Monthly Archives: February 2020

FASTSIGNS Was Recognized for the Second Consecutive Year for Its Strong International Franchise Program across Nine Countries.

CARROLLTON, Texas, Feb. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise, has been named the Best Communications & Signage Franchise in Global Franchise magazine’s Global Franchise Awards 2020. This is the second consecutive year that FASTSIGNS has received this recognition. FASTSIGNS CEO Catherine Monson accepted the prestigious award on Friday, Feb. 7, during the International Franchise Association (IFA) Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida.

“We are honored to be recognized once again by Global Franchise for our renowned international franchise program that now includes over 700 locations spanning nine countries,” said Monson. “Over the last 35 years, FASTSIGNS has always aimed not only to stay ahead of the competition, but also to raise the bar within our industry and the franchising community. We’ve grown to be one of the most trusted names in franchising, which is a testament to the strength of our franchise opportunity.”

FASTSIGNS reported exceptional results in 2019, including the signing of over 35 franchise agreements in the U.S and Canada to develop new, co-branded, and conversion centers and the opening of more than 30 locations. Internationally, FASTSIGNS opened its first locations in Chile, Malta, and France, and signed an additional master franchise agreement to develop centers in the Dominican Republic.

This year, FASTSIGNS is aiming to sign over 45 franchise agreements and enter several new countries. In the U.S., the brand is targeting growth in markets like Michigan, Southern California, Florida, New York City, Boston, and throughout the Northeast Corridor. FASTSIGNS also is continuing to seek qualified candidates to grow its international footprint in target markets throughout the world, including Québec, New Zealand, and Brazil, as well as countries throughout North Africa, Southwest Asia, Latin America, and Europe.

For any existing business looking to expand into this fast-paced market, FASTSIGNS offers co-brand and conversion programs to help owners diversify their product lines and services to meet the growing demand for comprehensive signage and visual communications solutions. FASTSIGNS has helped countless owners of print shops, photography studios, camera stores, embroidery shops, and more, add a FASTSIGNS to their existing business or fully convert their store to a FASTSIGNS franchise. FASTSIGNS franchisees receive ongoing training and support to stay ahead of the competition and exceed the needs of their local business community. Both the co-brand franchise opportunity and conversion can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.

FASTSIGNS also offers a special incentive for first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters, which includes a 50% reduction on the franchise fee — a savings of $24,875.

FASTSIGNS is consistently ranked as a top franchise opportunity. In 2020, Entrepreneur magazine named FASTSIGNS the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and #55 overall on its annual Franchise 500^® list, making it the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100. Additionally, Franchise Gator named FASTSIGNS to its Top 100 Franchises of 2020 list. In 2019, Entrepreneur named FASTSIGNS one of the Top Franchises for Veterans and the brand also was recognized in Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises for Veterans report, was named to the America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine, and made Franchise Direct’s list of the Top 100 Franchises. Franchise Business Review also has recognized FASTSIGNS as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years and its Top 50 Franchises for Women and Top Service Franchises lists in 2019. The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) awarded FASTSIGNS International, Inc. the Franchisees’ Choice Designation for the seventh consecutive year for its strong relationship with Canadian franchisees, as well as extensive franchisee training and support.

CARROLLTON, Texas — The Executive team and members of the management team from FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, will attend and share their expertise during the 2020 International Franchise Association (IFA) Convention being held in Orlando, Fla. from February 8 through February 11.

“The IFA Convention is always a very important event for the franchising community, and my team and I make it a priority to attend and serve in a leadership capacity whenever possible,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc., incoming Chair of the IFA, Chair of the FranPAC Task Force and a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE). “I am making the investment in our team and their continued development by having 13 of our corporate staff members attend the convention this year. I know all 13 will come back with greater knowledge and new ideas; I am also proud of the impact we will make.”

Monson will moderate the “C-Suite Think Tank and Forum Exchange” session that provides an interactive environment for franchisors and their C-Suite leaders, to address and brainstorm solutions for the many challenges often faced.

As a member of the IFA’s International committee which will meet at this conference, Mark Jameson, Executive Vice President of Franchise Support and Development for FASTSIGNS International, CFE, will share his expertise as a speaker at the “Best Practices in Global Franchise Development” panel for the International track session. Jim Howe, Vice President of Franchise Support will facilitate a Business Solution Roundtable. Jameson and Howe will also each serve as mentors and subject matter experts during the IFA’s four-hour Emerging Franchisor Bootcamp.

Ron Herbert, Chief Financial Officer for FASTSIGNS International, will be a panelist in the session on ASC 606, which will offer information on the new revenue recognition rules for franchisors in regards to initial franchise fees.

During the IFA Convention, Steve Ritley, Sr. Franchise Development Director for FASTSIGNS International, will be recognized among the 2020 CFE recipients. His certification makes him the eighth CFE on the FASTSIGNS International team, and now all Development Directors at the company hold the title of CFE.

Upon the close of this year’s convention, Monson will officially assume the role of the IFA’s Chair for 2020.

About the International Franchise Association
Celebrating 58 years of excellence, education and advocacy, the International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the more than 733,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 7.6 million direct jobs, $674.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy and 2.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology and business development.

Leading Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchisor Continues to Grow Its Successful Co-brand and Conversion Program throughout the West Coast and Nationwide.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise, announced today that it will be attending and sponsoring the National Business Media Show at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, California, Feb. 7-8, 2020.

As part of its aggressive growth throughout the West Coast and nationwide, the brand is recruiting business owners interested in adding a FASTSIGNS to their existing business or fully converting their store to a FASTSIGNS franchise. Currently, franchise opportunities exist throughout California in markets like Modesto, Stockton, Bakersfield, Monterey, downtown Sacramento, and Coachella Valley, in addition to communities in the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas.

“FASTSIGNS’ co-brand and conversion programs not only help business owners diversify their product lines and services to meet the growing demand for digital and state-of-the-art signage, but also align with one of the most trusted names in the signage and visual communications industry,” said Mark Jameson, Executive Vice President of Franchise Support and Development. “When entrepreneurs partner with FASTSIGNS, they immediately benefit from our brand recognition and gain access to an advertising fund 2.5 times greater than our next largest competitor, as well unmatched training and support and a nationwide network of franchisees.”

FASTSIGNS has helped countless owners of print shops, photography studios, camera stores, embroidery shops, and more add a FASTSIGNS to their existing business or fully convert their store to a FASTSIGNS franchise. FASTSIGNS franchisees receive ongoing training and support to stay ahead of the competition and exceed the needs of their local business community. Both the co-brand franchise opportunity and conversion can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.

“I guarantee your printing business will benefit from the combination of the two businesses. Not to mention the incremental growth and profitability from the signs and visual graphics business that you will experience. It’s a great combination,” said Richard Helmey, FASTSIGNS^® franchisee and owner of TrueColor Graphics in Houston, Texas.

FASTSIGNS also offers a special incentive for first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters, which includes a 50% reduction on the franchise fee — a savings of $24,875.

FASTSIGNS reported exceptional results in 2019, including the signing of over 35 franchise agreements in the U.S and Canada to develop new, co-branded, and conversion centers and the opening of more than 30 locations. Internationally, FASTSIGNS opened its first locations in Chile, Malta, and France, and signed an additional master franchise agreement to develop centers in the Dominican Republic.

This year, FASTSIGNS is aiming to sign 45+ franchise agreements and enter several new countries. In the U.S., the brand is targeting growth in markets like Michigan, Southern California, Florida, New York City, Boston, and throughout the Northeast Corridor. FASTSIGNS also is continuing to seek qualified candidates to grow its international footprint in target markets throughout the world, including Québec, New Zealand, and Brazil, as well as countries throughout North Africa, Southwest Asia, Latin America, and Europe.

FASTSIGNS is consistently ranked as a top franchise opportunity. In 2020, Entrepreneur magazine named FASTSIGNS the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and #55 overall on its annual Franchise 500^® list, making it the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100. Additionally, Franchise Gator named FASTSIGNS to its Top 100 Franchises of 2020 list. In 2019, Entrepreneur named FASTSIGNS one of the Top Franchises for Veterans and the brand also was recognized in Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises for Veterans report, was named to the America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine, and made Franchise Direct’s list of the Top 100 Franchises. Franchise Business Review also has recognized FASTSIGNS as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years and its Top 50 Franchises for Women and Top Service Franchise lists in 2019. The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) awarded FASTSIGNS International, Inc. the Franchisees’ Choice Designation for the seventh consecutive year for its strong relationship with Canadian franchisees, as well as extensive franchisee training and support.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the leading sign and visual graphics franchisor with more than 700 locations in nine countries worldwide, held its 2020 FASTSIGNS® International Convention January 15-18 in Phoenix, Arizona. Themed Celebrate, the four-day event taught best practices as well as celebrated franchisee achievements and the continued growth of the franchise network in both sales volume and number of locations.

Over 1100 people attended comprised of FASTSIGNS franchisees, center team members, 175 first-time attendees, exhibitors, and corporate staff members.  Attendees represented 359 center locations in nine different countries worldwide.

Attendees had the opportunity to participate in general sessions, educational sessions, peer panels and roundtable discussions. Highlights from the event included hearing renowned keynote speaker, author, American businessman and motivational speaker, Chris Gardner, share his message of perseverance and personal responsibility in times of crisis. He shared themes through his own triumph over adversity while homeless on the streets of San Francisco with his young son, to his subsequent success as a stock broker, CEO, author of the best-selling autobiography, The Pursuit of Happyness and Associate Producer of the film based on the book.

Additional speakers from Click2Sell and CareerPlug educated franchisees in various breakout sessions. Attendees also heard Anthony Iannarino, Founder of B2B Sales Coach & Consultancy and bestselling author, who shared insight into Level 4 Value Creation. On the final day, attendees had the opportunity to listen to other successful FASTSIGNS franchisees during the Secrets of Success Panel: Thriving in Challenging Times.

“2019 was yet another impressive and record-breaking year for FASTSIGNS,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “Our annual convention brings our franchise network together to recognize, honor and celebrate their many achievements, as well as to engage in educational and networking opportunities to kick off the year.”

Highlights from the 2020 convention include:

• 2019 system-wide sales reached a record $541 Million.
• 152 FASTSIGNS/SIGNWAVE centers exceeded $1 million in annual sales, including 19 centers achieving over $2 million, four centers achieving over $3 million, three centers achieving over $4 million and one center achieving over $7 million in annual sales.
• The FASTSIGNS Award, which recognizes the franchisee who best represents the FASTSIGNS name in both the business community and within the FASTSIGNS network, was awarded to Cindy and Phil Bacon, franchisees in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
• The Wide Format & Signage/FASTSIGNS Project of the Year was presented to Rick Bult from Saratoga Springs, New York for his team’s work with Maggie McFly’s.
• FASTSIGNS held the largest vendor show to date with 164 vendor booths.
• GRIMCO was presented the FASTSIGNS Vendor of Year Award.
• 10 franchisees and their center teams were recognized for outstanding sign and graphic projects in the 2019 FASTSIGNS Customer Solutions Awards, which included grand prize winners (name from location).
• At the annual Saturday, Breakfast with a Purpose, convention attendees packaged over 20,000 meals for Phoenix area hungry families through the non-profit, Feeding Children Everywhere.

“This event celebrated an incredibly successful year for the FASTSIGNS network and sets the stage for an even more successful 35th anniversary year for FASTSIGNS in 2020,” Monson said.