Longtime Kalamazoo Printing Business JB Printing Sold to Minuteman Press Franchise Owners

Mike and Jess Luepke take over the 93-year-old printing company, which will now operate as Minuteman Press in Kalamazoo.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:20am

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JB Printing, a Kalamazoo printing business founded in 1933, has been sold by previous owners John and Donna O'Keefe to new Minuteman Press franchise owners Mike and Jess Luepke. The business will now operate as Minuteman Press in Kalamazoo, with the Luepkes taking over in January 2026.

Why it matters

The sale of JB Printing to Minuteman Press represents the passing of a longtime local business to new owners, highlighting the challenges and opportunities small businesses face in transitioning ownership, especially in an industry like printing that has seen major changes in recent decades.

The details

JB Printing was founded in 1933 and was purchased by the O'Keefe family in 2013. After years of operating the business, John and Donna O'Keefe decided it was time to sell and retire. They were initially skeptical about selling to Minuteman Press but were impressed by the company's vetting process for buyers and the support they provided during the transition. The new owners, Mike and Jess Luepke, previously owned a boutique fitness gym and were attracted to JB Printing's strong reputation and loyal customer base, as well as the support and systems provided by the Minuteman Press franchise.

  • JB Printing was founded in 1933.
  • The O'Keefe family purchased JB Printing in 2013.
  • Mike and Jess Luepke officially took over the business in January 2026.

The players

JB Printing

A Kalamazoo printing business that was founded in 1933 and had been owned by the O'Keefe family since 2013.

John and Donna O'Keefe

The previous owners of JB Printing, who decided to sell the business and retire.

Mike and Jess Luepke

The new Minuteman Press franchise owners who purchased JB Printing and will operate it as Minuteman Press in Kalamazoo.

Rich DeRosa

The Michigan Regional VP of Minuteman Press who worked with the O'Keefes to facilitate the sale of the business.

Minuteman Press

The printing franchise company that acquired JB Printing and will provide support and systems to the new owners.

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What they’re saying

“JB Printing had built an incredible reputation in the Kalamazoo community and had a loyal customer base that had been developed over decades.”

— Mike Luepke, New Minuteman Press Franchise Owner

“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, Previous Owner of JB Printing

What’s next

The new Minuteman Press franchise owners, Mike and Jess Luepke, will work to continue the legacy of JB Printing while growing the business and serving the Kalamazoo community.

The takeaway

The sale of JB Printing to Minuteman Press demonstrates the challenges and opportunities small businesses face in transitioning ownership, especially in industries like printing that have seen major changes. The support and systems provided by Minuteman Press were key in facilitating a smooth transition for the new owners.