Valpak of Austin, Texas Acquired By Former Corporate Executive

Valpak, a leader in local print and digital coupons, announced today that Kevin Ernest has acquired Valpak of Austin, a territory that has been serving local businesses and residents since 1985. Ernest plans to mail his first Valpak Blue Envelope of savings in mid-May to approximately 290,000 households in Bastrop, Burnett, Falls, Hays, Lee, Milam, Travis and Williamson counties.

Prior to Valpak ownership, Ernest was the vice president of sales and marketing at Cameron Measurement Systems. His corporate career spans 25 years, having also served as the vice president of sales and marketing for Emerson. He currently owns a company called New Impressions Direct, LLC – complementing his acquisition of Valpak of Austin. Ernest received both a bachelor’s degree of science in aerospace engineering, and bachelor’s degree of business administration in marketing from the University of Texas at Austin, as well as an MBA from Pepperdine University. His new business venture was partially inspired by his brother, Joe, who owns the Valpak territory in San Antonio, Texas, which he acquired in 2005.

“After working in corporate marketing and sales for 25 years, I was ready to run my own business and knew I needed to do it in a city I truly love, which is why I chose Austin,” said Ernest. “Valpak allowed me a turnkey business opportunity that perfectly aligned with my previous experience. I’m excited to work with local small and medium businesses here and help them achieve their goals by offering Valpak’s complete marketing solutions in digital, online, and print.”

A leader in cooperative direct mail, Valpak mails coupons to nearly 37 million demographically targeted households per month in 47 states and three Canadian provinces. In addition to its flagship Blue Envelope, Valpak offers its business customers an impressive portfolio of digital advertising products including valpak.com, Smartphone apps, Google partnerships, website development, mobile web optimization, and reputation management.

“Kevin’s passion for his local community, along with his expansive corporate marketing career, make him an ideal Valpak franchise owner,” said Shak Turner, director of franchise sales for Valpak. “Kevin’s brother, Joe, has achieved great success in the San Antonio territory, and we have no doubt that Kevin will achieve the same in Austin.”

With more than 25 million Americans using couponing apps each month, Valpak's digital offerings have been a big draw for new franchisees. Digital coupon use is on the rise, and ample gains are projected in 2017. In the past year, Valpak's print offerings have also expanded with on-envelope advertising and circulars.

Ideal candidates for Valpak franchise ownership should possess a desire to join a trusted, industry-leading brand, work within a proven franchise system, develop relationships with local businesses and have a comfort level with selling new, digital technologies. Franchisees should also have a minimum liquidity of $75,000, and a minimum net worth of $150,000.

For more information on Valpak franchise opportunities, please contact Shak Turner at shak_turner@valpak.com or 727-399-3091 or visit www.valpakfranchising.com.