FASTSIGNS® sign and graphic centers

Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchisor Recognized for Its Leadership in the Industry, Explosive Growth, and Support of Veterans

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today it was named one of Franchise Dictionary Magazine‘s 100 Game Changers of 2019. FASTSIGNS was recognized for its leadership in the $29 billion signage industry, explosive domestic and international growth, and providing strong support to help veterans become entrepreneurs.

“We’re thrilled that Franchise Dictionary Magazine has recognized FASTSIGNS as a game changer in the industry for the second year in a row,” said Mark Jameson, Executive Vice President of Franchise Support and Development, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “Year after year, our team continues to work hard to remain the top-ranked sign and graphics franchisor and provide unparalleled support to help our franchisees be successful. This recognition is a testament to our strength and leadership in our space.”

“Franchising itself is a game changer because it allows people to step into business ownership quickly and successfully, and with support. Each step along the way is explained so people can enter business ownership without the stress of going it alone,” said Alesia Visconti, CEO & Publisher, Franchise Dictionary Magazine. “A brand that makes our 100 Game Changer issue sets itself apart!”

FASTSIGNS has reported exceptional results this year. In the U.S. the brand signed 40 franchise agreements to develop new, co-branded, and conversion centers and is projected to open over 30 locations this year. Internationally, FASTSIGNS opened its first locations in Chile and Malta and signed master franchise agreements to develop centers in France and the Dominican Republic. FASTSIGNS 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 currently offers veterans and first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters, 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 magazine named FASTSIGNS the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and 95 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 one of the Top Franchises for Veterans in 2019. 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 2019 and ranked #2 on this year’s Franchise Gator 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. This year, 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. was recently named a Dallas Business Journal’s 2019 Torch Awards Finalist in the Large Business category and honored at the annual awards dinner held Wednesday, November 20 at the Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown.

20 finalists were announced for the third annual Better Business Bureau’s Torch Awards for Ethics based on company size in six different categories. Candidates were selected from over 60 nominated DFW companies by judges from across multiple industries and representing many different regions of the Metroplex.

DFW-based companies were evaluated on the integrity and ethics behind business dealings as demonstrated by their policies, education, business-to-business recommendations, customer reviews and financial track-record, among many other criteria.

“We are honored to have received this award that highlights the ethics and integrity behind what we do at FASTSIGNS,” said Catherine Monson, CEO at FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “Our FASTSIGNS team exhibits dedication to our core values and strategic objectives to benefit our franchisees every day. We look forward to continuing to uphold ethical practices and set the standard in the sign and visual graphics industry.”

In addition, the finalists and winners were featured in the online publication of the Dallas Business Journal. To read more, visit the link here.

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 2019 Top Franchises for Veterans ranking. FASTSIGNS ranked #5 — 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 currently offers veterans a 50-percent reduction on the franchise fee — a savings of $24,875 — as part of the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) VetFran program.

“We truly value the contributions and sacrifices veterans have made and are proud to provide them with the opportunity and support to become entrepreneurs. Currently, over 13% of franchisees in the FASTSIGNS system are military veterans, and that number continues to grow each year,” said Mark Jameson, Executive Vice President of Franchise Support and Development. “We are honored to be ranked in the top 5 franchise opportunities and the only one in our segment to break the top 30. It’s a testament to our strong network of veterans that are advocates for FASTSIGNS.”

Danielle Miranda, who recently signed a franchise agreement with her husband to open a FASTSIGNS center in Tracy, California, is a veteran of the U.S. Army and North Carolina Army National Guard, where she was a multimedia illustrator, and earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and a master’s degree in advertising. Her husband, Johnny, is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, with extensive operations, leadership, training, and mentoring experience.

“Our combined expertise in graphic design and leading teams made FASTSIGNS the perfect business opportunity for us,” said Danielle. “As military veterans, we’re both intensely focused on service, quality of work, and contributing to a bigger cause — whether that’s helping customers meet their business goals or supporting the growth of the FASTSIGNS brand.”

FASTSIGNS is consistently ranked one of the top franchise opportunities for veterans. Earlier this month, 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.

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. 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. This year, 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.

DALLAS — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the franchisor of more than 700 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS® centers in nine countries, hosted a panel discussion with the American Marketing Association’s student chapter at UT Dallas on Monday, November 4, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. to discuss marketing and careers in the sign and graphics manufacturing industry.

The presentation featured an overview of the history of FASTSIGNS, how each of the panelists play a role in the success of the franchise, and career opportunities available through their centers across the network. Panelists included Shawn Glenn, franchisee of four Dallas area FASTSIGNS centers and members of the FASTSIGNS International corporate team including Amanda Honey, Marketing Services Manager, Chris Brooks, Creative Director and Lance Tucker, newly appointed Technical Services Manager. Emily Shuler, Social Media Specialist, led the presentation and facilitated the panel discussion.

In addition, FASTSIGNS and the AMA closed the event with a question and answer session to provide students the opportunity to gain advice from the experts in marketing and sign and visual graphics.

“We are grateful to the team at FASTSIGNS for supporting our AMA UTD chapter,” said Dr. Julie Haworth, Director of Undergraduate Marketing Program at UT Dallas. “They provided a wonderful overview of the various FASTSIGNS opportunities available to our graduates as well as helpful general career advice such as ‘never stop learning’.”

“I believe that it is critical for students to gain insight from executives and employees at large companies in the area like FASTSIGNS, and it was useful to learn about the franchising model,” said Antonio Rubio Guerrero, VP of the American Marketing Association chapter at UT Dallas. “There’s value in coming to these events to create connections with leaders in the industry and hear what they are looking for in future candidates.”

Independent Research Data Shows Veteran Franchise Owners Are Highly Satisfied with FASTSIGNS’ Performance, Training, and Support

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today that it has been named a top franchise for veterans by Franchise Business Review in its 2019 Top Franchises for Veterans Report.

“We’re proud to provide veterans with the opportunity and support to become successful entrepreneurs through the franchise business model. Currently, over 12 percent of franchisees in the FASTSIGNS system are military veterans and we value their contribution to helping us build a top-ranked franchise,” said Mark Jameson, Executive Vice President of Franchise Support and Development. “We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition and continuously pride ourselves on the strong network of franchisees that are advocates of the FASTSIGNS business opportunity.”

FASTSIGNS was among more than 250 franchise brands that participated in Franchise Business Review‘s research on the Top Franchises for Veterans. FASTSIGNS’ franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including training and support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity.

Steve Adrian, a retired U.S. Army musician and FASTSIGNS franchisee, discovered the brand on a top military-friendly franchises ranking while researching the best concepts to invest in as a veteran. He joined the company in 2015, and today he and his wife are owners of a successful FASTSIGNS franchise in Forest, Virginia.

“After finishing 20 years in the service, my wife and I were looking for new business opportunities. FASTSIGNS was looking to develop in the territory we wanted to live in, so it gave us an opportunity to have some freedom while owning our own business,” said Steve Adrian. “FASTSIGNS provides excellent support and if we ever had a question or concern, we can just pick up the phone and they’ve got an answer for us, so that network has been invaluable. We had no prior sign or marketing experience and in our first year of business, we exceeded the average for first-year centers by 60 percent.”

FASTSIGNS is known in the industry for equipping its franchisees with tools vital to securing the ongoing success of each individual location. FASTSIGNS offers military veterans the most comprehensive support and financial incentives available in the signage industry. FASTSIGNS participates in the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) VetFran program that provides military veterans with special incentives and assistance to open a franchise. Veterans and first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters can take advantage of FASTSIGNS’ 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. 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. This year, 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 franchisor of more than 700 FASTSIGNS® locations in nine countries worldwide, has welcomed Jennifer Herskind as the company’s new Chief Marketing Officer.

With over 20 years of experience in marketing, her background includes all marketing disciplines and strong cross-functional knowledge of all business fundamentals. Herskind has a successful track record of transforming brands and driving business results in multiple fast-paced industries with diverse environments.

She most recently held the role of Chief Marketing Officer for Smoothie King where she directed all brand, marketing and R&D strategy to build the brand and drive business results in the fulfillment of its mission to inspire people to live a healthy and active lifestyle for over 1,000 locations.

Before joining Smoothie King, Herskind held senior leadership positions in a wide variety of franchise and company brands including Gold’s Gym, Dave & Buster’s, Nestle Waters North America and Pizza Hut. She began her career with The UPS Store where she worked in several roles as the primary driver of new product development and customer services in support of over 2,000 franchisees.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Herskind as our new Chief Marketing Officer. She has a strong background working with various franchisors making her the perfect addition to support our franchisees,” said Catherine Monson, CEO at FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “We look forward to expanding the FASTSIGNS brand with her expertise as we continue to scale for growth.”

Herskind is a goal-oriented leader with a demonstrated capacity to solve problems with fresh, insight-driven strategic solutions and scale for growth. Herskind was named one of Dallas’ Rising Brand Stars by AdWeek in December 2018. A Dallas native, she belongs to a family of business entrepreneurs she enjoys assisting in her spare time.

CARROLLTON, Texas — Catherine Monson, CEO at FASTSIGNS International, Inc. and Vice-Chair of the International Franchise Association (IFA), recently spoke at the 2nd Annual Franchise and Multi-Location Growth Summit hosted by Google and Location3 on October 9 and 10 at Google’s Customer Experience Center in Redwood City, California.

Monson, representing FASTSIGNS and all franchisees and franchisors in the IFA, delivered a keynote presentation on “The State of Franchising & Digital Marketing.” She also highlighted the role of the IFA as a steward of the industry and discussed areas of opportunity where Google can help franchisees to become more successful on their platform while focusing on the individual owner operator.

With more than 25 different multi-location brands in attendance, the event highlighted innovative presentations that spanned a variety of topics, including a panel discussion and held three interactive round table sessions aimed at helping multi-location brands solve key marketing challenges on both national and local levels.

“It was an honor to have the opportunity to speak at the 2nd Annual Franchise and Multi-Location Growth Summit,” said Catherine Monson. “As FASTSIGNS is evolving with an ever-changing digital landscape, it was meaningful to share how these advances are shaping the franchise model and learn how we can better serve our franchisees.”

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc. was recently recognized in the annual International Franchise Association (IFA) Franchising Gives Back Initiative during the Franchising Gives Back Celebration and Award Dinner. Through Franchising Gives Back, the IFA recognizes members who have given back to their communities in both large and small ways, seeking out the most innovative community support and charitable programs, and then sharing those practices with the entire franchise community through an annual awards program.

Every day in communities around the world, franchise businesses are finding ways to give back, and Franchising Gives Back provides a platform to share these stories.

“FASTSIGNS franchisees contribute to their local communities by providing sign and visual graphics that help brands communicate their message, being an employer of choice, serving on committees and actively supporting charitable organizations,” said Catherine Monson, CEO at FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “Our franchisees know that giving back is a key component of their success, and we are proud to support them in their endeavors.”

FASTSIGNS submitted entries into several categories including the Spirit of Franchising and the Support our Veterans categories. Throughout 2018, FASTSIGNS franchisees have supported a wide variety of organizations including food banks, veteran’s initiatives, children’s advocacy groups, educational scholarships, health events and more.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. believes that making a difference begins in the local community, and the FASTSIGNS® Cares philanthropic initiative was launched in 2016 to encourage franchisees’ efforts to give back.

“We love sharing the stories of FASTSIGNS franchisees giving back in their local communities,” said Deryl Cason, Senior Marketing Project Manager. “As active business leaders, they continue to generate goodwill in a myriad of ways.”

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., a leading sign and visual communications franchisor, is an official endorser of Sign Manufacturing Day 2019, which takes place on October 4th. With more than 700 sign and visual graphics centers in nine countries, FASTSIGNS^® joins organizations across the United States to celebrate the diversity of manufacturing and teach future generations about the variety of careers in this industry.

In honor of Sign Manufacturing Day 2019, FASTSIGNS inspires the next generation of skilled workers digitally through the launch of their new careers site. FASTSIGNS actively creates job opportunities through their centers, and through the careers site, they are making it easier to learn about those positions. With engaging video content, FASTSIGNS highlights the various roles at a FASTSIGNS center including Outside Sales, Graphic Design, Production and Installation.

Five main disciplines that students are learning today in school are the building blocks that will shape their career futures: science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM). These building blocks are represented throughout every role on a FASTSIGNS center team. FASTSIGNS centers employ a variety of people including outside sales professionals, customer service representatives, graphic designers, sign producers and installers.

FASTSIGNS recognizes the countless opportunities manufacturing provides; FASTSIGNS centers are light manufacturers as well as service providers to manufacturers across communities nationwide. Manufacturers have long depended on FASTSIGNS centers to help design, produce and install a wide variety of signs and graphics to achieve effective communications resulting in improved workflow, easier navigation, compliance with accessibility and safety standards, and impactful marketing strategies.

“Manufacturing is absolutely necessary to our economy, stimulating job growth and strengthening communities,” explained Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “By endorsing Sign Manufacturing Day 2019, we have the opportunity to show our support for the wide array of careers in manufacturing.”

With modern manufacturing on the rise today, FASTSIGNS provides a unique career path for today’s students to one day incorporate their skill set when it comes to sign manufacturing. For more information, visit https://www.fastsigns.com/about/careers.

New Location Will Be Owned and Operated by Local Military Veterans Danielle and Juan “Johnny” Miranda, Jr.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today it signed a franchise development agreement to open the brand’s first location in Tracy, California — part of FASTSIGNS’ continued development throughout Northern California. The new location will be owned and operated by local military veterans and husband-and-wife team Danielle and Juan “Johnny” Miranda, Jr.

“Danielle and Johnny are ideal FASTSIGNS franchisees in that they have both the skill set and passion required to grow a successful business,” said Mark Jameson, Executive Vice President of Franchise Support and Development. “We’re thrilled they were able to take advantage of our VetFran program and join FASTSIGNS as we continue to expand our footprint throughout Northern California.”

Danielle Miranda is a veteran of the U.S. Army and North Carolina Army National Guard, where she was a multimedia illustrator, and earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and a master’s degree in advertising. Her husband, Johnny, is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, with extensive operations, leadership, training, and mentoring experience.

“Our combined expertise in graphic design and leading teams made FASTSIGNS the perfect business opportunity for us,” said Danielle. “As military veterans, we’re both intensely focused on service, quality of work, and contributing to a bigger cause — whether that’s helping customers meet their business goals or supporting the growth of the FASTSIGNS brand. We’re looking forward to opening in Tracy and providing local business owners products that can help them advertise and market their business.”

FASTSIGNS is continuing to target Northern and Southern California for franchise growth and currently has opportunities available in San Francisco, Stockton, Modesto, Berkeley, and San Leandro. FASTSIGNS is offering a special incentive nationwide 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. 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. This year, 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.