FASTSIGNS® sign and graphic centers

Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchisor Reports Strong Year of Growth Amid Pandemic, Ranking #44 Overall on Esteemed List of Top Franchise Opportunities.

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 fifth consecutive year. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the Franchise 500^® ranks FASTSIGNS as #44 overall — 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.

“We are incredibly proud to once again be the #1 franchise opportunity in the sign, graphics, and visual communications sector. After such an unprecedented year with so much uncertainty, our business model continued to show its resiliency and FASTSIGNS emerged strong and poised for growth in 2021,” said Mark Jameson, Chief Support and Development Officer, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “This recognition is proof of our outstanding international network of franchisees and their commitment to serving their communities as well as our exceptional franchise support team that worked around the clock to help the system succeed.”

Fastsigns Holdings Inc., parent company of FASTSIGNS, reported a strong year of growth amid the pandemic, most notably making its first acquisition with the addition of NerdsToGo, an emerging IT services brand, to its portfolio. Additionally, FASTSIGNS signed 31 franchise agreements to develop new, co-branded, and conversion centers worldwide and the opening of 30 locations, including the brand’s first center in the Dominican Republic. Much of FASTSIGNS’ success in 2020 can be credited to centers being deemed essential businesses, allowing franchisees to pivot their services to focus on what matters most — serving their customers.

This year, Fastsigns Holdings Inc. aims to sell 30 NerdsToGo franchises nationwide as part of its plans to grow the brand’s presence in new and existing markets. FASTSIGNS is aiming to sign at least 35 franchise agreements across the U.S. in markets such as Southern California, the Midwest, New England, and along the Northeast Corridor. FASTSIGNS is particularly focusing on its co-brand and conversion programs, which helps existing business owners add a FASTSIGNS to their store or fully convert their business to a FASTSIGNS franchise. FASTSIGNS has helped countless owners of print shops, photography studios, camera stores, embroidery shops, and more, diversify their product lines and services to meet the growing demand for signs, graphics, and visual communications. Both the co-brand franchise opportunity and conversion can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.

“I spent over 30 years as the owner of an independent sign shop before converting my business into a FASTSIGNS franchise in 2016,” said Jeffrey Chudoff, a FASTSIGNS franchisee in Maple Shade, New Jersey. “I could not imagine what it would have been like to operate during the pandemic without the support of FASTSIGNS and our network of franchisees. While so many small businesses struggled or closed their doors permanently, we exceeded $1 million in revenue for the first time. I was truly in business for myself, but not by myself.”

FASTSIGNS is known in the industry for equipping its franchisees with tools vital to securing the ongoing success of each individual location. In addition to the brand’s online FASTSIGNS University, FASTSIGNS partners 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.

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 a Top Growth Franchise and one of the Top Franchises for Veterans. Additionally, FASTSIGNS was ranked on Franchise Times’ annual Top 200+ list, Franchise Gator recognized the brand as one of its Top 100 Franchises of 2020, Franchise Direct named FASTSIGNS one of the Top 100 Global Franchises, and Franchise Business Review named FASTSIGNS one of its Top Franchises for Second Careers and Top Franchises for Veterans. In 2019, the brand was named to America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine. Franchise Business Review has also recognized FASTSIGNS as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years, as well as one of its Top 50 Franchises for Women and Top Service Franchises lists in 2019. FASTSIGNS has also received the Canadian Franchise Association Franchisees’ Choice for eight consecutive years.

For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or 214-346-5679).

FASTSIGNS Named a Game Changer for Third Consecutive Year, While Emerging Franchisor NerdsToGo Celebrates Being Deemed One of 20 Brands to Watch.

CARROLLTON, Texas — Fastsigns Holdings Inc., parent company of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, and NerdsToGo, an emerging IT services franchise brand, announced today that both brands have been recognized by Franchise Dictionary magazine in the December 2020 issue as part of its esteemed 2020 rankings. For the third consecutive year, FASTSIGNS was named a Top 100 Game Changer. Additionally, NerdsToGo was recognized as one of 20 Brands to Watch for 2020.

Each brand was recognized for creating opportunities for aspiring business owners, filing a niche in its respective market and turning heads with a unique product, impacting veterans and impressing millennials, and helping their local communities. NerdsToGo joined the Fastsigns Holdings Inc. family after its parent company, GTN CAPITAL GROUP, LLC, was acquired in October 2020.

“To have both brands under the Fastsigns Holdings Inc. umbrella be recognized by Franchise Dictionary is incredibly exciting and a testament to both brands’ commitments to making an impact in the lives of franchisees and in the communities they serve,” said Mark Jameson, Chief Support and Development Officer of FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS. “We continuously strive to provide world-class products, services, and training and support to help our franchisees better serve their customers and position FASTSIGNS and NerdsToGo as the leaders in their segments.”

Amid the pandemic, FASTSIGNS and NerdsToGo have continued to grow in large part to being deemed essential as COVID-19 forced thousands of businesses across the country to temporarily close. This designation allowed FASTSIGNS franchisees to pivot their visual communications services to best serve their customers and local communities, while NerdsToGo franchisees filled a much-needed demand for IT services with the sudden influx of remote workers.

“Franchise ownership allows people to follow their dreams of being their own boss and taking control of their futures. It supports people working for themselves but not by themselves. It’s a community of professionals all supporting successful business ownership,” said Alesia Visconti, CEO / Publisher of Franchise Dictionary Magazine. “A brand that earns the Top 100 Game Changers designation raises the bar and clearly sets itself apart!”

The 2020 Top 100 Game Changers list is featured in Franchise Dictionary Magazine’s December 2020 issue available at https://franchisedictionarymagazine.com/2020-game-changers/.

About NerdsToGo, Inc.^®

NerdsToGo, Inc. launched its original location in Guilford, CT in 2003 and quickly became the emerging leader in providing computer and technology-based services to both the small and medium sized business market and the residential market. NerdsToGo began franchising in 2017 and quickly grew to 25 independently owned franchise locations in 16 states. The Company also continues to own and operate the original Guilford, CT location.

NerdsToGo locations provide the total solution in computer and technology support to help small to medium sized business owners and residential customers lead a more effective, efficient and entertaining life through use of a wide range of technology devices including computers, iPhones, iPads, communication devices, Wi-Fi networks, printers, and smart devices. The Company’s signature service is delivered by sending a Nerd onsite to customer locations in a well branded, eye catching Nerd Van or through remote support. Customers can also receive service by visiting a local NerdsToGo service center. NerdsToGo acts as the IT department for small to medium sized businesses by helping to design, implement and support IT networks, provide data backup & continuity services, cybersecurity solutions, cloud services, remote support, vendor management services and overall routine maintenance. NerdsToGo continues to grow its franchisee base, while delivering exceptional service and customer support through every interaction.

For information about the NerdsToGo franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@nerdstogofranchise.com or 214-346-5679).

Monson Recognized for Enabling and Empowering Countless Entrepreneurs to Build a Successful Career in Franchising.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today that Business Woman magazine has named CEO Catherine Monson one of its 100 Influential Women in Franchising. Monson was recognized as an advocate of support and mentorship for her commitment to enabling and empowering countless entrepreneurs to build a successful career in franchising.

The notable 100 Influential Women In Franchising list is an annual list which celebrates and champions key figureheads, disruptors, and up-and-comers who work in the international franchise space and have changed the franchising industry for the better. Under Monson’s leadership, FASTSIGNS has grown to more than 735 locations across nine countries, and the brand has repeatedly been recognized as the top franchise opportunity in its space and for its high franchisee satisfaction.

“Support and mentoring are the foundation of franchising, which has allowed millions of entrepreneurs to be in business for themselves, but not by themselves. During the COVID-19 pandemic, empowering franchisees to be successful has been more important than ever,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. and IFA Chair. “I am incredibly grateful to be recognized alongside so many influential female leaders in franchising. It’s because of these women that our industry continues to grow stronger every day.”

The Annual 100 Influential Women in Franchising list is featured in Business Woman Magazine’s October 2020 issue, available at https://www.globalfranchisemagazine.com/assets/images/reports/BW-3.pdf.

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. Entrepreneur also named FASTSIGNS a Top Growth Franchise for 2020. Additionally, Franchise Gator named FASTSIGNS to its Top 100 Franchises of 2020 list, and Franchise Business Review named FASTSIGNS one of its Top Franchises for Second Careers. In 2019, Entrepreneur named FASTSIGNS one of the Top Franchises for Veterans, and the brand was also recognized in Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises for Veterans report, was named to America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine, and made Franchise Direct’s list of the Top 100 Franchises. Franchise Business Review has also recognized FASTSIGNS as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years as well as its Top 50 Franchises for Women and Top Service Franchises lists in 2019.

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.

For more videos on Catherine Monson, visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7qJckb26TTPGWl9wQJNjKA. Visit the section, “Get to Know the FASTSIGNS CEO Catherine Monson,” and click to the right.

CARROLLTON, Texas — Ronald K. Herbert with FASTSIGNS International, Inc. was recently named the Midsize Private Company CFO of the Year by D CEO magazine. Top corporate CFO’s across the metroplex were nominated for this prestigious honor, and the winner was determined by a panel of independent judges.

D CEO‘s Financial Executive Awards span multiple categories and honor top corporate finance executives in Dallas-Fort Worth, in partnership with the Association for Corporate Growth, Dallas CPA Society, and Financial Executives International. All finalists were celebrated at a virtual awards event and were profiled in the May issue of D CEO.

“Considering the incredible financial talent in Dallas, I was shocked to be named the Midsize Private Company CFO of the Year,” said Herbert. “This is something for which I have strived my entire career and am honored to join the amazing group of finalists and past winners.”

2019 and 2020 were vastly different for FASTSIGNS International, Inc. In 2019, FASTSIGNS had a change in ownership and the team started tackling areas ranging from e-commerce to tech-enabled sales prospecting and AI-aided employee recruiting to further accelerate franchisees’ growth. In 2019, FASTSIGNS also saw continued growth in locations domestically and in places like Canada, the UK, Chile, Spain and Malta, continued growth in franchisee’s sales, and its first acquisition which closed out the year. While 2020 brought a number of challenges during the pandemic, the FASTSIGNS corporate team pulled together to support their franchisees in every way possible.

Herbert believes strongly that having fun at work is critical to personal and professional success. To help stay connected with the corporate team now working almost exclusively remotely, Herbert has faithfully sent an email every day to the team with funny stories, anecdotes or inspirational quotes. Cultivating that spirit wherever he goes, he has been successful as a CFO for NASDAQ listed companies, venture-backed companies, and several private equity backed companies, including FASTSIGNS. He is a graduate of SMU and a Texas CPA. In 2019, Herbert was named a Dallas Business Journal’s 2019 CFO of the Year honoree, and he has been a member of the Dallas Chapter of Financial Executives International for 15 years.

“I am thrilled that Ron was recognized as an award-winning CFO,” said Catherine Monson, CEO at FASTSIGNS International, Inc. and Chair of the International Franchising Association. “Ron’s knowledge, experience, humility, tireless determination and contagious positive attitude are an asset to our FASTSIGNS family. It’s been an honor to work alongside him these past several years, especially this year with all of its challenges, and I look forward to our partnership as we move optimistically into 2021 and beyond.”

Catherine Monson will share insight on The Culture of a Successful Franchise Brand.

CARROLLTON, Texas — Catherine Monson, CEO at FASTSIGNS International, Inc. and Chair of the International Franchising Association, will deliver the keynote at the International Franchise Association’s Emerging Franchisor Virtual Convention held November 18 and 19, 2020.

During her keynote, Catherine Monson will share insight into The Culture of a Successful Franchise Brand. She will highlight how to have a clear vision of the brand’s culture amid the current crisis, creating a culture of positivity and fortitude, the importance of a strong culture in place for growth, development and sustainability, using culture to communicate and also how to create a strong core culture.

The main focus of this two-day virtual event is to help emerging franchisors know what it takes in today’s real world to grow, protect and evolve an emerging franchise brand to the next stage of sustainability. Leading experts in franchising unite to share advice on everything from communication strategies to infrastructure and culture, reinvesting in the business, smart franchise sales and more.

“Assessing the health of a franchise brand means understanding the heartbeat of the brand, otherwise known as the culture,” said Catherine Monson. “I’m thrilled to speak with attendees about culture as the foundation for the future growth and success of a franchise brand and the  brand’s franchisees in order to attract and keep customers coming back among a sea of competition.”

Additional speakers at the for the event include the following: Sam Ballas, President & CEO, East Coast Wings; Joe Lewis, President & CEO, Painting with a Twist, LLC: Paul Pickett, CFE and Chief Development Officer Wild Birds Unlimited, Inc.: Meg Roberts, CEO & President, The Lash Lounge; Tony Valle, CEO, College Pro. For more information on the event, visit the link here.

Monson Recognized for Transforming FASTSIGNS into an International Brand and Being a Champion of Franchising throughout Her Career.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today that Franchise Dictionary Magazine has named CEO Catherine Monson one of its 50 Women of Wonder (WoW) for 2020.

This prestigious WoW list recognizes inspirational female franchisors that have been nominated by readers for their remarkable impact on not only the brands they lead, but also on the franchise industry. While at the helm of FASTSIGNS, Monson has grown the company to more than 735 locations across nine countries, and the brand continues to be recognized as the leader and a disruptor in its space.

“It’s an honor to be named a Woman of Wonder, among so many inspiring established and emerging leaders in franchising,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc and International Franchise Association Chair. “I am lucky to work alongside such a strong corporate team and our incredible global network of franchisees. Their dedication to help grow and promote the FASTSIGNS brand even in the most challenging times is what has allowed us to become the international powerhouse that we are today.”

The Second Annual Women of Wonder list is featured in Franchise Dictionary Magazine’s October 2020 issue, available at https://franchisedictionarymagazine.com/october2020/.

“Each year more and more women are making an impact in the franchise industry,” said Alesia Visconti, Publisher & CEO, Franchise Dictionary Magazine. “They are changing the landscape, implementing new initiatives and bringing groundbreaking ideas to the table. Franchise ownership changes lives and allows people to follow their dreams of business ownership. Our ’50 Women of Wonder’ (WOW) are some of the most amazingly talented, strong and dynamic women franchisors in the franchise industry. We thank them and are thrilled to celebrate their contributions!”

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.

For more videos on Catherine Monson, visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7qJckb26TTPGWl9wQJNjKA. Visit the section, “Get to Know the FASTSIGNS CEO Catherine Monson,” and click to the right.

Catherine Monson will share insight on Operations and Franchise Support.

CARROLLTON, Texas — Catherine Monson, CEO at FASTSIGNS International, Inc. and Chair Woman of the International Franchising Association will deliver the keynote at the Canadian Franchise Association’s Business Recovery Summit series on October 21.

This event is the 3rd installation in a four-part series that has been taking place during October 2020 with virtual conferences and events to help franchisors and franchisees manage, adapt, and grow their business in the “next normal” during COVID-19 recovery. On October 7, the Franchisee Recovery Summit was held, and on October 14, the Franchise Recruitment topic was addressed. On October 21, the Operations and Franchisee Support Summit will be held, and the Franchise Marketing Summit will take place on October 28.

“I’m thrilled to speak with attendees about leading amid adversity,” said Catherine Monson. “I will be teaching them how to develop the skills and habits to have mental fortitude and a positive mental attitude, so they can successfully lead through challenging times.”

Through the summit, franchisees have had the ability to attend events that address pressing issues and major challenges impacting key components of franchising, to gain insight and enable delegates to gain a better understanding of the current franchising landscape, successful strategies employed by others, and data and intelligence to best adapt to changing consumer needs and behaviours.

The CFA’s Franchise Operations Summit on October 21 has been designed to provide insights, information, and strategies to help franchisors and franchise operations professionals better support their franchisees as they work together toward business recovery.

Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchisor Recognized for Its Commitment to Helping Veterans Become Franchisees.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today it has been named a top franchise opportunity for veterans by Entrepreneur magazine on its 2020 Top Franchises for Veterans ranking. FASTSIGNS ranked #6 –the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise in the top 30 franchise opportunities.

Entrepreneur‘s Top Franchises for Veterans ranking highlights the top 150 franchises offering incentives and other programs to help veterans become franchisees. FASTSIGNS participates in the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) VetFran program that provides military veterans with special incentives and assistance to open a franchise. FASTSIGNS also offers a special incentive for veterans, which includes a 50 percent reduction on the franchise fee — a savings of $24,875. FASTSIGNS is the only franchise in its industry to offer a 50-percent discount to any veteran, without stipulations.

“We take great pride in the programs we’ve developed at FASTSIGNS, which are designed to support and guide veterans as they transition back into civilian life or look to open a business of their own. Currently, over 12 percent of franchisees in the FASTSIGNS system are military veterans, and that number continues to grow each year,” said Mark Jameson, Chief Support and Development Officer. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to the veteran community, as well as the unlimited potential for success that partnering with FASTSIGNS can bring.”

Darrin Lawrence, who recently opened his first FASTSIGNS center in Richardson, Texas, is a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard and Army Reserve. With 22 years in the military, he offers leadership, a mission-focused work ethic and the strong ability to follow detailed instructions.

“Having an Army background, I appreciate a structured environment and proven processes that lead to success. Over the years, FASTSIGNS’ turnkey business model has given many veterans, including myself, the opportunity to be in business for themselves, but not by themselves,” said Lawrence. “Since signing my franchise agreement in April 2019, FASTSIGNS has supported me every step of the way, providing me with unparalleled resources and an impressive franchisee network that I can tap into and utilize at any time. I’m proud to be a part of the FASTSIGNS system and am grateful for the tools they’ve equipped me with as a small business owner.”

FASTSIGNS is consistently ranked one of the top franchise opportunities for veterans. Last year, FASTSIGNS was recognized by Franchise Business Review in its 2019 Top Franchises for Veterans report. Franchise Business Review surveyed over 26,000 franchisees to compile the list of 80 top-rated franchises.

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. Entrepreneur also named FASTSIGNS a Top Growth Franchise for 2020. Additionally, Franchise Gator named FASTSIGNS to its Top 100 Franchises of 2020 list, and Franchise Business Review named FASTSIGNS one of its Top Franchises for Second Careers. In 2019, FASTSIGNS was named to America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine, and made Franchise Direct’s list of the Top 100 Franchises. Franchise Business Review has also recognized FASTSIGNS as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years as well as its Top 50 Franchises for Women and Top Service Franchises lists in 2019.