Embracing Franchisees Ideas and Evolving Technology Drives PostNet's Success
PostNet, a complete business services center with sophisticated printing capabilities and cutting-edge technology has come a long way since it's' inception. In 1983, Brian Spindel and Steven J. Greenbaum opened 'Mail Room', an independent pack and ship store in the Las Vegas area. The business venture ultimately led to the development of PostNet, a franchise company currently boasting 900 stores in eight countries, including 500 in the U.S.
"Being in the Las Vegas area, a lot of customers would come in to ship things back home and would tell us that their area could use a store like ours, or that they'd been thinking of opening a similar store where they live." Spindel recalled. In 1986 Spindel and Greenbaum established a business opportunity type of model to help people open similar stores throughout the U.S. "As we worked with more and more people, we realized the need to develop a more structured approach and give the people we were helping the best competitive advantages possible, so we established the PostNet brand franchise program in 1993."
"Today the PostNet complete business center is nothing like the pack and ship centers that were originally developed. They are modern, full-service small business centers assisting both consumers and businesses with all of their shipping and document services needs. Our equipment, copiers and digital printers allow us to produce short runs, in-house very quickly. Road warriors use our centers as a home base," Spindel described. "…we are a multi-carrier concept. Competitors like the UPS Store only have one flavor of shipping. Because we're not owned by a shipping company we are able to provide multiple choices in shipping including; Fed Ex, UPS, DHL and the U.S. Postal Service. We represent all brands."
An Active, Involved Approach Gives PostNet and Their Franchisees an Edge
PostNet is also unique from many shipping and printing franchise companies in that it's founder owned and operated. Both Spindel , President and COO of PostNet and Greenbaum, Chairman and CEO of the company, remain actively involved in the business and with their franchisees. "We are founder owned and operated. At most companies in our industry the founders are no longer involved, but we've maintained active involvement. It's nice for franchisees to come in and have the people who built the company from day one still here," Spindel said.
"Our franchisees are involved in the company, we encourage their participation and we keep evolving with new technology, these two factors drive our success," Spindel explained. "We've developed strong advisory councils and committees comprised of our franchisees and they help us with feedback. We have a very transparent, open, collaborative environment." In addition to being involved in the company, "…very often the franchisees become active in their communities. They join the chamber of commerce and business networking groups," Spindel said.
"No experience is needed to own a PostNet franchise. Most people who open one have never owned a business before. Our training programs are thorough. We look for outgoing, pleasant people who thrive in a retail environment and are not afraid of changing technology . We're not looking for techies, just someone who is comfortable with technology and being involved in their community as a small business owner operator" Spindel said.
"PostNet is a proven business model. We'll continue to grow and evolve with customers' needs. This business is not a fad, it's not that kind of industry, it's a need, not a luxury," Spindel concluded.
