AlphaGraphics

Veteran franchise sales expert joins leading print and marketing company as regional development director.

DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions, has selected franchise sales veteran Kevin Bryant to support the company’s strategic growth.

Bryant, who has 15 years of experience in the franchise industry, including ownership, sales, conversion, marketing and development, as well as Fortune 500 sales experience, has been named AlphaGraphics’ new regional development director.

“Kevin’s extensive background in the franchise industry gives him the skills and insight that we need in order to build on our success and continue the growth of AlphaGraphics,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of franchise development for AlphaGraphics. “The diversity of experience he’s bringing to the company, including his time as a franchise owner, make him a great fit for this job.”

Bryant, a graduate of the University of Kentucky, has worked with fitness, electrical supply and restoration and remediation services franchises during his career. Bryant will work with the AlphaGraphics franchise development team to develop and implement strategies for lead generation, identifying potential franchisees and build relationships to drive profitability and revenue.

“Exceptional performance and growth make AlphaGraphics one of the top franchise opportunities, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of continuing to meet that high standard of excellence,” Mr. Bryant said. “This is a competitive industry, but I believe my experience, along with my ability to share the perspective of franchisees on a day-to-day basis, puts me in a unique position and can provide AlphaGraphics a critical edge in development and growth.”

AlphaGraphics was founded in 1970, and the company began offering franchise opportunities in 1979. For more information, visit http://www/alphagraphics.com.

About MBE Worldwide
MBE Worldwide S.p.A. (“MBE”), is a privately-owned holding company based in Milan, Italy. Small and medium-sized enterprises and retail customers find shipping, fulfillment, printing, and marketing solutions through MBE’s network of independently owned and operated franchised locations. MBE Service Centers facilitate the activities of entrepreneurs, people, and businesses through an easy-to-access distribution network. Customized services and products are delivered with a uniquely high level of customer service. MBE presently operates under three different brands: Mail Boxes Etc., AlphaGraphics, and PostNet. Globally, the entire MBE network currently operates over 2,550 locations in 47 countries, with FY2018 system-wide sales of €861($956) Million.

SOURCE AlphaGraphics

Senior franchise expert will lead franchise conversions and acquisitions for global printing and marketing brand.

DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions, has named long-time franchise expert Brad Swimmer to lead the company’s efforts to grow through franchise conversions and acquisitions.

Swimmer, a former Fortune 500 financial manager, owned and operated the AlphaGraphics location in Cleveland with his wife, Judy, from 1991 until 2019. The Cleveland franchise location was twice named to the AlphaGraphics Gold Circle Centers and earned multiple Silver Circle recognitions during the Swimmers’ tenure as franchisees.

“Brad and Judy’s decision to sell their franchise last year turned out to be an opportunity to give Brad an even more important role in the AlphaGraphics family,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of franchise development for AlphaGraphics. “With nearly 30 years of experience as a successful franchise owner, and more than 45 years of high-level business experience overall, Brad’s extensive insight and critical skill sets will support our efforts to grow both franchise conversions and acquisitions. No one is better equipped for this position than Brad.”

As the company’s new conversion and acquisition specialist, Swimmer will work with existing independent printshops throughout the U.S. that are interested in being acquired by new AlphaGraphics franchisees or interested in converting their businesses to an AlphaGraphics franchise.

“Everything I learned as an AlphaGraphics franchise owner prepared me for this next chapter,” Swimmer said. “Conversions and acquisitions are an essential, efficient way for franchisors to maintain an advantage in a competitive industry. The challenge is to evaluate the ideal properties and responsibly steward the franchise’s resources toward intelligent, strategic growth, not just inflated numbers.”

AlphaGraphics was founded in 1970, and the company began offering franchise opportunities in 1979. For more information, visit http://www.alphagraphics.com.

About MBE Worldwide
MBE Worldwide S.p.A. (“MBE”), is a privately-owned holding company based in Milan, Italy. Small and medium-sized enterprises and retail customers find shipping, fulfillment, printing, and marketing solutions through MBE’s network of independently owned and operated franchised locations. MBE Service Centers facilitate the activities of entrepreneurs, people, and businesses through an easy-to-access distribution network. Customized services and products are delivered with a uniquely high level of customer service. MBE presently operates under three different brands: Mail Boxes Etc., AlphaGraphics, and PostNet. Globally, the entire MBE network currently operates over 2,550 locations in 47 countries, with FY2018 system-wide sales of €861($956) Million.

Global leader in printing and marketing ranks 226th in magazine’s elite franchise rankings.

DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading provider of printing and marketing solutions, recently ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500^®.  Placement in the Franchise 500^® is a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry, making it one of the company’s most competitive rankings ever. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the Franchise 500^® ranks AlphaGraphics at 226 for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability and brand power.

“The 500 companies on this list all have something in common: They understand what consumers want now,” says Entrepreneur editor-in-chief Jason Feifer. “They may be an upstart in a brand-new category, or they may be a brand like Dunkin’ that’s ranked highly on our list for decades. But either way, making our list means they’re forward-thinking, nimble, and closely in touch with their customers’ needs—because in an ever-changing business environment, that’s what a franchise must do to thrive.”

The key factors that go into the evaluation include costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500^® in ranking order.

“Our continued placement in the Franchise 500^® is really a testament to the outstanding work and determination of everyone at AlphaGraphics,” said Ryan Farris, President and COO at AlphaGraphics. “We’ve committed ourselves to building an exceptional franchise system for all of our franchisees. With our recent growth and newly developed franchisee tools, we’re confident that we will continue to deliver on the promise of the AlphaGraphics franchise.”

Over its 41 years in existence, the Franchise 500^® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. AlphaGraphics’ position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

To view AlphaGraphics in the full ranking, visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500.

About MBE Worldwide
MBE Worldwide S.p.A. (“MBE”), is a privately-owned holding company based in Milan, Italy. Small and medium-sized enterprises and retail customers find shipping, fulfillment, printing, and marketing solutions through MBE’s network of independently owned and operated franchised locations. MBE Service Centers facilitate the activities of entrepreneurs, people, and businesses through an easy-to-access distribution network. Customized services and products are delivered with a uniquely high level of customer service. MBE presently operates under three different brands: Mail Boxes Etc., AlphaGraphics, and PostNet. Globally, the entire MBE network currently operates over 2,550 locations in 47 countries, with FY2018 system-wide sales of €861($956) Million.

Global leader in printing and marketing adds top business intelligence software and develops agLearn and agXsell tools to support franchise training and sales.

DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading provider of printing and marketing solutions, has announced the development of two new proprietary technologies offering ongoing sales training and hundreds of hours of educational courses for franchise owners. The new business tools, agLearn and agXsell, follow AlphaGraphics’ acquisition of business intelligence software Print Speak in 2019.

Print Speak, an industry-leading provider of business intelligence, contact relationship management and data aggregation designed to generate more leads and grow sales, provides an array of systems and business tools to support AlphaGraphics’ growth initiatives for the future.

“The acquisition of Print Speak was a major step forward in our mission to provide our franchise owners with tools for success,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of franchise development at AlphaGraphics. “The development of agLearn and agXsell for franchise centers is another milestone. These new tools fit the learning and development and sales and marketing landscape of a cutting edge franchisor.”

AgLearn currently offers more than 600 courses ranging from sales techniques to equipment training to products and services provided by AlphaGraphics centers. The business tool allows franchise owners and managers to assign, monitor and assess training for team members. The implementation of agLearn creates a culture of learning excellence and empowerment for franchise centers across the country.

AgXsell is seamlessly integrated with the powerful applications of Print Speak and assists owners and sales representatives in creating a step-by-step process to make customers aware of available services and help convert leads to customers.  This innovative tool is designed to provide long-term printing and marketing solutions for customers by developing customer service representative sales skills.

“Based on our growth in 2019, it’s apparent that we are offering what potential franchise owners are looking for,” McPherson said. “We’re committed to ensuring that our franchise partners have the foundation and tools to build their AlphaGraphics business.  Our investment in AgLearn and AgXsell are just the two latest examples of our partnership mentality with our franchise owners.”

AlphaGraphics was founded in 1970, and the company began offering franchise opportunities in 1979. AlphaGraphics’ services include printing, marketing, signs and other business solutions.

About MBE Worldwide
MBE Worldwide S.p.A. (“MBE”), is a privately-owned holding company based in Milan, Italy. Small and medium-sized enterprises and retail customers find shipping, fulfillment, printing, and marketing solutions through MBE’s network of independently owned and operated franchised locations. MBE Service Centers facilitate the activities of entrepreneurs, people, and businesses through an easy-to-access distribution network. Customized services and products are delivered with a uniquely high level of customer service. MBE presently operates under three different brands: Mail Boxes Etc., AlphaGraphics, and PostNet. Globally, the entire MBE network currently operates over 2,550 locations in 47 countries, with FY2018 system-wide sales of €861($956) Million.

Global leader in printing and marketing receives positive results following an annual survey of the franchisees

DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a global leader in printing and marketing solutions, has received positive feedback from franchisees following Franchise Business Review’s annual survey completed in September of this year.

Since 2017, when the brand was purchased out of private equity by MBE Worldwide, AlpahGraphics has seen increasingly positive results when measured by their franchise owners.

For 2019, key categories with the greatest positive score increases include:

• Core values: Up 15%
• Senior leadership: Up 12%
• Financial opportunity: Up 10%
• Franchisees’ general satisfaction of the business: Up 20%
• Franchisees supportive of the brand: Up 10%

“We had 70% of our franchisees participate this year,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of franchise development at AlphaGraphics. “Our owners are validating at a higher level than ever before that they are excited about the brand, the leadership and the future.”

Franchise Business Review is a leading market research firm in the franchise industry that specializes in assessing franchisee satisfaction and performance. The goal is to bring transparency to the franchise industry for prospective owners and to help franchisors achieve performance objectives.

“We find these survey results to be extremely useful in strengthening our brand,” said McPherson. “We have improved on our score each year that we’ve participated in the survey. Once again, our owners have provided insightful and valuable feedback that will continue to support the health of our company.”

AlphaGraphics was founded in 1970, and the company began offering franchise opportunities in 1979. AlphaGraphics services include printing, marketing, signs and other business solutions.

About MBE Worldwide

MBE Worldwide S.p.A. (“MBE”), is a privately-owned holding company based in Milan, Italy. Small and medium-sized enterprises and retail customers find shipping, fulfillment, printing, and marketing solutions through MBE’s network of independently owned and operated franchised locations. MBE Service Centers facilitate the activities of entrepreneurs, people, and businesses through an easy-to-access distribution network. Customized services and products are delivered with a uniquely high level of customer service. MBE presently operates under three different brands: Mail Boxes Etc., AlphaGraphics, and PostNet. Globally, the entire MBE network currently operates over 2,550 locations in 47 countries, with FY2018 system-wide sales of €861($956) Million.

Cross-country location openings showcase robust business model for leading marketing solutions franchise company

DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a global leader in printing and marketing solutions, announced today the awarding of nine brand new centers over the past six months.

“Our growth as a company is definitely exploding right now,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of retail network development at AlphaGraphics. “We’re offering top-notch marketing and printing solutions for businesses everywhere, and the demand for our level of efficiency and professionalism is just skyrocketing. We’re eager to take AlphaGraphics to the next level of revenue growth, and opening these new centers is a perfect stepping stone in that process.”

Within six short months, AlphaGraphics has locations either open or under construction in the following cities:

• Atlanta, Georgia
• Birmingham, Alabama
• Dunwoody, Georgia
• Odessa, Texas
• Overland Park, Kansas
• Portsmouth, New Hampshire
• Providence, Rhode Island
• Shirley, Massachusetts
• White Plains, New York

“Our new ownership group (MBE Worldwide), leadership team and on boarding and support teams have provided the foundation for our renewed growth,” McPherson said. “The excellence with which AlphaGraphics meets such an important need in the business industry is second to none, and I’m honored to be surrounded by such amazing franchise owners.”

AlphaGraphics was founded in 1970, and the company began offering franchise opportunities in 1979. AlphaGraphics services include printing, marketing, signs and other business solutions.

About MBE Worldwide

MBE Worldwide S.p.A. (“MBE”), a privately-owned holding company based in Milan – Italy, is a third party provider of shipping, fulfillment, printing and marketing solutions to small and medium enterprises and retail consumers via a network of independently owned and operated franchised locations. MBE Service Centers facilitate the activities of entrepreneurs, people and businesses through an easy-to-access distribution network and customized services and products delivered with a distinguished and unique level of customer service. MBE presently operates under three different brands: Mail Boxes Etc., AlphaGraphics and PostNet and its global network counts currently 2,550+ locations in 47 countries, with FY2018 System-wide Sales of €861($956) Million.

SOURCE AlphaGraphics

MARIETTA, Ga. — AlphaGraphics Marietta announced that they have received recognition from SurveyAdvantage for their excellence in customer satisfaction during the quarter ending September 30th, 2019. The awards recognize businesses in North America that attain the highest Net Promoter Score (NPS) for their industry segment during the quarter.

AlphaGraphics has continually demarked itself by the quality of its customer service. “To receive this recognition is incredibly meaningful and a testament to the relationships our team builds with our clients,” said Curtis Gropman, owner of AlphaGraphics Marietta.

Results are based on more than 29,000 survey responses from customers who recently completed a purchase and were asked how likely they would be to recommend the business to others.

Awards are based on a compilation of feedback and buyer reviews gathered from companies participating in SurveyAdvantage’s online feedback service called LoyaltyLoop.  LoyaltyLoop enables local businesses of all types to react quickly to customer feedback and complaints, as well as automatically encourage online reviews to be posted on Google, Facebook and their website.

For more information about AlphaGraphics Marietta, please contact Curtis Gropman at (770) 514-1110.

Industry leader in printing and marketing ranked as one of the top franchise brands in the world

DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a global leader in printing and marketing solutions, announced today the company received global honors from Entrepreneur Magazine and has been ranked No. 120 on the magazine’s annual list of top global franchises.

“The franchise industry is extremely competitive, but AlphaGraphics continues to grow because we put a focus on putting our owners first,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of franchise development at AlphaGraphics. “We’re regularly introducing innovative solutions and systems that will help not only AlphaGraphics find success but also the nearly 300 owners worldwide that have put their trust in our brand.”

Earlier this year, AlphaGraphics placed No. 124 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, which focuses on U.S. locations and uses a proprietary formula that weighs several factors, including costs, size, support, brand strength and financial stability. In order to rank on Entrepreneur’s global list, the magazine’s editors tweak the Franchise 500 formula to offer an added focus on international size and growth. Companies must have had a minimum of five units open internationally as of July 2018 in order to be considered.

“While the majority of our locations are in the United States, the AlphaGraphics brand has spread to several other countries, including the UK, Brazil and China,” McPherson said. “We offer guidance and support to franchise owners to help them build a successful, thriving local business in their community. None of these territories are company-owned, which means the brand may be global, but the successes can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of local entrepreneurs in cities and towns across the world.”

AlphaGraphics was founded in 1970 by Rodger Ford, and the company began offering franchise opportunities in 1979. AlphaGraphics services include printing, marketing, signs and other business solutions.

Global leader in printing and marketing earns spot among best in United States

DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a global leader in printing and marketing solutions, has been named to the Franchise Times Top 200+ for 2019. For more than a decade, AlphaGraphics has been recognized on the prestigious list of the top franchises in the United States.

“In 2019, we’ve awarded more new franchise locations than the last five years combined,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of franchise development at AlphaGraphics. “From franchise owners to senior leadership, the AlphaGraphics team has been dedicated to building a successful brand, and that unity is what helps us achieve honors like this.”

The Franchise Times Top 200+ is an annual ranking system for franchise companies. Franchise Times chooses the top 500 brands based on sales and overall growth from the previous year. To qualify, a company must be a legal U.S. franchise, and franchisees must own at least 15% of the company’s total units.

“As a brand, we have more than 255 locations in the United States, as well as 30 internationally,” said McPherson. “Many of our owners own multiple territories, which is a testament to the AlphaGraphics brand and the operational support the owners receive. For 49 years, AlphaGraphics has been a trusted local brand. As the demand for our services has grown, we’ve expanded our offerings to include digital marketing and other solutions that keep the company relevant and a franchise favorite among entrepreneurs.”

Founded in 1970 by Rodger Ford, AlphaGraphics began franchising in 1979, and 100% of the company’s territories are franchisee-owned. AlphaGraphics services include printing, marketing, signs and much more. AlphaGraphics has established itself as a respected industry leader in printing services and is a top franchise company.

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — AlphaGraphics, Inc., an MBE Worldwide company, announced today the acquisition of Print Speak by its parent company, U.S. Business Holdings, Inc.  Based in Australia, Print Speak provides a range of complementary and extended software services to support AlphaGraphics’ continued growth plans. Print Speak is one of the industry’s leading providers of business intelligence, customer management and marketing automation services.

Print Speak’s expertise in providing easy-to-use software for the print and marketing space will continue to enhance AlphaGraphics while providing Print Speak additional growth opportunities in the United States and international markets. “Print Speak provides an exciting expansion for AlphaGraphics and MBE Worldwide around better CRM with marketing automation,” says Ryan Farris, President and COO of AlphaGraphics. “The additional capabilities strengthen and extend the services offered by both AlphaGraphics and MBE to enhance our complete, customer-centric sales and marketing approach.” Print and marketing clients will benefit from shared plans to meet increasing demand for timely customer communications across all media, as well as offering more targeted marketing to new clients. The acquisition of Print Speak supports AlphaGraphics’ plans for growth with a vision to become the leading franchisor in print and marketing services. Richard Baker, Print Speak General Manager also commented on the acquisition adding, “The acquisition of Print Speak provides a crucial expansion opportunity and extended services for AlphaGraphics, Print Speak and our clients. With the stability and ultimate backing of one of the world’s leading franchisors, MBE, Print Speak customers will benefit from improved products, services and innovation.” Both Print Speak and AlphaGraphics will continue to trade under their own names providing premier products and services to the print and marketing industry.