In celebration of National Small Business Month, we’ll be shining a spotlight on some of our local small business clients. What do they do, what challenges do they face, what gets them most excited and what are the risks they’ve taken? Today, we caught up Ron Johnson, owner of Midnight Mail.
What is your business?
Midnight Mail and Print – Doing printing and large-scale mailings for businesses.
When was your business formed?
January 2, 1990
How did you get started?
I learned how to do large-scale (bulk) mailings while working for a magazine and decided to open a mailing business when I left, and over time, transitioned into printing, as well.
What’s the most challenging part of running your business?
Having people understand that although we are on Cape Cod you can get service as good as you will find over the bridge. Another challenge is that to do a mailing properly requires skill. It is not as simple as putting a stamp on a letter.
What’s the most rewarding part?
This small Cape business has allowed employees to buy homes and remain on Cape Cod.
What’s the biggest risk you took in your business?
The first time I bought a piece of equipment I needed a loan for $15,000. At that time, I was speaking with the branch manager of the bank and had to go back three times to convince her that I would be able to get the business to pay back the loan.
One piece of advice I’d give someone starting a small business is…
Don’t wait if you are considering starting a business, do it now if possible. Life only becomes more complicated the longer you wait.
Are there any community partnerships or initiatives you’d like people to know about?
We primarily work with non-profits, so they are all important in their respective fields, but I have a special place for Cape Abilities and their work with people with special needs.
Any fun facts about the business you’d like to share?
My dog, Bandit, comes to the office and goes on runs to the post office. We laugh that all of the carriers know his name, but would be hard-pressed to remember any of our names.
Want to learn more about Midnight Mail? Follow them at these links:
Website – https://www.midnightmailandprint.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/midnightmailandprint/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/MMandPrint
Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronjohnsonmidnightmailandprint/