Forrai: An unlikely Manhasset mainstay

The Island Now

Les Forrai purchased the Manhasset Minuteman Press franchise in September of 1996, after spending 20 years in the limousine business. He didn’t exactly choose Manhasset – he says that it sort of chose him. 

Forrai was looking for an existing business that could generate enough income to support him and his family, while at the same time, have enough income remaining to make the monthly payments to the previous owner. This Manhasset franchise met Forrai’s criteria and, with the help and training of Minuteman Press International, they were able to meet their initial goals.

After four months of ownership, they decided to move the more centralized location of 407 Plandome Road, which was also the prior location of Multi Copy Printers, which closed its doors the year before. The gamble paid off, as they were able to pick up a significant amount of new business, acquiring many of Multi Copy’s previous customers. 

He said that they continued to have moderate growth for a few years by keeping a commitment to great customer service, looking at the business from the customers’ point of view, investing in new technology which offered new and more cost-effective services to their clientele, and concentrating on benefits they can provide to the community. 

In 2005, spurred by the desire to grow the business, they purchased Creative Expressions, Long Island’s premier invitation and fine stationery boutique, and integrated it into the Minuteman location. It was a great acquisition that afforded them the opportunity to serve the needs of the residential community as well as the business community. In 2010 they changed the name from Creative Expressions to Plandome Paperie, to better utilize the unique name within the local community. 

Forrai’s son Michael joined the business very early on and is now in the main management role in the Manhasset location. Forrai’s son Richard also works in the business, at their Baldwin location, which they purchased in 2008.

According to Forrai, the main benefit of working in Manhasset is the opportunity to work with the many civic and charitable organizations in town, such as the Manhasset Community Fund, the Manhasset SCA, the rotary club, Plandome Fire Department, and many others. 

“What sets us apart from our competition is our involvement with the local community,” Forrai said. “I am currently serving my second term as the president of the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce and Michael is a director on the Manhasset Community Fund.”

The business has changed drastically throughout the years, mainly due to the rapid change in technology. Forrai said that when he purchased the business, they had no computers or copiers. Besides having seven computers currently in the store, they have learned to use many different software programs and have purchased high speed copiers and printers, the latest advanced offset printing presses and state of the art bindery equipment. They have added many services to their repertoire, including bulk mailing services, promotional items and website design. In Plandome Paperie, they specialize in custom designed and printed invitations for weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs and many other major life events.

“What we would most like the community to know is that we are here to provide a valuable benefit and service to them,” Forrai said. “We not only provide highly needed local services but we are an employer that provides jobs locally. We also strive to spend our money locally whenever possible, so as to ensure it flows throughout the community’s local economy. We spend every day in Manhasset; we are part of the community. We will always strive to improve and provide more local services and benefits to as many people as possible.”

For more information, please contact by phone at (516) 627-3221 or go to their website at www.manhassetminuteman.

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