Printing Services in Janesville, WI

Three Generations, 50 Years of Printing, and a Lasting Commitment to Downtown Janesville

For nearly five decades, Minuteman Press Janesville has been more than a place to print business cards, brochures, banners and promotional products. It has been a family business, a community partner and a familiar part of downtown Janesville.

Founded in September 1976 by Leonard and Donna Duckworth, Minuteman Press Janesville was built on a simple philosophy: listen to customers, provide honest and expert advice, deliver exceptional quality and make every project the best it can be.

That philosophy continues today, three generations later.

Leonard and Donna opened the business at 303 W. Milwaukee St. at a time when downtown Janesville was the center of retail and professional activity. The Janesville Mall had not yet opened, and downtown traffic was plentiful. The location quickly became home to a business that would grow alongside the community it served.

In 1979, Leonard's son, Todd Duckworth, joined the family business. He learned the industry from the ground up, watching his father build relationships with customers and insist that every project meet the highest standards. In 1997, Todd took a more active role in the business and continued the tradition of personal service, quality and competitive pricing.

Today, Todd represents the second generation, while his daughter, Heather Duckworth, represents the third.

From Offset Presses to Print-on-Demand

The printing industry has changed dramatically since 1976, and Minuteman Press Janesville has changed with it.

When the business first opened, the shop operated offset presses and even maintained its own darkroom for developing plates. Some of the original bindery equipment is still used today.

Over the years, the business transitioned much of its production to digital presses, allowing Minuteman Press Janesville to maintain excellent print quality while expanding what it can offer customers.

The company's promotional products department has also grown significantly. Today, customers can order apparel and a wide variety of branded products, with print-on-demand capabilities now covering more than 500 items and continuing to grow.

The business is also working to develop online storefronts for customers, giving their clients convenient places to purchase branded apparel, home décor and other customized products.

Today, Minuteman Press Janesville is a full-service printing and promotional products company serving Rock County and surrounding communities, including Clinton, Brodhead, Milton, Delavan, Beloit and beyond.

Its services include offset and digital printing, graphic and web design, bindery services, black-and-white and color printing, thermography, continuous forms, invitations, postcards, calendars, envelopes, letterhead, invoices, work orders, receipt books, menus, flyers, posters, brochures, bulk mail services, banners, magnets, magnetic signs, promotional products, holiday cards and much more.

The company also offers free delivery and pickup in and around Rock County and makes it possible for customers to place orders or request quotes online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Growing With Downtown Janesville

Minuteman Press Janesville has remained committed not only to its customers, but also to its downtown home.

The Duckworth family opened at its current location in 1976 and purchased the building in 1981. In 1986, the family purchased 305 W. Milwaukee St., expanding the business's footprint to approximately 4,000 square feet.

The building itself has also undergone a remarkable transformation.

In 2018, Todd began the process of renovating the façade along the Jackson Street portion of the building. During the project, several structural issues were discovered. The family was faced with a major decision: demolish the property and find a new location, or rebuild.

They chose to rebuild.

The project included renovating the second and third floors into four apartments. Todd also researched the history of the building and located historic photographs that could be used to restore the exterior as closely as possible to its original appearance from the 1860s.

The result was not simply an investment in a building, but an investment in preserving a piece of downtown Janesville's history while continuing to operate a family business in the heart of the community.

A Business Built on Relationships

For Todd, one of the most rewarding parts of owning Minuteman Press Janesville has been helping other businesses and organizations succeed.

"Owning your own business that allows you to help others achieve their growth through marketing materials, in-house forms for sales and production, gives you an incredible amount of satisfaction," he says.

Over the years, the Duckworth family has watched customers' children grow up, businesses expand and the community flourish.

"We are only as successful as our customers, so getting it right for them the first time is our top priority," Todd says.

That commitment to the community extends beyond printing. Minuteman Press Janesville is proud to be the official printer for the Boys & Girls Club of Janesville, where Todd is a past board member. The business is also a member of Forward Janesville, and Todd previously served on its board.

For the Duckworth family, being part of Janesville isn't simply about doing business in the community. It is about being invested in its success.

Looking Toward the Next Generation

Heather Duckworth is now preparing to carry the family business into its third generation.

For her, taking over the business is both an honor and a responsibility.

"Taking over the business as a third generation is something that I am really proud of," Heather says. "This company is more than just a business to my family – it's something that has been built with a lot of hard work, dedication, blood, sweat and tears and love over the years."

Heather hopes to honor what previous generations have created while bringing her own ideas to the business and continuing to find new ways to serve customers.

She is constantly watching for emerging trends and opportunities to expand the company's capabilities, with a particular focus on keeping more production in-house.

"We are lucky enough to be able to do so many projects right here in our shop," she says. "Being able to keep more in house, have the control and direct input with our customers is what I would love to see."

For Heather, the personal nature of the business remains essential.

"So much of this business is about seeing, feeling and making sure everything is just right for our customers."

Her goal is to keep Minuteman Press Janesville strong, take care of its customers and employees, and continue building something future generations of the Duckworth family can be proud of.

"I hope I am just as fortunate to put in another 50 years here," she says.

Celebrating 50 Years

From offset presses and darkrooms to digital printing, apparel and print-on-demand products, Minuteman Press Janesville has continually evolved while remaining true to the values established by Leonard and Donna Duckworth in 1976.

Three generations later, the Duckworth family is still designing, printing and promoting its customers — and still proud to call downtown Janesville home.