This story is sponsored by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.
A little over a year ago, Devin Taylor decided to take a leap. After advertising in Coupon Crazy for years, he saw an opportunity when the previous owner decided to retire. Now, Taylor and his mother Rita are running the publication as a small, family-operated business helping others grow their own.
“It’s been in business about 11 years, and I purchased it just over a year ago,” Devin said. “I had run ads in there for years, so when the opportunity came up, I just bought it.”
Coupon Crazy is a seasonal print publication that features, full- or half-page ads from local businesses. The publication is mailed to about 20,000 homes and businesses in targeted areas based on income demographics.
“If someone did a mailer themselves to that many people, it’d cost them about $12,000,” Devin said. “With us, it ends up being just a few cents per copy. You can’t even send a postcard for that.”
The print format also allows advertisers to track the effectiveness of their ad campaigns.
“With the coupons, you can determine how much business you’re actually getting from it,” Rita said. “They have to bring the coupon into the business. But even if you don’t use a coupon, it gets your name out there.”
Devin manages the business while Rita handles the accounts and customer communications.
“My gut when I bought it was to manage it, not run it,” Devin said. “That’s basically what I do now. She takes care of the accounts.”
Rita, who retired from US Bank in 2013 and previously worked as a piano teacher and Weight Watchers representative, said returning to work has been fulfilling.
“It’s been nice to come out of retirement and get back into business for a little bit,” she said. “It gives me flexibility, and I like being Grandma, too.”
The ad process is simple for clients, who can submit as little or as much content as they want. Devin and Rita handle the rest, working with an in-house designer to ensure everything looks professional before sending it to print.
“All they have to do is send their information — email, text, however — and I’ll put it together,” Rita said. “I can even go out and take pictures if I need to. Once they send me their stuff, they’re basically done.”
The publication is released seasonally, with spring, summer, fall, and winter editions. Ad space is available in various sizes and placements, including premium spots like the cover and centerfold. Businesses can choose what fits their needs and budget, and discounts may be available for first-time customers or those who refer other advertisers.
“We try to make it affordable,” Rita said. “Sometimes I’ll say, ‘If you can get another business to run an ad, I’ll cut a little bit off yours.’ We negotiate based on their budget and how big they want their ad.”
Devin said the biggest challenge has been connecting with the right people, especially business owners who aren’t always on-site.
“That’s one reason we joined the chamber — to meet owners directly,” he said. “We’re also trying to let former advertisers know it has new owners and we want them back in.”
For the Taylors, the most rewarding part is helping other local entrepreneurs.
“My entire career is networking, and this helps with real estate too,” Devin said. “It feels good when someone tells us they got business from being in the book.”
Rita agreed.
“I’m all about shopping local and supporting small businesses,” she said. “My being successful helps them be successful.”
Coupon Crazy doesn’t have a storefront or website — it operates entirely through phone, email, and text.
“We’re hands-on and community-based,” Rita said. “If you’re sending out mailers, come talk to us. I promise I can do better.”
For more information or to advertise, businesses can contact Rita at [email protected].
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or [email protected].
