Paul Zboichyk, Author at Franchise Dictionary Magazine

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24 02, 2026

PrideStaff Welcomes New Owners to the Visalia Location

Paul Zboichyk2026-02-24T23:03:24-05:00February 24th, 2026|Tags: Commercial Staffing, Pridestaff, Staffing Organization|

VISALIA, Calif. — PrideStaff, a nationally franchised staffing organization, is pleased to announce that its PrideStaff and PrideStaff Financial Visalia offices will transition to new ownership under Strategic-Partners Daren and Terri Kneeland, effective February 16, 2026. The office will continue delivering high-quality staffing and employment services to the Central Valley under the Kneelands’ leadership, reinforcing PrideStaff’s long-standing commitment to the Visalia market.

This ownership change reflects a natural next step in the office’s growth story, bringing in owners with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to service. The local team will remain in place, ensuring seamless continuity and trusted relationships with clients and associates.

“Born and raised in Visalia, we’re honored to take on the responsibility of leading an office with such deep community ties and a strong track record,” said Daren Kneeland, Co-Owner/Strategic-Partner. “Our goal is to build on that foundation—expanding opportunities for job seekers and helping employers in the region solve their workforce challenges with the highest level of service.”

“We’re passionate about people, and we’re excited to bring our energy and commitment to Visalia,” added Terri Kneeland, Co-Owner/Strategic-Partner. “We look forward to investing in the growth of this office and creating lasting impact through the relationships we build with local businesses and talent.”

“Daren and Terri bring enthusiasm, vision, and a people-first mindset to everything they do,” said Tammi Heaton, PrideStaff’s Co-CEO. “We’re thrilled to welcome them to the PrideStaff community and confident they will continue to drive great outcomes for clients and associates in Visalia.”

PrideStaff Visalia provides customized workforce solutions for employers across industries, including light industrial, administrative, and customer service. The team connects businesses with top talent for temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire roles, delivering results backed by PrideStaff’s proven processes and national support.

About PrideStaff
PrideStaff was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. It operates offices in North America to serve thousands of clients and is headquartered in Central California. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only nationwide commercial staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn ClearlyRated’s prestigious Best of Staffing® 15-Year Diamond Awards two years in a row, highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality.

For more information on our services, or staffing franchise information, visit our website.

24 02, 2026

PrideStaff Is Pleased To Announce New Ownership For Mission Viejo Office

Paul Zboichyk2026-02-24T22:58:20-05:00February 24th, 2026|Tags: Commercial Staffing, Pridestaff, Staffing Organization|

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. — PrideStaff, a nationally franchised staffing agency, announced today a change in ownership for its South Orange County Mission Viejo office. Effective February 16, the office will be under the leadership of new Owner/Strategic-Partner Yvonne Haner, positioning the team to continue serving local employers and job seekers in the community.

Yvonne brings a client-focused leadership approach and a commitment to service excellence that aligns with PrideStaff’s Mission of “Consistently providing client experiences focused on what they value most.” Under her ownership, the award-winning Mission Viejo office will continue delivering temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct hire staffing solutions to businesses throughout South Orange County.

“I’m excited to lead the Mission Viejo office into its next chapter of growth,” said Haner. “I’m committed to building strong partnerships throughout South Orange County. My goal is to ensure every interaction reflects PrideStaff’s dedication to service, responsiveness, and results.”

“Yvonne brings strong leadership and a clear vision for delivering exceptional service in the South Orange County market,” said Tammi Heaton, Co-CEO of PrideStaff. “Her commitment to building meaningful client relationships and supporting job seekers aligns perfectly with our mission and exceeds the standards that define the PrideStaff brand.”

About PrideStaff
PrideStaff was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. It operates offices in North America to serve thousands of clients and is headquartered in Central California. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only nationwide commercial staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn ClearlyRated’s prestigious Best of Staffing® 15-Year Diamond Awards three years in a row, highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality.

For more information on our services, or for staffing franchise information, visit our website.

15 02, 2026

PrideStaff Brings Corporate Strength to Denver (Northwest) Location

Paul Zboichyk2026-02-15T21:26:07-05:00February 15th, 2026|Tags: Commercial Staffing, Pridestaff, Staffing Organization|

DENVER — PrideStaff, a nationally franchised staffing organization, is proud to announce that its Denver (Northwest) office has transitioned into a corporate-led location within the PrideStaff system. This move reflects PrideStaff’s continued investment in the Denver market and underscores the local team’s strength, performance, and leadership.

The Denver (Northwest) office will continue operating under the guidance of its experienced leadership team, ensuring continuity, consistency, and the high level of service clients and associates have come to expect. By strengthening its connection to PrideStaff’s national organization, the office gains access to expanded resources, infrastructure, and strategic support designed to accelerate growth and improve results.

This transition reinforces PrideStaff’s commitment to building on the office’s strong foundation, local relationships, and personalized service that have driven its success. The enhanced alignment allows the team to scale its impact across the region while staying true to the values that define the PrideStaff brand.

“Denver (Northwest) has demonstrated exceptional performance and leadership, and this transition reflects our confidence in both the market and the team,” said Tammi Heaton, PrideStaff’s Co-CEO. “They consistently deliver client experiences focused on what matters most, and we’re excited to further support their efforts as they continue to make a meaningful impact in the Denver community.”

PrideStaff Denver (Northwest) serves a wide range of industries, including distribution, manufacturing, call centers, and administrative services. The team specializes in temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire placements and is widely recognized for exceeding industry benchmarks.

Most recently, the office earned the 2024 Best of Mile High Award in the Staffing Agency category and maintains one of the region’s highest client satisfaction ratings based on ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing® survey.

About PrideStaff
PrideStaff was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. It operates offices in North America to serve thousands of clients and is headquartered in Central California. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only nationwide commercial staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn ClearlyRated’s prestigious Best of Staffing® 15-Year Diamond Awards three years in a row, highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality.

For more information on our services, or staffing franchise information, visit our website.

15 02, 2026

PrideStaff Asheville Owners Expand with Acquisition of Charlotte (North) Office

Paul Zboichyk2026-02-15T21:20:25-05:00February 15th, 2026|Tags: Commercial Staffing, Pridestaff, Staffing Organization|

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — PrideStaff, a nationally franchised staffing organization, is pleased to announce that its Charlotte (North) office has been acquired by Owners/Strategic-Partners Chad and Allison Austin, effective February 9, 2026. The Austins currently own and operate the highly successful PrideStaff Asheville office and will now lead both locations as part of their expanding regional footprint.

This transition marks a strategic investment in the Charlotte market and reflects the Austins’ ongoing commitment to serving North Carolina employers and job seekers with excellence. The Charlotte (North) office will continue offering the full range of staffing and employment solutions clients and job seekers expect, with support from a leadership team deeply familiar with the local economy and workforce.

“Expanding into the Charlotte market is a natural next step for us,” said Chad Austin, Co-Owner/Strategic-Partner of PrideStaff Asheville, and now Charlotte (North). “We’re excited to build on the strong foundation already in place and bring the same values-driven, client-focused approach that’s guided our success in Asheville. Our goal is to help even more North Carolina businesses grow and thrive with the right talent.”

“Chad and I are passionate about creating opportunities—for our clients, for our associates, and for our internal teams,” added Allison Austin, Co-Owner/Strategic-Partner. “We’re excited to bring our energy and experience to Charlotte, and to make a lasting impact in this growing market through service, connection, and local commitment.”

“Chad and Allison exemplify what PrideStaff looks for in Strategic-Partners—entrepreneurial leaders who care deeply about their communities and fulfill Our Mission to ‘consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most'”, said Tammi Heaton, PrideStaff’s Co-CEO. “Their expansion into Charlotte (North) not only strengthens our brand in the region, but ensures long-term continuity and local insight for clients and candidates alike.”

PrideStaff Charlotte (North) specializes in placing candidates in temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire roles across industries, including administrative, customer service, logistics, and light industrial. Backed by national resources and local expertise, the office remains committed to helping area businesses meet their workforce goals.

About PrideStaff
PrideStaff was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. It operates offices in North America to serve thousands of clients and is headquartered in Central California. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only nationwide commercial staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn ClearlyRated’s prestigious Best of Staffing® 15-Year Diamond Awards three years in a row, highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality.

For more information on our services, or staffing franchise information, visit our website.

15 02, 2026

Boise Welcomes Pilates Addiction: Founding Memberships Now Open at the City’s New Boutique Studio

Paul Zboichyk2026-02-15T21:13:16-05:00February 15th, 2026|Tags: fitness franchise, Pilates Addiction, Reformer Pilates Franchise|

Local entrepreneur Taylor Call brings high-energy, results-driven Pilates classes to Apple Street, offering early access, VIP events, and the exclusive WundaFormer experience.

BOISE, Idaho — Boise residents are about to experience a new kind of boutique fitness. Pilates Addiction, the nation’s fastest growing Pilates franchise known for transforming workouts with its signature WundaFormer, is set to open this spring at 2351 S Apple Street. Founding Members will enjoy VIP pre-opening events, giving them the opportunity to meet the Pilates Addiction team and Educators and be part of shaping Boise’s newest fitness community.

As part of the Pilates Addiction franchise network, the Boise studio offers high-performance, small-group classes in a beautifully designed studio, showcasing modern design, mood lighting, and gold machines. Each 50-minute session is led by certified Pilates Educators and blends classical Pilates principles with athletic intensity. Signature class formats – Core+, Max, and Mobility RX – are designed to strengthen, tone, and improve flexibility for all fitness levels.

“We’re excited to bring Boise a proven fitness concept that delivers real results and builds community,” said Taylor Call, franchise owner of Pilates Addiction Boise. “Founding Members will get first access to classes and special perks as we open our doors – it’s a chance to be part of something new and energetic in Boise.”

Founding Memberships are limited, and interested locals are encouraged to secure early access. To learn more or sign up, visit https://pilatesaddiction.com/founding/boise, follow @mypilatesaddiction on social media, or contact the studio at boise@pilatesaddiction.com | 208-906-1204.

ABOUT PILATES ADDICTION

Pilates Addiction, a Sequel Brands company, is a national boutique Pilates franchise delivering a high-performance, results-driven experience. Each studio features the brand’s patented WundaFormer, exclusive to Pilates Addiction, and is led by certified Educators who guide clients through anatomy-informed, full-body training designed to build strength, control, and mobility. The signature method fuses intensity with precision, creating sessions that challenge, transform, and energize. With sleek, modern studios and a focus on alignment, performance, and client experience, Pilates Addiction offers more than a class – it’s the healthiest obsession you’ll ever have. Backed by strong demand and rapid momentum, the brand is now expanding nationwide with 250+ territories awarded across the U.S., establishing Pilates Addiction as a new standard in results-driven Pilates.

14 02, 2026

Five Star Franchising expands leadership team to support next phase of growth

Paul Zboichyk2026-02-14T18:19:03-05:00February 14th, 2026|Tags: Bio-One, crime and trauma scene cleaning franchise, decontamination and biohazard cleanup services, Five Star Franchising|

New executive roles were unveiled at the franchise platform’s Home Services Summit 2026

SPRINGVILLE, Utah — Five Star Franchising, a growing platform of home service franchise brands, has announced an expansion of its leadership team, designed to accelerate growth and strengthen performance systemwide. New executive roles were unveiled during the Home Services Summit 2026, Five Star Franchising’s annual systemwide convention for franchise owners, corporate team members and partners, held in Las Vegas last month.

The new positions reflect a structural change within Five Star Franchising, intended to better support owners and drive growth. Expansions to the leadership team include Ben Fox as Chief Growth Officer, Andrew Mengason as Chief Revenue Officer and Colt Florence as Chief Development Officer.

Each executive has played a pivotal role in shaping Five Star Franchising’s trajectory and will now assume expanded responsibilities aligned with the company’s long-term vision. In his role as Chief Growth Officer, Fox will focus on enterprise-wide growth initiatives, facilitating strategic expansion and accelerated marketing across the platform. As Chief Revenue Officer, Mengason will focus on driving systemwide performance, including leading Five Star national accounts programs to expand referral and revenue opportunities for franchise owners. Florence, as Chief Development Officer, will lead franchise development across Five Star’s fast-growing portfolio.

“These changes to our executive team reflect the resilience we’ve demonstrated in recent years, but also the vision we have for the next chapter,” said Abbott. “We have the right team in place to chart exciting new opportunities for the Five Star system, ensuring growth for local owners while also building out our national accounts.”

These new leadership roles will fill out an already-robust executive team, which also includes Chief Operating Officer Chad Jones, Chief Financial Officer Steve White, Chief Technology Officer Shane MacKay and Chief Legal Officer Matt Morrison.

The announcements underscore Five Star Franchising’s continued distinction within the home service franchising industry. The company has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America five times, most recently ranking No. 780 in 2025. Five Star Franchising has also earned recognition among the fastest-growing businesses in Utah, including honors from the MountainWest Capital Network Utah 100, the Utah Valley BusinessQ UV50 and the Utah Business Fast 50.

For more information about Five Star Franchising, visit fivestarfranchising.com.

About Five Star Franchising

Five Star Franchising is an innovative platform of home service brands with more than 1,600 total locations across North America. Franchise owners across Five Star’s brands, including Five Star Bath Solutions, Gotcha Covered, Bio-One, Mosquito Shield, 1-800-Packouts and Card My Yard, benefit from a robust support network and access to industry-leading tools such as ProNexis, a 24/7 sales support solution tailored for home service businesses, and Five Star Marketing Services, the company’s integrated marketing engine. Five Star Franchising’s commitment to its core values — Driven, Real, Innovative, Vital and Enthusiastic (DRIVE) — empowers franchise owners to maximize growth and long-term success. The company has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in America five times, ranking No. 780 in 2025. Five Star Franchising also ranks among the fastest-growing businesses in Utah, earning recognition on the MountainWest Capital Network Utah 100, the Utah Valley BusinessQ UV50 and the Utah Business Fast 50 lists.

For more information, visit fivestarfranchising.com.

14 02, 2026

Youth Performance Drives the Next Phase of Fitness Franchising, New D1 Training Data Shows

Paul Zboichyk2026-02-14T18:12:28-05:00February 14th, 2026|Tags: athletic-based training, D1 Training, fitness concept, fitness industry, membership-based gym and boutique fitness franchise|

Proprietary Data Reveals Sustained Growth in Youth Athletic Training, High Parental Confidence, And Measurable Long-Term Development Outcomes.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As families continue to prioritize youth sports and long-term athletic development, new proprietary data from D1 Training, a leading fitness and enrichment concept that utilizes the five core tenets of athletic-based training to help people of all ages, from youth athletes to fitness-minded adults, shows that youth performance programming is fueling the next phase of growth in fitness franchising.

“Our mission has always been to develop the complete athlete,” said Will Bartholomew, Founder and CEO of D1 Training. “That means pushing the body with science-backed training, strengthening the mind with confidence and discipline, and shaping character through accountability and teamwork. This data provides clear evidence of the lasting impact of that holistic approach.”

The Rising Demand for Long-Term Athletic Programs
Proprietary D1 Training data shows that cumulative athlete visits have grown more than sevenfold since 2021, reaching 5 million in the past year, highlighting strong demand for structured, long-term athletic development.

D1 now serves over 100,000 scholastic athletes annually, reflecting a clear shift toward youth-focused strength and conditioning over short-term recreational fitness. With household spending on youth sports up 46% since 2019 and the youth training and conditioning market projected to reach $50.7 billion by 2035, this segment has emerged as one of the fastest growing within the broader fitness industry.

“I’m a huge believer in youth sports. As college athletics increasingly resemble professional sports, youth sports are starting to take on the role college once played,” On3 + Rivals CEO Shannon Terry said recently on The Turf: Powered By D1 podcast. “I’m betting heavily on the future of high school and youth athletics. If you asked me today, in a perfect world, where I’d invest the most time, energy, and resources, my answer would be simple: youth sports.”

That demand is being met through D1’s Scholastic Training programs, which are intentionally designed for athletes ages 7–18 and broken into three targeted training tracks, Rookie (ages 7–11), Developmental (ages 12–14), and Prep (ages 15–18), to align training intensity, movement patterns, and coaching style with each stage of physical and emotional development.

Tracking Progress and Performance
Consumer research of over 900 D1 members shows parents view youth performance training as a meaningful long-term investment beyond sports. While only a few athletes reach the professional level, parents report strong developmental outcomes: 96% note improved physical fitness, 90% cite enhanced athletic skills, and 85% see benefits in injury prevention. Significant personal growth is also reported, including confidence and motivation (92%), leadership and teamwork (90%), and discipline and responsibility (88%), highlighting the lasting impact of structured training environments.

The Scholastic Training Program
D1’s scholastic sessions follow a 54-minute, coach-led 5-Star Training progression that balances performance gains with safety and recovery. Workouts include dynamic warm-ups, speed and agility, strength, core and conditioning, and structured cool-downs, all in professional-grade facilities that reinforce proper technique and lifelong fitness habits. The program also emphasizes character and community through 12 core principles and team-based training, helping athletes improve both on and off the field.

D1 reports high satisfaction and retention, with a Net Promoter Score of 75.4. Parents cite coaching, results, and community as key reasons for continued participation. As youth performance training becomes central to fitness, D1’s model positions it as a foundational driver of franchise growth.

“D1 Training is about building communities and fostering growth at every level,” added Bartholomew. “Our franchisees receive comprehensive support, proven systems, and expert guidance, giving them the tools to operate a successful business while making a lasting impact on young athletes and their communities.”

About D1 Training
Founded in 2001 by former NFL player Will Bartholomew, and based in Nashville, D1 Training is positively impacting the lives of thousands of athletes of all ages. With 170+ locations nationwide, and 200+ more franchises in various stages of development, D1 is one of the fastest growing private companies in the nation. D1’s 5-Star Training System is trusted by top athletes because it trains the whole body: no fads, no shortcuts. For more information on D1 Training and franchise opportunities, please visit D1training.com and D1franchise.com.

14 02, 2026

86% of US Hiring Managers Say AI Makes It Too Easy to Exaggerate Skills on Resumes

Paul Zboichyk2026-02-14T18:07:11-05:00February 14th, 2026|Tags: business services, Express Employment Professionals, professional education, staffing solutions|

From “Excel experts” who freeze at a simple formula to “chefs” who can’t chop onions, employers say exaggerated skills are showing up more than ever.

OKLAHOMA CITY — A new Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll reveals a startling truth about today’s hiring landscape: job seekers may be stretching the truth on their resumes far more than they admit — and employers say they can spot the exaggerations a mile away.

According to U.S. hiring managers, 80% say candidates’ resumes don’t match their real-world skills at least sometimes, with 34% reporting it happens all the time or often.

Meanwhile, just 22% of job seekers confess to listing skills they don’t actually have; a gap raising major red flags for employers.

And now, with AI at every applicant’s fingertips, companies are sounding the alarm. Eighty-six percent of hiring managers believe AI makes it too easy to embellish resumes, and 42% strongly agree it’s becoming a serious hiring risk.

Wild Resume Claims? Hiring Managers Have Seen It All

Employers shared some of their most jaw-dropping experiences when a candidate’s “expertise” evaporated the moment they stepped into the job:

A self-proclaimed forklift operator who crashed and took out an entire shelf on day one.
A “chef” who couldn’t cut onions.
A VP candidate who listed 10 years of experience — without being old enough to have 10 years of experience.
A new hire who claimed proficiency with a POS system but froze at the screen like it was written in an ancient language, leading to same-day dismissal.
A kitchen lead who walked out by noon because they didn’t know how to do any of the tasks they claimed they could do.
A candidate who boasted “exceptional” negotiation skills but fell apart in a de-escalation role‑play, immediately offering a full refund without attempting to solve the problem.
Another who touted strong communication skills, only for client meetings to quickly prove otherwise.

Job seekers themselves admitted to resume creativity, too — including pretending to be a licensed plumber, a data security expert, an advanced Excel wizard and even listing Google Analytics expertise without knowing what it was.

“In today’s market, you don’t need a perfect resume; you need a truthful one,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “When job seekers exaggerate their abilities, they set themselves up for stress, failure and lost opportunities. But when they’re transparent about their skills and what they know, and eager to learn what they don’t, employers take notice. Integrity is still a competitive advantage.”

Discover more research and real-world workforce trends from the America Employed series at ExpressPros.com/Newsroom.

Survey Methodology
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 3 to 19, 2025, among 1,002 U.S. hiring decision-makers.

The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 7 to 20, 2025, among 1,003 adults ages 18 and older.

For full survey methodologies, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

About Robert (Bob) Funk Jr.
Robert (Bob) Funk Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of Express Employment International, a global staffing franchisor founded and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He leads a portfolio of workforce solution brands, including the flagship Express Employment Professionals franchise, along with several affiliated brands serving specialized markets. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing more than 11 million people globally since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.

14 02, 2026

From Record Milestones to Next-Gen Solutions: Inside the 2026 FASTSIGNS® Convention

Paul Zboichyk2026-02-14T18:02:12-05:00February 14th, 2026|Tags: Custom Signs, Custom Visual Communications, FASTSIGNS, Franchise Business Review, Franchisee Satisfaction and Performance|

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS^®, the leader in the custom signs and visual solutions industry, recently held its 2026 FASTSIGNS International Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. With the carefully selected theme, “Focus Forward,” the event hosted over 700 attendees and 150 vendors to celebrate record network growth in sales, profitability and location count.

“2026 marked a year of exceptional growth with record sales exceeding $900M as we expanded to 790 locations in eight countries,” said Jim Howe, president of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “This convention honors our franchisees’ achievements and serves as the catalyst for the next chapter of our network’s success.”

From the main stage, Howe reviewed the incredible network achievements over the past year and then pivoted to focus on the power of working together, bold new strategies, and a shared commitment to driving profitability and growth. Keynote speakers also included the Founder of Future Point of View, Scott Klososky, who focused on innovation and AI tools for a new era of growth and shared success, and Legendary Professional Boxer and Gold-Medal Olympian, Sugar Ray Leonard, who detailed his storied history in boxing to inspire lessons on professional excellence.

Highlights from this year’s convention:

60 FASTSIGNS/SIGNWAVE centers exceeded $1 million in annual sales for the first time, including 32 centers achieving over $1 million, 11 centers achieving over $2 million, 6 centers achieving over $3 million, 6 centers achieving over $4 million, 3 centers achieving over $6 million, 1 center achieving over $30 million and 1 center achieving over $43 million.
The FASTSIGNS Award was presented to Gaby and Bob Mullinax, franchisees at FASTSIGNS of Fullerton and FASTSIGNS of Brea in California, for best representing the brand’s culture and values, both in the business community and within the FASTSIGNS network. They were recognized for their work empowering customers and employees to reach their potential while strengthening the network through generous collaboration.
WhatTheyTh!nk, the global printing industry’s go-to information source with both print and digital offerings, recognized Peter Knight-Sheen and FASTSIGNS of Bend, Oregon, as the FASTSIGNS Project of the Year for their team’s work with Hayden Homes. First Runner Up included Pauline McKean, FASTSIGNS of Mobile, Alabama, for their team’s work with UMS Wright Preparatory School, and Second Runner Up included Jeff and Kim Chudoff, FASTSIGNS of Maple Shade, New Jersey, for their team’s work with Amazon DJZ8.
Grimco was presented with the FASTSIGNS Vendor of the Year Award for the United States, and Grimco and ND Graphics were presented with the FASTSIGNS Vendor of the Year Award for Canada.
Franchisees and their center teams were recognized for outstanding sign and graphic projects in the 2025 FASTSIGNS Customer Solutions Awards, which included Grand Prize winner Buddy Williams, FASTSIGNS of DTC, Colorado, for work with Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Top Customer Solutions Award Winners also included Dan, Noami and Levi Stutzman, FASTSIGNS of Erie, Pennsylvania, for work with ErieBank; Dave and Sonya Comer, FASTSIGNS of Kankakee, Illinois, for work with Olivet Nazarene University; Chris and Joelene Calvert, FASTSIGNS of Maple Grove-Osseo, Minnesota, for work with Discover Strength locations; and Kara Newman and Scott Horton, FASTSIGNS of North Little Rock, Arkansas, for work with Special Olympics of Arkansas.

FASTSIGNS also hosted a two-day community giveback project on their vendor show floor benefiting Charlotte nonprofit, Classroom Central. 375 homework kits and 450 wellness kits were created, and this initiative was supported by partners including ClearLED, Impact LEd, Vision Engraving, Zlight Technology, BC Collective, Epson, FACES, Grimco, Howard Industries, Ornamental Post and Panel, Zund and Retreva.

About FASTSIGNS^®:

FASTSIGNS^® is the leader in the custom signs and visual solutions industry. With over 40 years of experience, FASTSIGNS helps customers bring their vision to life and achieve more than they ever thought possible. As the largest service-oriented business within the Propelled Brands^® family, FASTSIGNS spans over 790 independently owned and operated centers across the United States, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Grand Cayman, Malta, the Dominican Republic and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE^®).

FASTSIGNS is frequently recognized for franchisee satisfaction and with awards that include being ranked #1 in its category on ENTREPRENEUR’s highly competitive Franchise 500^® List in 2026 for the tenth consecutive year, and continuous recognition from Franchise Business Review in categories such as Top Franchises for Culture, Women, Veterans and more. For more information or to learn about opportunities, visit fastsigns.com or contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or call 214.346.5679).

14 02, 2026

STRETCH ZONE OPENS TODAY IN MORGANTOWN, WV

Paul Zboichyk2026-02-14T02:21:00-05:00February 14th, 2026|Tags: Assisted Stretching, Mobility Services, Stretch Zone|

New wellness studio introduces practitioner-assisted stretching to support mobility, recovery, and active lifestyles

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Stretch Zone, the nation’s leading brand for practitioner-assisted stretching, is opening Stretch Zone Morgantown, bringing a new approach to health and wellness to the local community. The studio is owned and operated by Jack Spatafore, making this his second Stretch Zone location.

Jack, a physical therapist with more than 20 years of experience in private practice, was drawn to Stretch Zone after seeing firsthand the benefits of practitioner-assisted stretching. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen the impact guided stretching can have on how people move and feel,” he shared. “Stretch Zone fills a real need by making this type of care accessible outside of a traditional clinical setting.”

For Morgantown, the opening represents a first-of-its-kind opportunity. “This community has never had access to a studio focused solely on practitioner-assisted stretching,” Jack said. “We’re excited to introduce a service that supports recovery, mobility, and overall quality of life.”

Stretch Zone offers one-on-one stretch sessions led by certified practitioners who personalize each session based on the member’s body, goals, and limitations. Practitioners guide members through safe, controlled stretches designed to improve flexibility, increase range of motion, and help the body move more comfortably—without forcing or strain.

In addition to owning Stretch Zone Morgantown, Jack also owns two physical therapy clinics in West Virginia. His background brings a deep understanding of movement, recovery, and long-term physical well-being to the studio. The Morgantown location will be managed by Carrie Wickline, who also serves as Regional Manager.

Stretch Zone Morgantown will be open Monday-Friday from 7am-8pm, Saturday & Sundays Noon-3pm. To celebrate the opening, new members are invited to enjoy a complimentary first stretch consultation and session. For more information, visit www.stretchzone.com.

About Stretch Zone
Founded in 2004 by Jorden Gold, Stretch Zone has redefined how people approach flexibility and recovery. With more than 400 open locations across North America, Stretch Zone’s patented equipment and certified practitioner training deliver safe, effective stretching experiences that improve mobility and enhance quality of life. Stretch Zone has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 and Franchise Times Top 400 lists for growth and innovation. Learn more at www.stretchzone.com.

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About Paul Zboichyk