FASTSIGNS International Inc.

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.

Group assembles 20,000 meals during the 2020 FASTSIGNS® International Convention in Phoenix.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS® franchisees and their employees, vendors and FASTSIGNS International, Inc. corporate staff participated in a “FASTSIGNS Community Giveback” by assembling 20,000 meals for local children and their families with the organization, Feeding Children Everywhere. This event occurred during the 2020 FASTSIGNS International Convention held January 15-18 in Phoenix, Arizona.

“Through our FASTSIGNS Community Giveback Projects, our meeting attendees and vendors come together to support a local cause and make a positive impact in the cities that host our events,” said Tracy Lake, Director of Events at FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “We are so grateful for organizations that work to end hunger. With the help of our partners in giving, we were honored to join Feeding Children Everywhere to help make a dent in hunger for Phoenix and the surrounding areas.”

Under the direction of Feeding Children Everywhere leadership, attendees measured, weighed, packaged and boxed 20,000 meals by forming 16 assembly lines. This was accomplished in 45 minutes during the FASTSIGNS Community Giveback Breakfast with a Purpose event.

“Our partners are Hunger Heroes,” said Sarah Davila, Public Relations Manager at Feeding Children Everywhere. “Our partnership with FASTSIGNS creates the opportunity to impact thousands of families struggling with hunger. Together we are able to provide over 20,000 meals to children and families in need.”

This event was also made possible by the generous support of the FASTSIGNS Community Giveback sponsors including Avery Dennison, Click2Sell, CoreBridge Software, Faces, Grimco, GSG, Ornamental Post & Panel, Pocket Folders Fast, Ricoh, Sign Source, Steel Art, Vision Engraving and Routing Systems, Window Film Depot, Summa and JDS.

ABOUT FEEDING CHILDREN EVERYWHERE:

Feeding Children Everywhere is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the vision of a hunger-free world in our lifetime. Since 2010, FCE has activated more than 760,000 volunteers to package and distribute over 126 million meals to children and families in need.

SOURCE FASTSIGNS International, Inc.

Monson became Chair during the IFA Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida.

CARROLLTON, Texas — Catherine Monson, CEO at FASTSIGNS International, Inc. was named IFA Chair on February 11 at the IFA Annual Convention held in Orlando, February 8 – 11, at the Orlando World Center Marriott.

During the Closing General Session, Monson accepted the chair’s gavel and stepped into her new role that current IFA Chair, David Barr, held for the past year.

A strong advocate for small business enterprise and franchising, Monson has spent time serving on the Board of Directors for the International Franchise Association (IFA). Through her service with the IFA, Monson works to help further the IFA’s mission of protecting and promoting franchising through government relations, public relations and educational programs.

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 International Franchise Association (IFA) as the Bonny LeVine Award recipient. This prestigious award is bestowed upon 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 my opinion, the FAN Annual Meeting and fly-in is the most valuable IFA meeting for franchisees, along with their franchisors, to attend each year,” said Monson. “At this meeting, the IFA educates attendees on critical issues that could affect the franchise business model and how to effectively speak with House Members and Senators, making it a positive experience, even for first-time attendees, as the IFA sets up all meetings on Capitol Hill, making advocacy simple and effective. The 2020 fly-in meeting will be held September 15 and 16.”

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 2018, she testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Workforce Subcommittee on Association Health Plans.

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 franchise and small businesses locally and nationally through her work with the Franchise Action Network. Monson has also been a panelist or facilitator in breakout sessions at every IFA Convention since 2006. She served as a 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. She will keynote the Philippine Franchise Association Convention in March.

Monson’s work with the IFA in 2020 will center around protecting and enhancing the franchise business model through teaching and promoting franchising best practices to franchisors, continuing with the IFA’s strong Government Relations (GR) outreach and increasing the membership of the IFA.

“It is an incredible honor to be elected to the position of IFA Chair,” said Monson. “I love franchising; franchising enables people to own their own business and benefit 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.”

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.

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.

Leading Sign, Graphics, and Visual Communications Franchise Recognized for Its Strong Growth, Financial Stability, and Industry Experience.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise, announced today it has been ranked as one of the Top 100 Franchises of 2020 by Franchise Gator. Developed to assist prospective franchisees in their search for a franchise opportunity to invest in, the Top 100 Franchises ranked FASTSIGNS as #2 — the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized on this year’s list — for its strong growth, financial stability, experience, and several other criteria.

“I’ve studied hundreds of franchise opportunities, and FASTSIGNS represents all of the traits we look for in a Top 100 franchise,” said Eric Bell, General Manager, Franchise Gator and Vice President, Franchise Ventures.  “Congratulations to FASTSIGNS for being an exemplary opportunity among many to choose from.”

“This recognition comes on the heels of FASTSIGNS being named the #1 franchise opportunity in our category on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500^®, and we are thrilled to begin 2020 — our 35^th year in business — with such strong validation that FASTSIGNS is the leader in our industry,” said Mark Jameson, Executive Vice President of Franchise Support and Development.

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.

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. In 2019, Entrepreneur named FASTSIGNS one of the Top Franchises for Veterans. Additionally, in 2019, FASTSIGNS 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.

About Franchise Gator
Franchise Gator, a unit of Dominion Enterprises’ Franchise Ventures division, the leading demand generation platform for franchise growth. Launched in 2002, Franchise Gator has offered information on thousands of business and franchise opportunities available in more than 100 categories. Franchise Gator provides franchises with a performance-based model for franchise marketing. For more information, please visit www.GrowWithGator.com.

Monson to speak at European Master and Multi-Unit Franchising Conference in Vienna and Franchise Alliance Awards Gala in Budapest.

CARROLLTON, Texas — Catherine Monson, Incoming Chair of the International Franchise Association and CEO at FASTSIGNS International, Inc. will deliver the opening keynote session at the European Master and Multi-Unit Franchising Conference held in Vienna January 28 – 29 on the “State of Franchising: U.S. & Global Perspectives.”

Along with over 50 speakers who are Franchisors, Master Franchisees, multi-unit and multi-brand franchisees and insiders, Monson will enlighten attendees about broadening their brands’ footprints globally and share strategies for brand growth and the best opportunities for success in new countries.

Monson will also be delivering an inspirational and informative keynote address at the Franchise Awards Gala Dinner in Budapest on January 30, 2020 at the New York Palace. Last year’s keynote speaker was Reed Nyffeler, CEO and Co-founder of Signal 88.

Hosted by Boscolo Budapest, the awards dinner is the most significant event of the Hungarian Franchise Association. They are expecting 250 attendees during this event with representatives of the major franchise brands and multi-unit franchisees in Eastern Europe.

This celebratory evening will include honoring high-performing franchise networks in addition to members of the alliance that are represented in large numbers. Prizes will be awarded in various categories including Franchise Network of the Year, Most Dynamically Developing Franchise Network of the Year, Successfully Expanding Domestic Network Abroad, Marketing Award, Young Successful Franchisee and more.

“It is an honor to be speaking at both the European Master and Multi-Unit Franchising Conference in Vienna and the Franchise Alliance Awards Gala in Hungary,” said Monson. “I am happy to help contribute to these events that highlight and recognize the brands and businesses driving the growth of franchising in Hungary, Eastern Europe, Vienna and the world at large.”

ABOUT THE HUNGARIAN FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION

The Hungarian Franchise Association assists franchisees to operate according to the European Codes of Ethics. The activities of the Hungarian Franchise Association have three major scopes. The first and the most important one is to provide the possibility of ethical franchising by influencing and controlling all regulations connected. The second one is to extend the knowledge related to ethical franchising through regional conferences in cooperation with county chambers. Last but not least, the association helps to connect appropriate franchisors and franchisees with each other.

ABOUT THE EUROPEAN MASTER AND MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISING CONFERENCE

The 2020 European Master & Multi-Unit Franchising Conference is the premier European conference for Master, Multi-Unit & Multi-Brand Franchisees. This event provides an intimate forum for international franchise business leaders to grow profitable franchise enterprises, based on the facts and on the experience of successful European master franchisees and multi-unit operators.

Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchisor Recognized As the Leading Franchise Opportunity in Its Industry for Fourth Consecutive Year.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today it has been ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500^® for the fourth consecutive year. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the Franchise 500^® ranks FASTSIGNS as #55 — the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100 — for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

“This is an incredible way to mark FASTSIGNS’ 35^th year in business — being recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine for our continued position as the leader in our category. The FASTSIGNS brand has never been stronger, which is a testament to our outstanding franchisees, excellent franchise support team, strong unit-level economics, as well as the strength of our franchise opportunity,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc.

FASTSIGNS reported exceptional results in 2019, including the signing of 35+ franchise agreements in the U.S and Canada. to develop new, co-branded, and conversion centers and the opening of over 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 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 percent reduction on the franchise fee — a savings of $24,875.

FASTSIGNS is consistently ranked as a top franchise opportunity. In 2019, Entrepreneur named FASTSIGNS one of the Top Franchises for Veterans. FASTSIGNS also was recognized as one of the top business opportunities for veterans in Franchise Business Review‘s 2019 Top Franchises for Veterans report. FASTSIGNS was named to the 2019 America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine. FASTSIGNS made Franchise Direct‘s list of the Top 100 Franchises and ranked #2 on Franchise Gator‘s Top 100 list, both ranking the best franchises for 2019. Franchise Business Review has recognized FASTSIGNS as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years, as well as naming FASTSIGNS to its “Innovative Franchises” list in 2017, and its Top 50 Franchises for Women and Top Service Franchise lists in 2019. In 2018, Franchise Business Review named FASTSIGNS a “Best-in-Category” franchise. 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.