Minuteman Press Franchise Owners Acquire Historic JB Printing Business in Kalamazoo

Longtime Kalamazoo Printing Firm Changes Name as New Owners Bring Fresh Energy to Decades-Old Company

*KALAMAZOO, Mich.* — A beloved Kalamazoo printing business with roots stretching back nearly a century has found new ownership, transitioning from JB Printing to Minuteman Press in a move that promises to preserve the company's legacy while expanding its capabilities.

The acquisition marks a new chapter for JB Printing, which was founded in 1933 and has served the Kalamazoo community for over 90 years. The business was sold by John and Donna O'Keefe, who had owned the printing company since 2013, to Mike and Jess Luepke, franchise owners with Minuteman Press International.

A Legacy of Quality Service

The O'Keefe family purchased JB Printing in 2013 and have run a printing business since 1984. John O'Keefe explained the history of the business:

"JB Printing was founded in 1933. We acquired the business 80 years later, and now we are proud to transfer the business over to Minuteman Press in Kalamazoo and begin this new chapter."

After taking printing classes in high school and working in the industry for years, John and his wife started their first business AmeriKal Printing. They began as a quick print shop and grew into a full-service commercial printing business through top-notch customer service, hiring great employees, adding services, and dedication.

"JB Printing has built a strong reputation for quality work and dependable service, and we were fortunate to acquire a business with that kind of legacy and trust already in place," Mike Luepke said.

Retirement and the Search for the Right Buyer

With retirement approaching, John and Donna O'Keefe knew it was time to sell their business. However, finding the right buyer proved challenging.

"We had been approached by numerous people interested in purchasing JB Printing. The people that we met with did not meet our criteria for what was important to us. Our primary concern for potential buyers was the future and success of our employees and care of our faithful customers," John O'Keefe said.

The O'Keefes initially considered working with a business broker but decided against it, feeling they would not find the best buyer or get a good price for their business. It was Minuteman Press that ultimately provided the right connection.

The Minuteman Press Difference

Over the years, the O'Keefes had been contacted by Minuteman Press, but they were skeptical and delayed taking it seriously. Realizing that they needed to plan for retirement, they finally reached out to the franchise organization.

"Over the years, we were contacted by Minuteman Press, but we were skeptical and delayed taking it seriously. Realizing that we needed to plan for retirement, we finally reached out to them," John O'Keefe said.

Michigan Regional VP Rich DeRosa from Minuteman Press responded to their inquiry. After numerous discussions to learn more about their goals for the company and their employees, the O'Keefes met with Rich DeRosa.

"Rich calmed our anxiety about the process and our need for confidentiality. Rich is great about communicating and was driven to find a good match for what we wanted in a buyer," John O'Keefe said.

"Minuteman Press provided us with a fair valuation for the business. The great thing about the process is that Minuteman Press vets potential buyers and then provides them with training and support to help them thrive during the transition and grow the business," John O'Keefe said.

New Owners Enter the Printing Industry

Mike and Jess Luepke officially took over the business in January 2026. Before joining Minuteman Press, the couple owned and operated a boutique fitness gym. Through that experience, they developed strong skills in marketing, sales, operations, and culture-building.

"Before joining Minuteman Press, Jessica and I owned and operated a boutique fitness gym. Through that experience we developed strong skills in marketing, sales, operations, and culture-building. We continue to own the gym today, but we have strong systems and leadership in place there that allow it to run smoothly. That gave us the opportunity to take on a new challenge and apply our entrepreneurial experience to another industry," Mike Luepke said.

When asked why they chose to join the Minuteman Press franchise family, Mike shared:

"The reputation of the business itself. JB Printing had built an incredible reputation in the Kalamazoo community and had a loyal customer base that had been developed over decades. The strength of the business financially. The company was very profitable even without a major focus on marketing or sales efforts, which told us there was significant opportunity for growth. The Minuteman Press culture and system. From the beginning we sensed a genuine family atmosphere within the organization, from the leadership team all the way through the franchise network," Mike Luepke said.

Strong Support from the Franchise

"The training, systems, and ongoing support that Minuteman Press provides — especially for people like us who are entering the printing industry from the outside," Mike Luepke said.

Mike Luepke expressed how positive his experience has been working with Rich DeRosa and the Minuteman Press team.

"When we lost a key employee, Minuteman Press went above and beyond by keeping a regional representative onsite to help stabilize the operation and ensure a smooth transition. We were able to hire a strong replacement quickly, and Minuteman Press continued supporting us longer than expected to help train the team. That level of commitment was extremely impressive," Mike Luepke said.

Honoring the Past, Building for the Future

"We feel very grateful to step into a business with such a strong history in the Kalamazoo community. As a team, our goal is to honor the reputation JB Printing built while continuing to grow and serve local businesses well into the future. Our message to customers is simple: the talented people who produce the work you rely on are still here, and we are excited to support them and continue delivering the quality and service this business has been known for," Mike Luepke said.

On a personal note, Mike Luepke expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to connect with the Kalamazoo community.

"I have only known operating a small business within a local community. At heart I am a connector and a problem-solver. Whether it has been in the world of fitness or now in the world of printing, I enjoy helping people solve problems and connecting them to solutions — often custom solutions. Printing and marketing are really about connection. We help individuals, businesses, organizations, and even local governments communicate clearly and reach the people they need to reach. That is very gratifying work," Mike Luepke said.

On a deeper level, Mike believes that family is God's primary design for redeeming culture.

"In many ways a healthy business can function similarly. When you build a strong team, empower people, and give them opportunities to succeed, it becomes something bigger than just work. Watching people grow and succeed is incredibly rewarding," Mike Luepke said.

What This Means for Kalamazoo Customers

For customers who have relied on JB Printing for their printing and marketing needs, the transition to Minuteman Press means continuity and growth. The talented people who produce the work remain in place, and the business continues to operate with the same commitment to quality and service.

The Minuteman Press franchise model provides ongoing support, training, and resources to help the business thrive and expand its capabilities while maintaining the personal touch that has made JB Printing such a trusted partner in the Kalamazoo community.