When Mike and Amy LeBaron decided to buy a small business, they weren’t looking for overnight success; they were looking for a meaningful challenge that would blend creativity, family life, and community connection. What they found was all that and more inside a 35-year-old Fort Worth print shop.
In December 2023, the LeBarons purchased One Stop Printing, a well-loved local business that had served Fort Worth since 1989. Within months, they rebranded and began operating as Minuteman Press Fort Worth.
By the end of their first full year, they had achieved what most new owners only dream of: joining the Minuteman Press International President’s Club after surpassing $1 million in gross sales in 2024.
But as Mike and Amy will tell you, this milestone wasn’t luck; it was legacy, learning, and a lot of long days.
Before buying the print shop, Mike had spent two decades in the banking industry, and Amy had devoted her time to raising their twin boys. The couple had been exploring small business ownership for years, but they wanted something that fit both their skills and their family’s rhythm.
“We looked at all sorts of businesses,” Mike says with a grin. “A roller-skating rink, a restoration company… you name it. But printing gave us something more. It offered an outlet for Amy’s creativity and a schedule that still allowed us to be parents first.”
When longtime owners Wayne and Ginnie decided it was time to “ride off into the sunset,” they turned to Minuteman Press to find the right successors. The LeBarons were a perfect match. As part of the sale, the business officially transitioned into the Minuteman Press franchise network, giving Mike and Amy a national brand’s support behind a beloved local name.
While acquiring an established business offers advantages, it also comes with its own set of challenges.
“The biggest struggle was managing the pace from day one,” Mike admits. “We took over a race car that was already going 100 miles per hour.”
The shop came with 10 employees, dozens of vendor relationships, and an already bustling daily workload. Cash flow was a challenge in the beginning. “You start with all these expenses and payroll from the first day,” Mike says, “but payments from clients don’t roll in right away. And the bank won’t lend you money until you’ve been in business two years.”
Through careful financial management, loyal customers, and a supportive staff, the LeBarons made it through the toughest early months and kept the business moving forward.
Transitioning from corporate work to entrepreneurship meant the LeBarons had a lot to learn, fast. Fortunately, Minuteman Press offered robust training and regional support.
“Those first few months were intense,” Amy recalls. “Our regional representative, Erika St. Cere, was in the shop nearly every day. She helped us navigate everything from quoting jobs to running large-format printers. The previous owners were also incredibly generous with their time, they even kept helping with installations for months.”
That support gave the couple the confidence to step fully into their roles as owners and leaders.
The LeBarons quickly learned that Fort Worth business runs on relationships.
“The business community here is local, loyal, and proud,” Mike says. “People do business with people they know.”
Mike has taken an active role in networking, joining business groups and volunteering, even speaking at career days in local schools. Amy focuses on nurturing and expanding relationships with existing customers.
“That balance works for us,” Amy says. “Mike builds new connections, and I focus on keeping our current clients happy and helping them with whatever they need next.”
Eighteen months in, their growth has been steady and driven almost entirely by relationships and referrals.
To read the full story, click on the cover of the October 2025 issue of the magazine.
