Printing with Purpose: How Frank Brown Built Minnesota's Leading Black-Owned Union Print Shop⁠

On a frigid January morning, Northeast Minneapolis is painted in wintry gray. Inside the freshly renovated Minuteman Press Uptown, the hum of state-of-the-art printers creates a warm counterpoint to the chill outside. Frank Brown stands beside a gloss-coated poster in progress, its vibrant colors reflecting both precision and pride. As the owner of Minnesota's largest Black-owned print shop and the only BIPOC-owned union printing business in the Upper Midwest, Brown sees this moment as the culmination of years spent defying odds. "When we moved here this year," Brown says, gesturing at the sprawling space, "it wasn't just about needing more room. It was about stepping into another chapter of redefining what a printing shop can be—for the business, our community, and the entire industry."

Brown's path to business ownership began far from Uptown's bustling streets. During his nearly three decades at corporate printing giants, he built a reputation for operational excellence while witnessing persistent inequities—undervalued workers and stagnant wages. "I wanted to rewrite that narrative," he says. Six years ago, he acquired a struggling Minuteman Press franchise in Minneapolis. The shop's annual sales were just $200,000, and its culture had grown stagnant. Within three years, Brown transformed the business, multiplying revenues to $1 million and establishing Minnesota's first minority-owned union print shop—a bold move in an industry often resistant to labor organizing.

"That union wasn't just for us; it was for every worker who's ever felt expendable," he says firmly. Under his leadership, employees gained both better wages and a collective voice. Brown's commitment attracted local businesses and unions, creating partnerships that helped smaller enterprises compete with national players. As a mission-driven entrepreneur, he infused his vision into every project, from nonprofit brochures to political campaign banners.

A Market Redefined in Living Color

Minuteman Press Uptown's evolution transcended unionization and million-dollar sales. In Minnesota's competitive print market, Brown carved out a unique niche. In an industry known for slim margins and quick turnarounds, he brought innovation. Through significant investments in technology, the shop became a rare fusion of tradition and tech. Clients came not just for ink on paper but for an experience. With its comprehensive services—from light bindery to digital marketing strategy and offset printing—Minuteman Press Uptown filled a crucial gap in Minnesota's market.

The recent move to Northeast Minneapolis strengthened this market position. The expanded facility, equipped with advanced digital printers and finishing stations, allowed the team to increase volume while maintaining exceptional customer care. Brown credits his staff's dedication for this success. "Greg from the design team—he doesn't just work on layouts," Brown says with a chuckle. "He'll test fifty font sizes just to make sure our client's message pops." This attention to detail resonates with clients like Olivia Marks, a St. Paul realty firm owner. "Working with Frank's team feels like collaborating with a partner who genuinely cares about what I'm trying to achieve," Marks says.

The shop's client empowerment shone during the pandemic, when small businesses faced uncertain futures. A notable success came from helping a Dinkytown coffee shop reimagine its marketing through branded signage and flyers, boosting foot traffic during lockdown. "It wasn't just print—it was survival for them. And we had a hand in that," Brown recalls, the weight of that era visible in his smile.

Printing Progress, Building Community

When asked about his proudest achievements, Brown looks beyond the numbers. While being named the second-largest Minuteman Press franchise nationally was significant, he takes greater pride in his staff's success. Former temporary workers now build careers here. Daniel, a press operator, credits Brown's leadership for helping him buy his first home last year, after 15 years in the industry. "It's not just about a paycheck here. You feel like part of something bigger," Daniel says.

As the Upper Midwest's only BIPOC-owned union print operation, the shop advances Brown's broader mission of increasing economic equity in Minnesota and beyond. "The printing industry," he explains, "is still mostly white-owned and male-dominated. We're proving that it doesn't have to be that way, and we're showing what's possible when you center fairness." This philosophy extends throughout the community. Through local partnerships, the shop offers discounts to nonprofits and startups, making professional marketing tools accessible to smaller budgets.

Earning a critical TG/ED/VO certification in January 2017 opened doors to state-level projects, enhancing the shop's visibility and credibility. While Brown keeps contract details private, the business's rapid scaling speaks volumes. As one local client puts it, "Frank has taken something as traditional as printing and turned it into a force for change—not just for businesses, but for people."

Inside the Press—and Into the Future

In Minuteman Press Uptown's facility, ideas become tangible products through a well-orchestrated process. Color-coded racks hold paper stocks ranging from crisp uncoated cardstock to smooth satin gloss, while operators fine-tune machinery for custom runs. Brown walks the production floor, greeting each team member by name. "Our job," he says, watching a vivid campaign flyer emerge from the press, "is to make someone's vision real, even when time isn't on our side."

This commitment was tested last fall when a political campaign needed thousands of postcards on short notice. Despite nationwide supply shortages, Brown's team delivered a two-day turnaround using recycled materials—an innovative solution that won the campaign's trust and marked a sustainable milestone. "If the industry's going to evolve," he says, "we have to think beyond just printing. It's about adaptability."

Looking to 2024, adaptability remains central to the company's vision. Plans include implementing eco-friendly printing technologies to reduce waste while maintaining quality—an initiative Brown believes will resonate with sustainability-conscious clients. Community partnerships continue to drive growth, with programs focused on mentoring new business owners and diversifying Minnesota's entrepreneurial landscape.

"Our story isn't finished," Brown says, as sunlight streams across the shop's newly waxed floors. His tone carries quiet determination. "If we've learned anything, it's that the possibilities are as wide as the paper we print on."

For those ready to see their ideas set into action, Minuteman Press Uptown invites clients to their website, www.mpuptown.com, or their Northeast Minneapolis hub, where stories—bold, impactful, and indelible—come to life on every page.