FASTSIGNS International Inc.

Various Industries to be Featured During 2021 Small Business Month.

CARROLLTON, Texas — In honor of Small Business Month, FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise, is hosting a social media takeover across their brand channels throughout the month of May. With a focus of businesses empowering and supporting each other to come back stronger than ever, posts will highlight the expansive capabilities that FASTSIGNS has by featuring comprehensive projects from several industries including education, healthcare, restaurants and retail, and property management.

Last year revealed that the 30.7 million business owners in America can truly make a difference when they support and rally around other local businesses. By working together, small businesses kept communities safe, fed, entertained, engaged and moving forward.

One aspect of the Small Business Month mission highlights companies who desire to witness the growth and success of other small businesses. Franchising provides a way for entrepreneurs to invest in themselves and open their own small business, using a proven model and access to unique expertise in the space. As businesses slowly come back, locally owned and operated FASTSIGNS centers have proudly supported and empowered fellow businesses in their communities every day across the country.

Catherine Monson, CEO at Propelled Brands® and FASTSIGNS International, Inc., and Chair of the International Franchise Association dedicates her time, energy and resources to herald small businesses as she has led not only her own network but other franchise organizations through the uncharted waters of 2020 and 2021.

“At FASTSIGNS, we support Small Business Month, because the franchise world is made up of small business owners across the globe who are in business for themselves, but not by themselves,” said Catherine Monson. “We recognize the value of each and every one of the business owners we represent–and the IFA represents–and the important role they play in the economic landscape of our country.”

To learn more about the Small Business Month at FASTSIGNS, visit www.fastsigns.com.

CARROLLTON, Texas — Catherine Monson, CEO at FASTSIGNS International, Inc., and Chair of the International Franchising Association (IFA), was recently named the winner in the Mentor category for the “Los Grandes” awards from GNF Worldwide. Monson’s acceptance speech was shared at the Virtual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, March 25.

The Mentor Award is given to a recipient who with his or her experience shares their knowledge, inspires others, and offers his or her time and friendship. In 2020, Catherine Monson boldly led her FASTSIGNS International corporate team, the FASTSIGNS® franchise network and the IFA throughout an incredibly challenging economic year. Her work included overseeing the creation of a FASTSIGNS Preparedness site as a resource for the entire FASTSIGNS network, holding weekly Connect with Catherine meetings to keep the network fully informed, and creating motivational videos each week–which she continues to do today–first for FASTSIGNS franchisees and then, at their request, for the International Franchise Association (IFA). In addition, in 2020 and again in 2021, Catherine, as Chair of the IFA, she helped lead the franchising sector through the many challenges of the pandemic.

“I am deeply honored to be receiving this award for my mentorship work,” said Catherine Monson. “As someone who was supported by my own mentors throughout my career, I believe in the power of inspiring and mentoring the next generation of leaders and business owners to grow and lead with excellence.”

GNF Worldwide are ambassadors of the International Franchise Association (IFA), chair the Franchise Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), and are institutional allies of the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) and the Spanish Association of Franchisors (AEF). They are also the number one consulting and international franchise brokerage firm, with global presence and reach, also specializing in mergers and acquisitions of business chains and family businesses.

Grimco and ND Graphics Recognized for Incredible Supplier Relationship

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise with more than 750 locations in nine countries worldwide, presented the U.S. Vendor of the Year Award to Grimco and the Canadian Vendor of the Year Award to ND Graphics at the 2021 Virtual FASTSIGNS/Signwave International Convention.

The FASTSIGNS Vendor of the Year is selected by FASTSIGNS franchisees and is based on the integrity of business practices, product quality, and having a long-term commitment to the FASTSIGNS network. This marks the sixth consecutive year Grimco has received this recognition which is bestowed on Grimco by FASTSIGNS franchisees who selected this Vendor as their supplier of the year. This also marks the inaugural year for recognizing the Canadian Vendor of the Year.

“The FASTSIGNS Vendor of the Year Award for the US, and this year adding Canada, recognizes a supplier that delivers outstanding service and consistently provides excellent support to our franchisees,” said Mark Jameson, Chief Support and Development Officer. “We’re happy to recognize Grimco and ND Graphics, and we appreciate all that they do for our franchise network.”

For the past 15 years, Grimco has been working with FASTSIGNS centers, supplying sign and visual graphic materials and products which includes equipment and everything from Signs and Blanks to Digital Media and LED’s.

“2020 was a very different year for everyone. COVID really affected how everyone worked, did business and pivoted to keep their businesses moving forward,” said Julie McClain, Director of National Accounts at Grimco. “To be recognized by FASTSIGNS as the Vendor of the Year for 2020 is truly an honor in such a tumultuous year. We appreciate what everyone at FASTSIGNS has done for us from the Centers to the Corporate office, and we are excited to move forward into 2021 with a new outlook on business and life. Our main focus is to continue to provide excellent service, move forward with our Green product line initiative and create new programs for FASTSIGNS.”

For the past 10 years, ND Graphics has been working with FASTSIGNS centers, supplying sign and visual graphic materials and products. This includes equipment and everything from sign supplies to digital media and electrical solutions.

“It is an honor for ND Graphics to be awarded the Canadian Vendor of the Year from FASTSIGNS,” said Amber Mundy with ND Graphics. “After an unprecedented year, we appreciate working with such an incredible group of people. It has always been a pleasure to support FASTSIGNS and their growing success. At ND Graphics, we are fortunate to have 10 locations across Canada dedicated to serving Canadian businesses. As an industry leader, we pride ourselves on our exceptional team, extensive experience, and specialized knowledge to assist on every project. We look forward to continuing our valued relationship with the FASTSIGNS network for years to come.”

FASTSIGNS® of Washington, DC Receives Annual FASTSIGNS Award.

WASHINGTON — Dana and Howard James, franchisees at FASTSIGNS® of Washington, DC received national recognition as the recipients of The FASTSIGNS® Award at the 2021 Virtual FASTSIGNS/Signwave International Convention.

This award is the most prestigious recognition in the franchise network of over 750 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. It’s a wonderful thing to be acknowledged by your peers as someone in the community that contributes to the system as a whole and is appreciated,” said Howard James. “I enjoy giving and sharing and find that the benefits almost always come back to us. We are so thankful to be a part of the supportive FASTSIGNS network and see the growth that comes from investing in an incredible brand like FASTSIGNS.”

Howard James’ story led him to purchase a FASTSIGNS center with his wife, Dana, in 2007, after he spent 17 years at Duke Ellington School of the Arts as a theater production professor. Howard’s background also includes being an art teacher in D.C. and doing freelance graphic design as well.

The Howards have grown their highly successful FASTSIGNS center from 3 employees to a staff of 10 team members that plan and act like a larger organization. James works to delegate to his team, trusting and empowering them to do their part to grow the business. Rarely are two projects ever the same, which lends to continual creativity and problem-solving.

“Solutions are behind what we do. Whatever our clients need, we are going to figure it out,” said James.

During the pandemic, FASTSIGNS of D.C. did more repeat work due to COVID-19 projects, but that is not the norm in their center. When the pandemic affected their day-to-day business operations, they were prepared as a result of prior work.

“Luckily, we are tech geeks and have been working and growing our systems for inner office efficiency for a few years,” said Howard James. “Once we had to do more remote work away from the office, we realized those same systems allowed us to do that seamlessly. Our team did their best to come together to make sure every client was still taken care of and their fellow staff members were backed up if something needed a little more attention. I am very proud of my team’s efforts over the past year.”

Howard James believes the key to happy clients is a strong team, and FASTSIGNS is truly a team sport. He attributes his high level of success to the great employees he has brought on. He knows you must find, train and keep a great team, because they are the key to growth. He also coaches his team to focus on solutions and not products, and this results in stronger relationships with his customers who count on them for advice and guidance. He routinely engages with the network and looks for ways to improve his operation, serve his clients and encourages his team to do the same.

“Without the support of my wife, Dana, and my kids, the time and energy I spend building our business would not be possible. I am deeply thankful for their support,” said James.

Howard James is always willing to talk to franchise candidates, and he has served as a mentor for many new franchisees. FASTSIGNS of Washington, D.C. has received numerous honors, awards and recognition for excellent performance over many years. FASTSIGNS of DC is also a Black Enterprise Magazine Franchise Company of the Year Recipient.

A leader who never stops learning, Howard James has been in and completed a number of business development programs and has graduated from Goldman Sachs 10KSB, Inner City Capital Connections, SBA Emerging Leaders, Clark Construction Strategic Partnership Program and the Suntrust Small Business Development Program. He is currently enrolled in the WACIF / AmeriHealth Small Business Development Program as well as the ELEVATE program, a partnership between GW SB, CNHED, (Cohort 1).

In addition to receiving the FASTSIGNS Award, Howard James was recognized this year for his continued service on the Franchise Advisory Council. The members of the Franchise Advisory Council (FAC) represent all FASTSIGNS franchisees in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, and they provide strategic direction on services and programs, as well as advice and guidance that benefit the entire FASTSIGNS network.

“Howard and Dana James are a wonderful asset to our brand; they represent the FASTSIGNS brand with passion. They are deeply committed to FASTSIGNS, setting an excellent example in the FASTSIGNS network in all areas: from building a successful team, to solving visual communication challenges for customers daily, to providing leadership within the FASTSIGNS network,” said Catherine Monson, CEO at FASTSIGNS International and Chair of the IFA. “As dedicated franchise owners, they deserve the ultimate in recognition. They represent our brand with excellence and enthusiasm, and they are fully committed to helping other franchisees do the same.”

CARROLLTON, Texas — Catherine Monson, CEO at FASTSIGNS International, Inc., began her second year as Chair of the International Franchising Association (IFA), a first in the association’s 60-plus year history.

Catherine Monson boldly led her FASTSIGNS International corporate team, the FASTSIGNS® franchise network and the IFA throughout an incredibly challenging economic year in 2020. Her work included overseeing the creation of a FASTSIGNS Preparedness site as a resource for the entire FASTSIGNS network, holding weekly Connect with Catherine meetings to keep the network fully informed, and creating motivational videos each week–which she continues to do today–first for FASTSIGNS franchisees and then, at their request, for the IFA. In addition to supporting over 740 FASTSIGNS locations worldwide, suppliers, her corporate team, the newly-acquired NerdstoGo brand, and the IFA in 2020, Monson created an inspirational YouTube video series for the FASTSIGNS/NerdsToGo networks and the IFA that highlighted a wide range of topics including optimism, motivation, overcoming adversity and more.

A strong advocate for small business enterprise and franchising, Monson has served on the Board of Directors for the IFA since 2008. Through her service with the IFA, Monson works to help further the IFA’s mission of protecting, enhancing, and promoting franchising through government relations, public relations, educational programs and enhancing member value. Past committees she has worked on include the Women’s Franchise Committee, the Educational Foundation Research Committee, the Franchise Relations Committee, the Benchmarking Task Force and the Franchise Relations Best Practices Task Force.

In 2009, Monson was honored by the IFA with the prestigious Bonny LeVine Award, which is bestowed on a female franchisor or franchisee who has demonstrated ability in franchising through contribution to the growth of the business, contributions to her community through board positions, volunteer work and activities that promote the professional advancement of women, and contributions as a mentor to women in franchising. Monson was involved with the second annual IFA’s fall “fly-in” event in Washington DC (originally called Franchise Appreciation Day and now called the Franchise Action Network (FAN) Annual Meeting) in 2000 and has attended all but one ever since. In 2014, she testified before the US House of Representatives Workforce Subcommittee on the potential negative consequences of the NLRB’s then-expected expansion of the definition of “Joint Employer.” In 2015, she received the IFA’s first ever “FAN (Franchise Action Network) of the Year Award” for her commitment, dedication and efforts to champion franchising and small businesses locally and nationally through her work with the Franchise Action Network, and in 2018, she testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Workforce Subcommittee on Association Health Plans.

Monson has also been a panelist or facilitator in breakout sessions at every IFA Convention since 2006 and has served as keynote speaker for the 2016 IFA Convention, the Australian Franchise Convention in 2016, the Brazilian Franchise Association in 2016, the Canadian Franchise Association Convention in 2017 and the New Zealand Franchise Association in 2018.

“I’m honored to be elected to serve in a second year as Chair of the IFA and help lead the franchising industry through various seasons of uncertainty and recovery,” said Catherine Monson. “The IFA continues to provide franchisors, franchisees and suppliers with resources to successfully achieve their goals as business owners and develop a positive outlook, so they, in turn, can successfully lead through these challenging times.”

As the franchise sector is poised to rebound from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Monson’s work with the IFA will center on leading the organization to protect, promote and enhance the franchise business model through teaching and modeling franchising best practices to franchisors, supporting the IFA’s strong government relations, and growing value proposition of membership in the IFA.

“I love franchising; franchising enables people to own their own business, build wealth for their families, create jobs in the local market and create economic growth by benefiting from the power of a brand along with the brand’s marketing, advertising, training and support. I look forward to serving the franchising community through my appointment and doing my part to protect, promote and enhance franchising,” said Monson.