition. Contact Details Joe Pecoraro +1 917-658-8945 jpecoraro@roberts-ryan.com Company Website https://www.roberts-ryan.com

March 10, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Get your weekly groceries without having to pause your busy lifestyle

YourUpdateTV

Recently, Multimedia Reporter and Trend Expert, Milly Almodovar conducted a satellite media tour to share tips on how to get your weekly groceries without having to pause your busy lifestyle and sacrifice any of your time. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/zoJgne9Nq-U More and more consumers want faster, easier and affordable ways to get their essential items the same day without sacrificing time or quality. DoorDash launched on-demand grocery delivery in 2020, and over the last few years, it has accelerated its growth beyond restaurants, introducing on-demand grocery, convenience store delivery,, and more on the DoorDash app with partners including Albertsons-Safeway, Aldi, Dollar General, Hy-Vee, Meijer, Sprouts, Walgreens, and Wawa®. Today, there are tens of thousands of non-restaurant retail stores on the DoorDash platform across North America. DoorDash grocery delivery can help you save on time and money. “With DoorDash, you can eliminate all the fuss of waiting in long lines and looking for parking” says Almodovar. It’s convenient, easy, and more affordable than you may realize. You can save with DoorDash thanks to frequent deals, discounts, and more. The delivery app has been trusted to deliver meals from your favorite restaurants, and now, they can deliver your groceries too to make your favorite meals at home. Right now the best deal you can get is 30% off your first grocery order of $30 or more with the code: WEGETGROCERIES. So not only is DoorDash saving you money, but they’re saving you time and you know that’s priceless.” Its mission is to bring the best of every local neighborhood to consumers on-demand, from the weekly stock up to the last-minute ingredients needed for dinner tonight. The DoorDash app is available in the app store for iPhone and Google play store for Android. For more information, visit doordash.com/grocery-delivery. BIO: About Milly Almodovar Milly Almodovar is the former Senior Beauty Editor of Cosmopolitan for Latinas, now multimedia reporter, hispanic trends expert and TV Lifestyle and Beauty expert. You can find her on shows like Good Morning America, The Today Show, Rachael Ray, Dr Phil, etc. When Milly isn't working, she enjoys watching true crime shows and taking salsa lessons. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

March 09, 2023 12:32 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Shopistry Launches Showcase, Bringing to Hollywood what Shopify did for Brands

Shopistry

Toronto, Ontario -- Shopistry, a leading commerce solutions company, today announced the launch of Shopistry Showcase, enabling filmmakers, studios, and distributors to launch direct to consumer online sites with the ability to stream content, sell merchandise, and directly engage audiences in one beautiful experience. As streaming giants Netflix, Disney, Apple, Amazon, and Paramount provide the opportunity for mass audience reach, filmmakers and studios are at risk of diminishing control over distribution, marketing, and revenue opportunities. Shopistry Showcase changes this dynamic with a direct-to-consumer channel for audience monetization that compliments existing licensing deals and provides growth capabilities not provided by the major platforms. “Being able to go direct to audiences and drive distribution, and monetize content from pre-release, post-release, and long tail with full control is a gamechanger. Fans can watch, shop, and share; it’s like Netflix meets Amazon and everyone wins,” said Matt Osterman Writer/Director (Bitcon, 400 Days, Hover, Ghost from the Machine). Academy Award winning NEON's innovative online experience is an example of how studios and creators can excite audiences with a beautiful online site including digital streaming, the ability to sell merchandise, gated content, and more. Hosted on Shopistry’s innovative content and commerce platform and integrated with leading providers the solution is built for scale and designed to adapt as consumer behavior continues to evolve. “By making it easy to launch a direct-to-consumer site, filmmakers, comedians, and all creators can bring their amazing work to audiences that love them and drive new revenue similar to how digital brands have done,” said Jaafer Haidar, CEO of Shopistry. “Showcase is the first integrated solution to elegantly bring commerce and content together. Louis CK and recently Andrew Schultz showed us that going direct to fans has a big payoff. We’ve made it easy for everyone”. Key benefits include: Streaming & Distribution: Monetize content with secure DRM and flexibility End-to-End Merchandising & Logistics: Sell products and take advantage of Shopistry’s product sourcing, management, and fulfillment Demand Generation: Drive discovery and traffic including social sharing Pre-launch to Long Tail Revenue: Gain across the content lifecycle pre and post release windows and long-tail Full-Service Partner: Managed and built for scale, no tech knowledge required About Shopistry Shopistry’s content + commerce platform empowers brands and creators with solutions to launch innovative shopping experiences and gain operational flexibility without complex engineering; significantly increasing time to value. Shopistry’s full suite of products, professional service, and high-performance managed infrastructure deliver the flexibility to continually adapt and power growth without heavy technical investment and keep pace as consumer behaviors and business needs evolve for the future. To learn more visit or shopistry.com/showcase.. Contact Details Shopistry Inc. Jaafer Haidar +1 519-670-0250 contact@shopistry.com Company Website https://www.shopistry.com

March 09, 2023 11:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

COMCAST EXPANDING ITS MULTI-GIG XFINITY NETWORK THROUGHOUT PUEBLO COUNTY

Comcast Colorado

Comcast announced today it will expand its next-generation network, the Xfinity 10G Network, to serve more of Pueblo County, including Pueblo West. The company says the more than $75 million project will provide enhanced business products and services, and extend new fiber-rich highways to connect more of the existing and new homes and businesses throughout the growing Pueblo County area. This planned expansion adds to Comcast’s ongoing $1.2 billion investment in Colorado over the last three years. Construction has already begun in parts of the Pueblo West community, and people will start being able to connect with services before the Fall of 2023. With this expansion, Comcast will provide multi-gig broadband internet speeds, video, mobile, voice, home management, and business products and services. “Comcast is committed to connecting more people to what and who matters most to them,” said J.D. Keller, Senior Vice President, Comcast’s Mountain West Region. “We’re excited to bring our fast, reliable, secure network and services to more people throughout Pueblo County. Whether it’s for work, school, or entertainment, our fiber-rich, multi-gigabit network is built to meet the needs of tomorrow - today.” Once complete, Comcast, the nation’s largest provider of 1.2 Gigabit per second speeds, will give consumers throughout Pueblo West access to reliable and fast Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Mobile service that outperforms its competitors. Comcast’s next-generation technology provides multiple layers of security that automatically detect and block hundreds of thousands of cyber events every second, providing peace of mind to consumers and businesses. “ Access to reliable internet and telecommunications services is critical to the vitality and economic growth of Pueblo,” said Jeff Shaw President/CEO from Pueblo Economic Development Corp. “Comcast is already a great service and community partner throughout our Pueblo communities, and we appreciate their investment. We value their commitment to increasing accessibility and bridging the gap to connect more people to much-needed services that will help our community and businesses thrive.” Comcast is committed to addressing digital equity in communities we serve, through Project UP, the company’s $1 billion dollar commitment to help tens of millions of people connect to the internet and build futures of unlimited possibilities. Last year, Comcast Colorado invested more than $42.6 million to help more than 260 community organizations statewide provide personalized digital skills training, offer workforce development/readiness workshops and other tech education to students, adults, and people with disabilities. Comcast supported local organizations including United Way of Pueblo County, Boys &Girls Clubs of Pueblo County, and Southern Colorado Youth Development among others. And Comcast has four Lift Zone connectivity centers at central community organizations throughout Pueblo including Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County, Southern Colorado Youth Development, El Centro Del Quinto Sol Pueblo Parks and Recreation, and RMSER Community Center, to ensure more people have access to secure, reliable Wi Fi. Comcast’s community funding supports ongoing efforts to build awareness about connectivity programs like Internet Essentials and the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers eligible households up to $30/month credit, or up to $75 for households on tribal lands, for home Internet. Comcast proudly participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program, and offers Internet Essentials Plus, a $29.95/month home Internet service that is effectively free for eligible households, once the ACP credit is applied. Interested customers can visit Xfinity.com/ACP or call 1-800-Xfinity to learn more about this program and find out if they qualify. For more construction details and updates, visit https://colorado.comcast.com/Pueblo Powered by the Xfinity 10G Network Comcast’s next-generation network and Internet experience are powering homes today and into the future: Ultimate Capacity: Xfinity customers connect nearly 1 billion devices across the company’s network annually. The Xfinity 10G Network with the next-generation Xfinity gateways deliver the most advanced WiFi technology carrying three times more bandwidth to power streaming, gaming, videoconferencing, and more, simultaneously. Fastest Internet: 10 million+ Xfinity Internet customers subscribe to gigabit speed products, and Ookla rated Xfinity the fastest Internet provider at the end of 2022*. Symmetrical gig speeds to the first homes are planned for later this year. Unprecedented Coverage: The latest Xfinity Gateway provides a more reliable connection throughout the home. Customers can get wall-to-wall WiFi coverage with a powerful xFi Pod that extends coverage to hard-to-reach areas, with plans for an offering of increased support for in-home WiFi through a “boost guarantee” later this year. Most Reliable Connection: Comcast is scaling the nation’s largest and most reliable network – the Xfinity 10G Network – that passes 60 million homes and business and counting. The company plans to launch a new device that is “storm-ready” with cellular and battery backup to help keep customers connected even when the power goes out. Ultra-Low Latency: The Xfinity 10G Network and the latest xFi Gateway are a powerful combination that deliver ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like video games, a fast-growing category with Xfinity households averaging more than one gaming console per home. For local businesses, Comcast Business offers a suite of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, wireless, and managed solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Powered by the nation’s largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading service providers to the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest-growing providers of Ethernet services. About Comcast: Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on connectivity, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Ookla’s Speedtest TM Market Index report shows that Xfinity delivered the fastest median download speeds to its Internet customers in Colorado for the final quarter of 2022. Once permits are obtained and construction has begun in the public rights of way, Comcast will create an online resource for residents seeking information about the network build in their neighborhood, including answers to frequently asked questions and product and service details. For more information about Pueblo County’s broadband expansion initiative please visit www.colorado.comcast.com/Pueblo About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Leslie Oliver +1 303-810-6326 leslie_oliver@comcast.com Company Website https://colorado.comcast.com/

March 09, 2023 09:00 AM Mountain Standard Time

Legal & General’s new report on Women in the U.S. Gig Economy finds income disparity, multiple roles, worry about financial future

Legal & General

- Lowest pay bracket: 58% are women; Highest pay bracket: 68% are men - Earning over $100K a year in gig work: 18% are female, 28% are male - 71% of female gig workers say their biggest worry is their financial futue - Just 8% of women surveyed have a pension plan A special International Women’s Day report in a broad new study sponsored by Legal & General Group ( LGEN, LGNNY ), U.S. Gig Economy Special Report: Tasked With Both Childcare and Earning, Women Fall Behind Their Male Counterparts, was released today. The report continues narrating original research on the changing U.S. workforce and the reluctance of so many to enter into traditional employment. The study looks into the diversity and differences as well as the shared traits of this group of workers, along with the tradeoffs they make in favor of flexibility. This special report in the data-rich U.S. Gig Economy study, Tasked With Both Childcare and Earning, Women Fall Behind Their Male Counterparts, explores several areas of gender disparity between the male and female freelance workers who were surveyed. The sample comprised 47 percent women, who largely make their living in lower-paid sectors such as Beauty & Heath, Media/Writing and Online/App Services—this, in contrast to the highest paid, mostly male sector, IT. Across all categories of respondents, whether paid per project, per hour, per week or per month, the pay gap between men and women was 32 percent on average, and as much as 45 percent in median average pay per month. The study found that female gig workers are far more likely than males to prioritize their children and other family caregiving responsibilities ahead of the stability and future financial security offered by the full-time, office-based work model. They also worry far more than men do about the long-term financial outlook their choice entails. Verbatim responses received ahead of the survey from female gig workers show a more realistic and stoic outlook on their financial prospects than their male counterparts, including their projected income at retirement and their ability to weather unforeseen financial crises such as a loss of income or a major home or car repair. “The value of women in the workforce becomes increasingly obvious, even as more and more American women find themselves turning to working independently as the only way to juggle multiple roles and responsibilities in their lives. This study shines the light on some key areas that are ripe for reparation in the U.S. labor space, notably more equitable pay and better social and financial safety nets for women. Employers looking to get this hard-working contingent back to the office should additionally address women’s evident need for flexibility, as they pick up many other family and householder duties. The private sector can and should lead the way in improving their lot.” Sir Nigel Wilson, Chief Executive, Legal & General Group Female gig workers’ biggest concern is their long-term financial future Legal & General’s study looks at the complex and multifaceted societal and financial factors behind independent work, including what is missing for many to feel secure in life and society. Seven out of 10 women in this study worried about a lack of job security and predictability of income, as well as not having access to group retirement plans and other benefits. “Globally, women are at far greater risk of poverty in their old age than are men, and U.S. policymakers are taking notice of this fact. We’re seeing proposed legislation, for example, that would tie federal funding for business growth to the provision of affordable childcare and other benefits meant to empower the workforce. Still, there is a substantial bridge for employers to cross when considering the critical reasons that female workers, in particular, are choosing flexibility over financial security. We hope our research goes some way toward creating a basis for positive change.” John Godfrey, Director of Levelling-Up, Legal & General Group Future segments of this research will look in depth at gig workers’ outlook and financial situation around retirement planning; what it would take to get gig workers to go back to the traditional workplace; and a closer look at the pandemic fallout for gig workers. To receive a pdf of any of these reports, please email Meir Kahtan/MKPR at mkahtan@rcn.com. About the Study Legal & General undertook proprietary research into the attitudes and changes U.S. gig workers are experiencing in relation to their work situations and financial outlook. The U.S. Gig Economy research was compiled using original survey data from 1044 U.S.-based workers aged 18 to 60 who are neither students nor retired, and who earn at least 60% of their income from gig work. The data was collected via online survey fielded to individuals sample sourced from YouGov’s US panel. The Legal & General-designed survey was scripted and hosted on Gryphon, YouGov’s proprietary survey scripting platform, and the field work took place between August 19 and 31, 2022. Key demographics such as age, gender and region were allowed to fall out naturally. 20 questions were designed to understand facts about earnings, drivers of and barriers to gig working, financial product ownership & financial capacity when coming across adverse situations, and future expectations of being involved in the gig economy. Verbatim comments were captured by Legal & General in research carried out in June 2022. About Legal & General Group Established in 1836, Legal & General is one of the UK's leading financial services groups and a major global investor, with over £1.4 trillion ($1.7 trillion) in total assets under management* of which a third is international. We also provide powerful asset origination capabilities. Together, these underpin our leading retirement and protection solutions: we are a leading international player in pension risk transfer, in UK and US life insurance, and in UK workplace pensions and retirement income. Through inclusive capitalism, we aim to build a better society by investing in long-term assets that benefit everyone. *as of December 31, 2021 The information contained in this press release is intended solely for journalists and should not be relied upon by private investors or any other persons to make financial decisions. Contact Details Meir Kahtan Public Relations, LLC Meir Kahtan +1 917-864-0800 mkahtan@rcn.com Company Website https://www.legalandgeneralgroup.com/

March 08, 2023 01:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

GameOn Entertainment expecting a "very profitable" 2023

GameOn Entertainment Technologies Inc

GameOn Entertainment Technologies Inc founder & CEO Matt Bailey speaks to Proactive's Thomas Warner about the work the B2B technology company is doing to "make it easy to get involved in web3 through games." Bailey says that after reaching cash break-even in December 2022, he's expecting a "very profitable" 2023. Contact Details Proactive United States Proactive United States +1 347-449-0879 action@proactiveinvestors.com

March 08, 2023 12:58 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Insider Buying: AI Firm Amesite (NASDAQ: AMST) CEO Ann Marie Sastry Picks Up Company Stock Multiple Times, Has Never Sold Stock To Date

Amesite Inc.

By David Willey, Benzinga Read the latest report on Amesite Inc. here! Ann Marie Sastry, the CEO of Amesite Inc. (NASDAQ: AMST), has made multiple stock purchases in the company. Amesite is an artificial intelligence (AI) software company that offers leading eLearning opportunities. According to the Form 4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Sastry acquired 2,000 shares of common stock at $3 a share, for the purchase price of $6,000. This is the third in a series of recent stock purchases that Sastry has made. In February she purchased 2,000 shares of common stock at $2.42 a share, for a total purchase price of $4,800. Then again in early March she purchased an additional 2,000 shares at $3 a share. Sastry has also never sold any of her common stock shares for Amesite, which trades on the NASDAQ. The three most recent stock purchases brought the number of common stock shares owned by Sastry to over 531,000. Insider buying, where a CEO or other company executive purchases company shares, can be viewed as a sign that those inside the company have confidence in the future growth and prospects of the company as well as being optimistic about the future value and growth in the company’s share price. Amesite delivers its AI-powered platform for eLearning and upskilling programs for businesses, non-profits and institutes of higher education. The platform uses best-in-class technology to host educational programs and to empower learning communities across the country. Other companies in the online learning space include Coursera Inc. (NYSE: COUR), 2U (NASDAQ: TWOU) and Powerschool Holdings Inc. (NYSE: PWSC). Interested in learning more about Amesite? Visit its website. This article was originally published on Benzinga here. Amesite Inc., an artificial intelligence driven platform and course designer, provides online products in the United States. The company uses machine learning to offer a mass customized experience to learners. Its customers include businesses, universities and colleges, K-12 schools, and non-profit organizations. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Amesite, Inc. +1 734-876-8141 info@amesite.com Company Website http://www.amesite.io

March 07, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Standard Time

MIDWEST CITY REACHES AGREEMENT WITH BLUEPEAK ON FIBER INTERNET EXPANSION

Bluepeak

A faster, more reliable and more affordable internet is coming to Midwest City, Okla. Bluepeak announced today a franchise agreement with the community of Midwest City to build a high-speed fiber network that will meet the growing needs of Oklahomans today and in the future. The roughly $30 million expansion effort will bring Bluepeak service to nearly 30,000 residences and businesses in Midwest City. “We’re thrilled to partner with Midwest City to bring next-generation internet connectivity to the community and all of our other expansion markets in Oklahoma,” said Rich Fish, CEO of Bluepeak. “Our fiber-to-the-home network is built for the future to meet the growing needs for how we all live, and we’re excited to show the expanding community of Midwest City that we’re a different kind of internet provider.” According to broadbandnow.com, Oklahoma ranks 46th in the nation in internet coverage, speed and availability. A Kansas City Federal Reserve study estimated 30 percent of Oklahomans have access to fewer than two wired internet providers. Furthermore, research from a 2020 report by Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond on “Bringing Broadband to Rural America” determined that broadband access and adoption are linked to increased job and population growth, higher rates of new business formation and home values, and lower unemployment rates. "Midwest City residents are going to be excited about Bluepeak's entrance into our community," said Matt Dukes, Midwest City Mayor. "We're thankful for their investment here because we know it will mean a better opportunity for connectivity. That opportunity is something our residents and businesses deserve." "High-speed internet is essential for the residents and businesses in Midwest City,” said Senator Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City. “I welcome Bluepeak as an option for our citizens and military families who deserve access to affordable and reliable high-speed broadband.” With Bluepeak service, customers get faster speed, equal upload and download speeds, and whole-home WiFi. Bluepeak features transparent, all-in pricing, where the price on the website is the price on the bill, with a minimum speed tier of one gigabit-per-second (Gbps) internet service for just $50 per month. Homes can get up to 5 Gbps and businesses 10 Gbps and beyond. Each internet speed package includes eero Secure, which protects devices from online threats, ads and allows for customized content filtering. Bluepeak’s network provides faster speeds, better connectivity and the bandwidth to connect more devices for internet, streaming, gaming and more. Bluepeak already dramatically improves internet options for residents in other Oklahoma communities with service available in Stillwater, Enid, Lawton and many more. Residents and businesses in Midwest City interested in details on the construction process can sign up for updates by entering their service address at mybluepeak.com. About Bluepeak Bluepeak is building a faster, more reliable internet without the things that get in the way of great service - like red tape, hidden fees, and slow response times. Offering up to 5 gigabits of speed for residential customers and 10 gigabits for businesses, Bluepeak is a whole new ballgame - from internet to TV, to connecting every device in a home, to powering a business, Bluepeak not only provides the best fiber connections in the communities it serves, but also meets the growing needs for how its customers live. Contact Details Jesse Granger +1 720-703-4315 mediaqueries@mybluepeak.com Company Website https://www.mybluepeak.com

March 07, 2023 07:00 AM Mountain Standard Time

Minuteman Press Franchise in Naples, FL Shares Growth Strategies, Overcomes Hurricane Ian

Minuteman Press International Inc

David Ogden purchased the Minuteman Press franchise in Naples, Florida, in January 2021. In the two years since the purchase, David has successfully grown the business by expanding high-demand products and services as well as the key acquisition of independent printing business Sunbelt Printing in September 2022. David says, “The resulting sales growth in business after bringing Minuteman Press and Sunbelt Printing together is over 400% year-over-year.” Around the same time as the acquisition and planned relocation to a new 4,100 sq. ft. facility, Hurricane Ian hit Florida on September 28, 2022. David shares, “What an experience. I purchased Sunbelt Printing and found a new building to move into. The movers were scheduled to get us moved on September 28, 2022. It turns out it was the same day Hurricane Ian hit the Naples/Ft. Meyers area. Needless to say, the move was postponed, and all of our original planning was out the window. Finding contractors to get the electricity where we needed it and all the other moving parts involved had to be reorganized and rescheduled.” David continues, “We did it, and it took more time and patience than I expected, but we finally succeeded and are now in our 4,100-square-foot facility. We have grown really fast since the move and the acquisition, so it’s a good thing we were able to overcome Hurricane Ian and complete the move.” Today, Minuteman Press in Naples is located at 771 Airport Rd. N., Units 4 & 5, Naples, FL 34104. Journey from Cairo, Egypt to Naples, FL David Ogden first moved to Naples in 2013. He shares, “I owned a printing company in Cairo, Egypt, while my family and I lived there. When we left in 2013 and moved to Naples, I still owned the printing company in Egypt, and my brother-in-law took over day-to-day management. Today, I own Minuteman Press in Naples as well as two other companies not in the printing industry.” As someone with experience in the printing industry and as a business owner, David explains why he chose to join the Minuteman Press franchise family: “I chose Minuteman for several reasons. First, it was an existing franchise and a ‘fixer-upper.’ I also liked the company's history, the clear and present franchise support, and of course, their capped royalty structure. Finally, I knew from the day I started the training program for new owners with Mike Jutt and Pete Taglino that I had made the right decision and Minuteman Press was the right franchise brand for me.” David continues, “I did my homework before buying Minuteman Press in Naples, and I talked to many existing owners. All of them agreed the support received from Minuteman Press International was outstanding. After purchasing the business and when the paper supply chain issues occurred, it shook me at first. But then I had a great conversation with our Regional VP Larry Trimble, who helped put it in perspective and provided guidance. From that day forward, I have taken the ‘failure is not an option’ approach, and it has worked out great. I have fantastic support from our regional rep Mark Geller, and Larry Trimble. They are part of our team, know my business well, and are part of our success.” 3 Keys to Growing the Business David highlights the following three key ways he has grown the business over the past two years: Providing high-demand products and services, including direct mail. “ We have a large direct mail customer that does 6-10K pieces of first-class mail per day with us. We also have many smaller customers that do various-size mailings and Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) postcards. Mailing is about 20% of our business and a fast growth area, and so we are investing in direct mail even further with new equipment.” Listening to clients and meeting their needs. “I make time to meet and talk to customers at our front desk. I always ask new customers, ‘What other kind of printing do you use?’ About 70% of the time, I discover new potential business. For example, our very large direct mail customer came from asking that one simple question, which added $30K per month in new revenue.” Learning from other owners by attending the Minuteman Press World Expo. “I learned a great deal at the Minuteman Press World Expo last year and took those ideas back to my team. As a result, we have increased a lot of central facility work, which has benefited our business's overall mix. One of the best takeaways from the Expo was the President’s Million-Dollar Owners panel, where successful owners from all across Minuteman Press answer questions from other franchisees. I sat and listened to every one of them talking about buying independent printers and merging them into their own businesses. I decided then and there to go home and buy another printer. Six weeks later, I purchased Sunbelt Printing.” Acquisition of Sunbelt Printing The acquisition of Sunbelt Printing certainly proved to be a huge boost for Minuteman Press in Naples. David shares, “Minuteman Press sends out regular mailings to independent printers asking them if they have a plan to retire or have an exit strategy, and they explain the benefits of selling their business with the help of Minuteman Press International. The owner of Sunbelt Printing was looking to sell and was ready to retire. After many meetings with that owner and weeks of negotiating, I bought Sunbelt Printing and merged that business into my existing business. Both were about equal in revenue per month at the time of the merger, and as I said previously, the resulting growth in business after bringing the two together is over 400% year-over-year.” David continues, “Our regional rep Mark Geller helped coordinate and execute the merger of the two businesses. He also helped us with specialty contractors to get equipment like large cutters moved and re-installed. In addition, Mark regularly helps me train new employees.” What’s next for David Ogden and Minuteman Press in Naples? David answers, “We are excited to keep serving our clients with high quality printing, marketing, and mailing services. I love building relationships with our customers and look forward to continuing to grow together. I’m also in talks with another independent printer about buying their business. We will see where that leads us.” Minuteman Press in Naples is located at 771 Airport Rd. N., Units 4 & 5, Naples, FL 34104. For more information, visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/fl/naples/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

March 06, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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