A few weeks ago, John Eramian, who owns and operates Eramian Signs in Johnston, was re-doing the window signs at Minuteman Press that’s located in the Dunkin Donuts Plaza at 1999 Plainfield Pike.
Suddenly, Mayor Joseph Polisena was on site and received a special greeting from Eramian, who has been creating signs and painting lettering for longer than he can remember.
“Good day, Mayor,” Eramian said while unveiling a new and colorful Minuteman Press sign. “This is the company’s new logo.”
“I love seeing this; the transition of an existing business and, more importantly, no empty store front,” said Polisena.
Polisena was welcomed by David Buttery, who along with his wife Linda had owned and operated the highly-successful business for nearly two decades.
On this day, though, Polisena welcomed the new owners – Kimberly Sherman Leon and her husband, Jorge – and then chatted with Ron Rubin, who is the nationwide company’s area representative.
“I love events like this,” Polisena told Rubin, who represents all Minuteman Press locations in New England. “Today is indeed special; it’s wonderful that this business is staying here, and I’m personally excited about today’s re-grand opening.”
It was a day when the old guard passed the torch, especially since Sherman-Leon worked for the Butterys as the couple’s valuable assistant and senior graphic designer.
“We are thrilled to announce that Kim has returned with her husband Jorge as the new owners of Minuteman Press of Johnston,” said Buttery. “Kim brings her own unique set of skills and a wealth of experience in the world of printing and graphic design while Jorge brings two decades of store management.”
Sometime last summer, Buttery and his wife decided to sell the already-thriving operation, but they weren’t going to accept an offer from just anyone.
“It was 18 yeas ago that David and I decided to bite the bullet and start up our own business,” Linda Buttery said. “Now, we’ve decided to bite the next bullet and retire to pursue new interests.”
The couple asked Kim and Jorge if they would be interested in taking over the business and, as David Buttery said, “She replied: Yes! Absolutely!”
“They have integrated their blend of artistic skills, business savvy and up-to-date knowledge into the business to not only continue our history of excellence but to even exceed it,” said David Buttery.
Sherman-Leon, who is a graduate of Rhode Island College, where she studied graphic design with a minor in industrial design, brings a wealth of experience into the business.
“I live and breathe this,” she said. “I have a love for the arts and community; I strive for excellence and success. I’m an advocate for educating all about the importance of our industry, the foundation of the craft and keeping the passion alive for our future generations to come. I love what I do.”
Sherman-Leon worked at Minuteman Press from 2003 to 2008 as a graphic designer but became the senior designer and store production manager. She said, “I learned so much here and have become a well-rounded designer and printer because of my experience here.”
In addition to her experience, Sherman-Leon founded RI Creative Magazine and KS Designs, LLC. She has won numerous awards and received countless commendations.
Her husband Jorge has also enjoyed many successes. He managed an AutoZone store for 18 years and was promoted to assistant manager before taking over the store reigns.
“Jorge also strives for excellence,” Sherman-Leon said. “He has a love for cars, fixing them and helping others.”
Jorge has also won awards, most notably the President’s Club Award, JR Hyde Leadership Award and Doc Crane Award for sales excellence.
The Leons “have been together for 20 years and we have three beautiful children – 17, 13 and 4 – and we are a team, we’re very supportive of each other and love and enjoy life. We look forward to growing this business and continuing the excellence of Minuteman Press in Johnston along with our growing family.”
Minuteman Press is located in the Dunkin’ Donuts Plaza at 1999 Plainfield Pike in Johnston. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call 944-0667.
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