Explore how a PostNet franchisee blends business growth with deep community impact.
Franchise Marketing Radio recently featured Caty Witt, a standout multi-unit owner of PostNet, whose entrepreneurial path is a compelling model for aspiring franchisees. Operating four locations across California and Arizona, Caty exemplifies how franchising can serve as a powerful platform for both business growth and meaningful community engagement.
Visit the Franchise Now Content Hub for more insights and full episode.
From Employee to Entrepreneur Caty Witt’s journey began with early exposure to franchising through her work at a UPS Store during high school and into her early adult years. These experiences gave her insight into franchise operations, customer service expectations, and day-to-day logistics. After years of exploring business opportunities, a PostNet location for sale in Bakersfield, California, caught her attention. The decision felt intuitive—the brand aligned with her experience, and it offered the flexibility she needed as a mother of two young children.
The transition from employee to business owner came with challenges, but Caty was ready. She embraced the opportunity to create a workplace culture that valued personal service and operational excellence. Her first location quickly became a hub not just for printing and shipping services but for positive community experiences.
Expanding the Footprint Caty’s next big step came when a retiring franchisee in Buckeye, Arizona, offered her two additional PostNet locations. With her husband working part-time in Arizona and the stores operationally similar to her California model, the expansion was both strategic and manageable. Caty emphasized that each new store wasn’t simply an acquisition—it was an extension of the values and systems she had refined.
Scaling meant transitioning from hands-on operations to strategic leadership. Caty trained new managers, delegated tasks, and implemented systems to ensure each location delivered consistent service. This expansion process was made smoother by the PostNet support network and Caty's own operational foresight.
Purpose-Driven Community Engagement What distinguishes Caty’s story is her integration of community service into the business model. During the holidays, her stores feature Christmas trees with tags listing the wishes of foster children. Customers can take a tag and donate gifts, transforming each PostNet location into a center of generosity and outreach.
These efforts extend beyond seasonal charity. Caty also organizes school supply drives, partners with local businesses for broader impact, and helps host birthday celebrations for children in foster care. Her kids are often involved in these activities, making the business a family affair and showing how entrepreneurial endeavors can model civic responsibility for the next generation.
By embedding purpose into her operations, Caty strengthens customer loyalty and brand identity. Her customers don’t just stop by for business services—they return because of the store’s integrity and heart.
Marketing with Authenticity Early on, Caty leveraged traditional radio advertising to build brand awareness. These campaigns highlighted not only her store's services but also its community contributions. During the holiday season, radio helped amplify her gift drive, attracting customers who might never have discovered PostNet otherwise.
As her business grew, Caty diversified her marketing efforts. She adopted Google Ads to improve digital visibility and invested time in developing engaging social media content. On Instagram and Facebook, her posts often spotlight in-store printing jobs, customer testimonials, and behind-the-scenes looks at community projects.
This blend of traditional and digital marketing fosters a strong local presence. By staying active and authentic in her messaging, Caty keeps her customer base engaged and informed.
Operational Strategy for Multi-Unit Success Managing four locations requires more than just ambition—it demands operational excellence. Caty embraced this challenge by creating replicable systems and investing in talent. She hires from within whenever possible, promoting team members who exhibit the right mindset and customer-focused attitude.
Stepping back from day-to-day operations allowed Caty to focus on higher-level strategy: improving workflows, training her team, and expanding services. This shift was essential for maintaining quality and consistency across multiple locations.
PostNet’s flexible service model helped, allowing Caty to tailor each location based on its market. While some centers focus heavily on shipping, others provide extensive printing solutions. This adaptability is crucial in catering to the unique needs of local communities.
Family, Flexibility, and Fulfillment One of Caty’s primary motivations for entering franchising was to build a career that supported her family. The franchise model enabled her to control her schedule, be present for her children, and involve them in meaningful work. Her kids are frequent visitors at the stores, proudly wearing branded shirts and even helping with simple tasks like sorting mail or applying postage.
This integration of family and business fosters not just work-life balance, but a sense of legacy. Her children see firsthand what it means to operate with integrity and contribute to something greater than personal profit.
To explore the PostNet brand, services, and franchise opportunities, visit PostNet.com.
Advice for Aspiring Franchisees Caty’s insights are grounded in lived experience. Her advice to prospective franchisees is twofold: first, enter a business that aligns with your skills and values; second, don’t pursue ownership solely for financial gain. She underscores the importance of purpose, suggesting that long-term success is more likely when you care deeply about the work you’re doing.
Franchising offers structure, brand recognition, and support—but it’s up to the owner to align those assets with personal and professional goals. Caty believes that when you approach business with intention and authenticity, financial success follows naturally.
How Franchise Now Supports Growth Franchise Now plays a critical role in empowering entrepreneurs like Caty Witt. Their AI-driven solutions help franchise owners optimize operations, automate lead responses, and streamline marketing efforts. Whether it’s campaign management, customer follow-up, or strategic growth planning, Franchise Now delivers tools that reduce administrative burden and increase efficiency.
These innovations allow owners to spend more time on what matters: customer experience, team development, and community impact. For anyone considering multi-unit franchising or looking to scale responsibly, Franchise Now provides the digital infrastructure to make that vision a reality.
Visit FranchiseNow.ai for more information.
Conclusion: Scaling with Purpose Caty Witt’s story is a testament to what’s possible when business ownership is guided by values. From one store in California to a multi-unit operation spanning two states, she has scaled her business without compromising her principles. Her ability to lead with heart, train with intention, and grow with integrity offers a valuable blueprint for anyone navigating the franchise space.
Her journey also reinforces a larger message: success in franchising is not just about revenue—it’s about resonance. When your brand aligns with community needs, employee development, and personal values, growth becomes both meaningful and sustainable.
Franchise professionals and aspiring business owners alike can draw inspiration from Caty’s path. By integrating purpose into every facet of her operation, she’s proven that franchise ownership can be both a profitable and profoundly impactful career path.
