News Summary
Karen Fraielli and Valerie Chanoux, local business owners, have been awarded the Crystal Pinnacle Award from Minuteman Press International for their dedication and success in the printing industry over the past 25 years. Their journey began in 1999 with a Warwick franchise, followed by a Providence location. Despite challenges, their strong partnership and commitment to customer satisfaction have led to significant achievements. Their grassroots marketing and community engagement have solidified their reputation, and they encourage other franchise owners to foster a supportive work environment for growth.
Warwick, Rhode Island – Local business owners Karen Fraielli and Valerie Chanoux received the Minuteman Press International Crystal Pinnacle Award, celebrating over 25 years in the printing industry. The award was presented by Regional Vice President Todd Golberg, acknowledging their dedication and ongoing success in their franchise locations in Warwick and Providence, Rhode Island.
Since joining the Minuteman Press franchise family in August 1999, Karen and Valerie have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. They originally purchased the Warwick location and followed up with the acquisition of a second franchise in Providence in August 2002. Despite economic challenges and industry shifts, both owners have consistently reached new sales milestones at their locations, proving their resilience and adaptability.
Golberg commended the strong partnership between Fraielli and Chanoux, highlighting the mutual respect and appreciation they have cultivated over the years. Their cooperative spirit has been essential to their success, allowing them to thrive in a competitive market. The duo attributes their achievements to teamwork, a shared work ethic, and keeping a fun atmosphere in their business environment.
As they celebrated this significant milestone, Chanoux described the experience as “crazy,” echoing the sentiment that “time flies when you are having fun.” Over the years, the business has built an exceptional reputation within the printing industry and among customers, primarily relying on word of mouth and customer referrals for growth. Chanoux actively promotes their services through social engagements, discussing their offerings at various venues, including restaurants, breweries, and charity events. This grassroots marketing approach has helped solidify their presence within the community.
Prior to their journey with Minuteman Press, Karen held a position as a CPA at a local accounting firm, while Valerie worked as an operations manager for UPS. Their combined professional backgrounds provided a solid foundation for their entrepreneurial venture. The pair chose Minuteman Press due to its alignment with their goals for a business in a B2B market that offers skilled employees and supportive franchise opportunities.
Both Karen and Valerie encourage other franchise owners to cultivate a hardworking mindset, especially in challenging times. They stress the importance of establishing an empowered and growth-oriented work environment for employees, which can lead to greater success and job satisfaction.
The Minuteman Press centers in Rhode Island not only contribute to the local economy but also engage with the community, making their mark in both business and social circles. Their official websites for the locations are Warwick and Providence.
This recognition reflects not only their individual successes but also their commitment to the brand and their community over the past 25 years. As they look to the future, Karen and Valerie remain focused on maintaining high standards and continuing to grow their businesses within the Minuteman Press franchise family.
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Additional Resources
- GlobeNewswire: Minuteman Press Franchise Owners Celebrate 25 Years
- Wikipedia: Franchise
- Franchising.com: Minuteman Press Franchise Owners Celebrated
- Google Search: Printing Industry News
- Steve Ahlquist: For Our Mental Health – Rhode Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Minuteman Press

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