FASTSIGNS® sign and graphic centers

Catherine Monson Highlighting Value of Mentorship in Keynote Address

CARROLLTON, Texas — Catherine Monson, CEO at FASTSIGNS International, Inc. and Vice-Chair of the International Franchise Association, is the Program Chair for this year’s 7^th Annual Springboard Event and will be delivering a Mainstage Keynote Address on Thursday, September 19. This highly-anticipated gathering, hosted by FisherZucker, FishmanPR and Entrepreneur, will take place from September 18-20 and will be held at The Westin Philadelphia Hotel located at 99 South 17th Street at Liberty Place in Philadelphia.

The Springboard Event brings over 450 franchise founders and senior executives together for a 3-day conference where attendees learn from the best in the business as speakers share valuable and actionable advice that can help franchisors take their business to the next level.

Monson’s keynote address will follow an interview format with her former boss and long-time mentor, Don Lowe, CEO of Franchise Services, Inc., franchisor of TeamLogicIT, Sir Speedy, PIP and MultiCopy, about the immeasurable value of mentorship and best practices in franchising. Don Lowe oversees all FSI companies, and his 47-year career in franchising includes his work as Senior Vice President for Kampgrounds of America (KOA) and President of Sir Speedy from 1981 to 1996.

Catherine was a team member at Sir Speedy, Inc. in 1981 when Don Lowe was appointed President of Sir Speedy. Together, they built Sir Speedy from under 200 locations to over 850. In 1996, Sir Speedy, Inc. purchased MultiCopy and PIP Printing and created the holding company Franchise Services, Inc. Catherine worked for Don until she left Franchise Services in 2008 to become CEO of FASTSIGNS International. She continues to benefit from his mentorship.

“I am honored to be a part of an event that provides emerging and re-emerging franchisors with an ideal environment for growth and inspiration,” said Catherine Monson. “I look forward to sharing the stage with my mentor, Don Lowe, where we will offer best practices in franchising and provide insight into why having a mentor is integral to your success as a business owner.”

To register to attend the 2019 Springboard Event, visit www.franchisespringboard.com or email  Antonia Petrongolo at apetrongolo@fisherzucker.com

About Catherine Monson

Catherine became CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. in 2009, bringing over 25 years of franchising and management experience. In 2009, she received the International Franchise Association (IFA) Bonny LeVine Award in recognition of her contributions to the growth of the franchising industry and in 2010, the Dallas Business Journal named her a top Women Industry Leader in the Dallas Metroplex. In 2012, Catherine appeared on the Emmy Award-winning series Undercover Boss to learn new ways to advance the FASTSIGNS® brand. In 2013, she was named an “Innovator and Influencer” by Sign and Digital Graphics Magazine. In 2015, she received the IFA’s first Franchise Action Network “FAN of the Year” award for her advocacy work on behalf of the franchising community. In 2016, she was selected as a Soderstrom Society Inductee for her contributions to the printing and graphic communications industry and was also honored with the 2016 Leadership Award from the Women That Soar organization. Under Monson’s leadership, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. received the 2016 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition presented by the Department of Defense to employers for their exemplary support of National Guard and Reserve members. In 2017, Monson received the Distinguished Women Award presented by Northwood University in Midland, Michigan. In 2018, she was honored by the Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI) with their Ambassador of Free Enterprise Award. Catherine has served on the Board of Directors of the IFA since 2008 and is currently Vice Chair and will become Chairwoman in February 2020. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors of Brain Balance, a franchise company with a non-drug alternative for children with behavioral challenges, and on the Board of Directors of the franchisor Big Blue Swim School, one of the nation’s fastest growing swim schools. She is a keynote speaker at many franchise industry events, as well as at many sign and visual graphics industry events.

No. 1-ranked Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchisor Continues to Grow Its Successful Co-brand and Conversion Program throughout East Coast

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 Meadowlands Exposition Center in Meadowlands, New Jersey, July 25-26, 2019.

As part of its aggressive growth throughout the East Coast and nationwide, the brand is recruiting existing business owners interested in adding a FASTSIGNS to their existing business or fully converting their store to a FASTSIGNS franchise. Currently, franchise opportunities exist in markets like Atlantic City, Fort Lee, Freehold, New Jersey, Dover, Philadelphia, and the New York City metro area, among dozens of other communities. FASTSIGNS also recently announced its aggressive expansion into urban markets across the Northeast.

“FASTSIGNS’ co-brand and conversion programs help owners diversify their product lines and services to meet the growing demand for comprehensive signage and visual communications solutions, while also having the opportunity to benefit from our National Brand and marketing lead generation focus,” said Mark Jameson, Executive Vice President of Franchise Support and Development. “We’ve helped countless owners of print shops, photography studios, camera stores, embroidery shops, pack and ship stores and more, join the FASTSIGNS family. Our business model has proven to drive sales, reduce supply costs, and offer training, research, new product development, and operational support unmatched by any other in our industry.”

FASTSIGNS’ co-brand and conversion franchise offerings can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.

“After establishing a thriving business within my local community over the past two decades, I was looking for a new way to expand and bring my signage and awnings shop to the next level,” said Nikki Taheri, who converted her existing business to a FASTSIGNS center in Bayonne, New Jersey, with her husband, Brendan Duane. “FASTSIGNS has proven to be an invaluable partner as they’ve provided us with a deeper connection to the signage industry. Beyond the national brand name recognition, FASTSIGNS gives us access to new resources, immeasurable support and vendor relationships, which allow our business to provide additional services to our customers.”

FASTSIGNS is known in the industry for equipping its franchisees with tools vital to securing the ongoing success of each individual location. In 2018, FASTSIGNS announced the launch of 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 International, Inc. was ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and 95 overall on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2019 Franchise 500^®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Acknowledged by entrepreneurs and franchisors as a top competitive tool of measurement, the Franchise 500^® recognizes FASTSIGNS, the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100, for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate, and brand power. FASTSIGNS was recently named to the 2019 America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine. FASTSIGNS also made Franchise Direct‘s list of the Top 100 Franchises 2019 and ranked #2 on this year’s Franchise Gator Top 100 list, both ranking the best franchises for 2019. FASTSIGNS has also been ranked by Franchise Business Review as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years. Additionally, FASTSIGNS was also named to Franchise Business Review’s “Innovative Franchises” list in 2017 and a “Best-in-Category” franchise by Franchise Business Review in 2018. 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.

Of 3,300 Brands Analyzed, FASTSIGNS Recognized for Strong Performance, Value, and Franchisee Support

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, has been named to the 2019 America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine. Forbes and industry research firm FRANdata analyzed 3,300 active brands spanning five years and identified the 30 best franchises to invest in in the high-, medium, and low-investment categories. FASTSIGNS is the only franchise in the sign, graphics and print industry to be ranked, having been recognized as a top medium-investment franchise for its system sustainability, system demand, value for investment, franchisor support, and franchisor stability.

“FASTSIGNS is incredibly honored to have earned a spot on the 2019 Best Franchises list,” said Mark Jameson, Executive Vice President of Franchise Support and Development. “Our commitment to providing franchisees worldwide the tools and resources vital to succeeding in their local markets, coupled with our dedicated support team, strongly attribute to this achievement. This recognition comes on the heels of FASTSIGNS closing out two quarters of strong growth in the first half of 2019, and we’re looking forward to continuing the momentum throughout the rest of the year.”

FASTSIGNS has opened 11 locations in 2019, including four in Santiago, Chile, and domestically in San Diego and Windsor, California; Douglasville, Georgia; Concord, North Carolina; Spring Hill and Boynton Beach, Florida; and San Antonio, Texas. The brand will also celebrate the opening of its first location in Queens, New York, in July.

Additionally, FASTSIGNS has signed 20 franchise agreements in 2019 to develop in markets such as Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; Pikeville, Kentucky; and Tracy, California. FASTSIGNS is recruiting franchisees globally, with a focus on urban markets throughout the Northeastern United States — including New York City, Long Island, Boston, Providence, and Portland — as well as finding master franchisees for Québec, Europe, Latin America, and other international markets.

FASTSIGNS is known in the industry for equipping its franchisees with tools vital to securing the ongoing success of each individual location. In 2018, FASTSIGNS announced the launch of 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 International, Inc. was ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and 95 overall on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2019 Franchise 500^®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Acknowledged by entrepreneurs and franchisors as a top competitive tool of measurement, the Franchise 500^® recognizes FASTSIGNS, the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100 for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate, and brand power. FASTSIGNS also made Franchise Direct‘s list of the Top 100 Franchises 2019 and ranked #2 on this year’s Franchise Gator Top 100 list, both ranking the best franchises for 2019. FASTSIGNS has also been ranked by Franchise Business Review as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years. Additionally, FASTSIGNS was also named to Franchise Business Review’s “Innovative Franchises” list in 2017 and a “Best-in-Category” franchise by Franchise Business Review in 2018. 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.

Award-winning Franchisor Expanding into Urban Areas throughout the Northeast and Seeking Master Franchisees for Québec and Other International Markets

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 International Franchise Expo from May 30 – June 1 at The Javits Center in New York City. FASTSIGNS CEO Catherine Monson will speak at the event and share insights gained during her more than 30 years in franchising.

FASTSIGNS is recruiting franchisees globally, with a focus on urban markets throughout the Northeastern United States — including New York City, Long Island, Boston, Providence, and Portland — as well as finding master franchisees for Québec, Europe, Latin America, and other international markets. In 2018, the company celebrated the opening of its first location in Chile, and in April celebrated the opening of four additional centers in Santiago, Chile.

“As the demand for comprehensive signage and visual communications solutions soars, FASTSIGNS is growing at an unprecedented pace,” said Mark Jameson, Executive Vice President of Franchise Support and Development. “We’re looking forward to attending the International Franchise Expo and connecting with entrepreneurs excited about the opportunity to grow with the top-ranked franchisor in the segment.”

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to meet Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc., and the brand’s franchise development team at booth #214 to learn more about the benefits of being a franchisee. At the booth, FASTSIGNS will be showcasing digital technology, including a kiosk featuring the 1HUDDLE workforce-training platform. Additionally, during the three-day event, Monson will speak on a panel alongside other franchise experts on Thursday, May 30 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. to discuss some of the most common business and legal problems affecting international franchising. On Saturday, June 1 from 12:30 -1:30 p.m., Monson will join FASTSIGNS franchisee Denise Acquaye, of Newark, New Jersey, to share how they work together to achieve a balance between the franchisor and franchisee in order to create a successful brand and position FASTSIGNS as one of the top-ranked franchisors for franchisee satisfaction for over 10 years.

“After 40 combined years in corporate America, my husband and I wanted to follow our hearts and become entrepreneurs. We knew franchising was the right path because it would provide us with a proven business model to be successful,” said Acquaye, who owns and operates a FASTSIGNS location in downtown Newark. “We looked at a lot of different concepts, from fast food to retail, but we picked FASTSIGNS because of its strong commitment to supporting franchisees. Without any company-owned centers, FASTSIGNS’ success is entirely driven by its franchisees — so the corporate team allocates an enormous amount of resources to support.”

FASTSIGNS is known in the industry for equipping its franchisees with tools vital to securing the ongoing success of each individual location. In 2018, FASTSIGNS announced the launch of 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.

For any existing business looking to expand into this fast-paced market, FASTSIGNS also 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 International, Inc. was ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and 95 overall on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2019 Franchise 500^®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Acknowledged by entrepreneurs and franchisors as a top competitive tool of measurement, the Franchise 500^® recognizes FASTSIGNS, the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100, for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate, and brand power. FASTSIGNS also made Franchise Direct‘s list of the Top 100 Franchises 2019 and ranked #2 on this year’s Franchise Gator Top 100 list, both ranking the best franchises for 2019. FASTSIGNS has also been ranked by Franchise Business Review as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years. Additionally, FASTSIGNS was also named to Franchise Business Review’s “Innovative Franchises” list in 2017 and a “Best-in-Category” franchise by Franchise Business Review in 2018. 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.

Award-winning Franchisor Expanding into More Urban, Downtown Markets As Demand for Comprehensive Signage and Visual Communications Solutions Soars

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced it is aggressively targeting franchise growth throughout the Northeast, particularly in urban, downtown markets as the demand for comprehensive signage and visual communications solutions continues to grow rapidly.

Over the next few months, FASTSIGNS will open new centers in downtown Mineola/Westbury on Long Island and in White Plains, New York. In 2018, FASTSIGNS opened its first location in downtown Hartford, Connecticut, as well as additional centers in cities like East Brunswick, New Jersey; Patchogue, New York; and South Burlington, Vermont. The downtown Hartford location celebrated its Grand Opening on April 30^th.

FASTSIGNS is currently seeking qualified entrepreneurs to grow the brand in other urban areas throughout the Northeast, such as New York City; Buffalo; Meriden, Danbury and Norwalk in Connecticut; Cranston and Providence, Rhode Island; Boston area and Holyoke, Massachusetts; Nashua, New Hampshire; and Portland, Maine, among others.

“FASTSIGNS’ business model is focused on providing custom marketing and graphics solutions for local businesses, so franchisees that operate centers in urban areas are well-positioned to serve the countless organizations right in their backyard,” said Mark Jameson, Executive Vice President of Franchise Support and Development. “Whether a new center, conversion, or co-brand, FASTSIGNS franchisees in these areas continue to experience strong sales and growth.”

Franchisee Shishir Mehta has owned and operated a FASTSIGNS center in Waltham, Massachusetts, for 17 years.

“When I was considering making the transition to be an entrepreneur, franchising made a lot of sense. There’s a proven model, so you’re set up for success,” said Mehta. “I loved FASTSIGNS because of its strong track record, and it was a similar B2B, relationship-focused environment I was used to from having worked in IT sales. I’ve always enjoyed helping customers, and with FASTSIGNS, there’s no limit to how big my business can become. We serve every industry, from foodservice and education to healthcare and finance. The product line is so deep that you can offer so many different solutions to the customer. It’s exciting.”

FASTSIGNS is continuing to grow worldwide with a focus on the Northeastern United States and Southern California, as well as finding master franchisees for Québec, New Zealand, Brazil, North Africa, Southeast Asia, India, Europe, and Latin America. 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 is known in the industry for equipping its franchisees with tools vital to securing the ongoing success of each individual location. In 2018, FASTSIGNS announced the launch of its partnership with 1HUDDLE, a workforce-training platform that converts unique training content into science-backed, quick-burst training games that are proven to accelerate workforce productivity. Additionally, FASTSIGNS announced the launch of 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 International, Inc. was ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and 95 overall on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2019 Franchise 500^®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Acknowledged by entrepreneurs and franchisors as a top competitive tool of measurement, the Franchise 500^® recognizes FASTSIGNS, the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100, for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate, and brand power. FASTSIGNS also made Franchise Direct‘s list of the Top 100 Franchises 2019 and ranked #2 on this year’s Franchise Gator Top 100 list, both ranking the best franchises for 2019. FASTSIGNS also has been ranked by Franchise Business Review as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years. Additionally, FASTSIGNS also was named to Franchise Business Review’s “Innovative Franchises” list in 2017 and a “Best-in-Category” franchise by Franchise Business Review in 2018. 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.

No. 1-Ranked Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchisor Targets Independent Print & Sign Shop Owners for Co-Brand and Conversion Franchise Opportunities

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced that it is seeking franchisees at the upcoming ISA International Sign Expo held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from April 24-26. The annual show is one of the largest gatherings of sign and graphics professionals, and FASTSIGNS is targeting co-brand and conversion prospects, where independent print and sign shop owners can expand their existing business or convert their business to FASTSIGNS.

“The ISA International Sign Expo draws more than 20,000 industry leaders annually, and each year we’re pleased to meet with business owners from across the nation to introduce them to the unique opportunity of converting or co-branding their existing business to a FASTSIGNS center,” said Mark Jameson, EVP of Franchise Support and Development, FASTSIGNS International. “For industry entrepreneurs looking to grow their business, FASTSIGNS is committed to helpings our franchisees stay ahead of industry trends, and provides state-of-the-art technology, unmatched training materials, brand recognition, and operational support, among other resources that have proven to be vital to growing a profitable business. We’re looking forward to exhibiting at the event and welcome eager entrepreneurs to visit our booth while on-site.”

FASTSIGNS will exhibit at Booth #4153 on the trade show floor at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, in Las Vegas. The brand is seeking entrepreneurs with an established business that are interested in diversifying their product lines and services to meet the growing demand for state-of-the-art 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.

Franchisee Karrie Brock opened her own sign business 21 years ago, which she converted to FASTSIGNS in 2011. She now owns two FASTSIGNS locations in Toledo and Maumee, Ohio.

“FASTSIGNS really showed us where we could take our business to the next level,” Brock said. “Learning about the industry before everyone knows what’s coming is a huge advantage. And having that bigger vision from CEO Catherine Monson has been excellent for our team because it has driven us to do more and be more.”

FASTSIGNS is known in the industry for equipping its franchisees with tools vital to securing the ongoing success of each individual location. In 2018, FASTSIGNS announced the launch of its partnership with 1HUDDLE, a workforce-training platform that converts unique training content into science-backed, quick-burst training games that are proven to accelerate workforce productivity. Additionally, FASTSIGNS announced the launch of 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 International, Inc. was ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and 95 overall on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2019 Franchise 500^®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Acknowledged by entrepreneurs and franchisors as a top competitive tool of measurement, the Franchise 500^® recognizes FASTSIGNS, the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100, for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate, and brand power. FASTSIGNS also ranked #2 on this year’s Franchise Gator Top 100 list, ranking the best franchises for 2019. FASTSIGNS also has been ranked by Franchise Business Review as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years. Additionally, FASTSIGNS also was named to Franchise Business Review’s “Innovative Franchises” list in 2017 and a “Best-in-Category” franchise by Franchise Business Review in 2018. 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 — Ross Cartwright, a Business Consultant with FASTSIGNS International, Inc., has been invited to join the International Sign Association’s (ISA) Elite program, recognizing the next generation of sign, graphics and visual communications industry leaders. Cartwright is among only 37 professionals worldwide chosen for this year’s program.

The ISA Elite program brings selected participants to the International Sign Association event in April and provides them with unique networking opportunities with fellow professionals and industry leaders. A two-day follow-up leadership retreat will be held in the Fall.

“Being selected as one of 37 to join the ISA’s Elite Program for Emerging Leaders is an incredible honor,” said Mark Jameson, Executive Vice President of Franchise Support & Development at FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “We are so proud of the work Ross has done and the impact he will continue to make at FASTSIGNS from his experience in the program.”

“Our association, tradeshow and industry have been transformed by the energy that the ISA Elite bring each year,” said Lori Anderson, ISA president and CEO. “Past Elite members are already giving back by serving on committees and boards of the ISA and ISA regional affiliates. We’re excited to have Ross Cartwright join this prestigious group, and we look forward to the insights that each member of the 2019 class will bring.”

Ross Cartwright began his career with FASTSIGNS® in 2010, working in a franchised location in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio doing production and installations. Ross came into that position with sign experience, having learned to operate wide format and flat-bed printers, manufacture sign cabinets and channel letters, and also to install many different types of sign projects.

“I remember being hooked after the first week working in the signage business,” said Cartwright. “I wanted to learn how to do everything. It was very cool to see these big projects come to life and being a part of the creation process. I really couldn’t wait to get to work every day.”

From there Cartwright moved into the lead sales role where he helped grow the location’s revenue. After working in the FASTSIGNS center for four years, Cartwright took a job with the franchisor (FASTSIGNS International, Inc.) and relocated to Carrollton, Texas to become a Training Manager. Ross’ hands on sign experience and knowledge prepared him to train new franchisees who would soon be operating their own FASTSIGNS locations. Four years later, Ross is now a Business Consultant in the Operations Department where he continues to help and support Franchisees across many areas of their business.

“I’m honored to be a part of the 2019 ISA Elite class and to participate with other emerging leaders in the industry,” said Cartwright. “I look forward to learning about new products, services, processes and technologies so I can share this knowledge to help our FASTSIGNS franchisees become even more successful.”

The ISA International Sign Expo takes place April 24-26, 2019 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, with education events starting on April 23. Learn more at www.signexpo.org.