Yearly Archives: 2020

Chattanooga Franchisees Receive Highest Honor in the FASTSIGNS System.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Cindy and Phil Bacon, franchisees at FASTSIGNS® of Chattanooga received national recognition as the recipients of The FASTSIGNS® Award at the 2020 FASTSIGNS International Convention held in Phoenix, Arizona.

This award is the most prestigious recognition in the franchise network of over 725 locations in nine countries worldwide. It is presented to the franchisees who best represent the FASTSIGNS brand in their community and in the network, as they provide exceptional customer service, mentorship, company culture and employee development.

“We are honored to be named the recipients of the FASTSIGNS Award, because we know the high level of franchisees who have won this,” said Phil Bacon. “We are so thankful to be a part of such a supportive network like FASTSIGNS and see the growth that comes from investing in an incredible brand like FASTSIGNS.”

Hailing from their home tucked in the hills of Tennessee, Phil Bacon, a native Tennessean, along with his wife, Cindy, opened their Chattanooga-based FASTSIGNS center in mid-July 1990. The Bacons have replicated the FASTSIGNS model and have risen through the network ranks, establishing a name for themselves among their peers. Notably, this was not their first opportunity to rise to the top of a franchise network.

Prior to FASTSIGNS, Phil and CIndy joined a family business with Phil’s entrepreneurial parents, helping them manage two diet franchise locations.  Phil and Cindy managed and grew the two locations to number one and two in the nation during the years of 1987, 1988 and 1989 as they supported customers in achieving their weight loss goals.

“Phil’s parents taught us so much about business,” said Cindy Bacon, franchisee at FASTSIGNS of Chattanooga.  “Much of how we manage our own business today came from watching and listening to them, because they were awesome business franchise owners.”

Today, the Bacons have grown their highly successful FASTSIGNS center and now have over 25 loyal team members. They attend every FASTSIGNS event, often bringing their team members with them. The Bacons have created a culture of mutual respect at FASTSIGNS of Chattanooga. With many tenured team members, the Bacons show that they value each and every person on both a professional and personal level. Their authenticity and genuine concern for their team has been witnessed many times over. For example, when one team member could not afford needed medical treatment, they paid for it on their own.

Even at their high level of performance, the two remain actively engaged in their business and with the corporate team, placing strong value on the support they receive, reaching out on a daily basis for questions, advice and insight.

These savvy entrepreneurs go a step beyond by giving back into the network they have joined. They continually support other FASTSIGNS franchisees, providing countless hours of mentorship, and helping visiting franchisees feel instantly welcome as they take the time to answer each and every question that might arise.

In addition to the highest recognition, FASTSIGNS of Chattanooga received a Sales Achievement Award for Highest Volume Center, ranking No. 1 in the FASTSIGNS network out of more than 700 locations worldwide. They also received a CEO Circle Award, which recognizes the top 25 centers with the highest sales volume in the U.S. and Canada between Oct. 1, 2018 and Sept. 30, 2019.

“The Bacons are 100 percent committed to FASTSIGNS and excel in solving visual communication challenges daily,” said Catherine Monson, CEO at FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “They are incredibly driven business owners. Because of that, they deserve the ultimate in recognition. They represent the brand with passion, excellence and enthusiasm, totally committed to helping other franchisees do the same.”

Leading Sign, Graphics, and Visual Communications Franchise Reported Exceptional Results in 2019, Including Signing of over 40 Franchise Agreements in North America.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise, is marking its 35^th year in business by offering qualified franchisees in the U.S. a celebratory franchise fee of $35,000 — a savings of $14,750. The limited opportunity will be available through April 30, 2020, and applies to franchise agreements for new, co-branded, and conversion centers.

This year, FASTSIGNS is aiming to sign over 45 franchise agreements in markets like Michigan, Southern California, Florida, New York City, Boston, and throughout the Northeast Corridor. The brand’s aggressive growth comes on the heels of a strong 2019 where FASTSIGNS reported exceptional results, including the signing of over 40 franchise agreements in the U.S and Canada to develop new, co-branded, and conversion centers and the opening of more than 30 locations. FASTSIGNS also acquired Long Island-based Sign Me Up Signs & Advertising, adding seven locations to its network.

“As a brand and franchise opportunity, FASTSIGNS has never been stronger. To capitalize on our strong performance in 2019 and mark our 35^th anniversary, we’re excited to offer this special franchise fee to enable prospective franchisees to join the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise,” said Mark Jameson, Executive Vice President of Franchise Support and Development.

“We liked the sign industry and where it is heading technologically, and FASTSIGNS is the top dog in the category. It was important to me that I have an experienced team of professionals behind me that were dedicated to achieving my success,” said Clint Ehlers, a FASTSIGNS franchisee in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey. “There’s no better system than FASTSIGNS if you’re looking to get into the business.”

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.