FASTSIGNS

The nation’s leading sign and graphic center franchise shares what every business owner should know about permits, timelines and compliance before a new sign goes up

CARROLLTON, Texas — Many business owners assume that once a sign is designed and built, it can simply go up. In reality, most municipalities require a permit before any exterior sign is installed, and skipping this step can result in costly fines, forced removal of the sign or legal liability.

That’s why FASTSIGNS®, a global leader in custom sign and visual graphics solutions, offers comprehensive guidance to help business owners understand the sign permitting process before they invest in new signage.

“At FASTSIGNS, we want to set business owners up for success with expert advice that helps them navigate the complexities of sign surveying and permitting,” said FASTSIGNS Vice President of Marketing Theron Andrews. “Our goal is to ensure a business’s exterior signage is structurally sound, strategically positioned for maximum traffic impact and fully compliant with local zoning laws before a single sign goes up. Handling the regulatory side upfront means a business owner can focus on running their business instead of navigating city code enforcement.”

Key Takeaways

• Most cities require a permit before installing an exterior business sign.
• Skipping permitting can mean fines, forced removal or legal liability.
• Permitting timelines range from a few business days to several weeks depending on sign complexity and jurisdiction.
• FASTSIGNS manages surveying, permitting and installation from start to finish.

Why It Matters
Failing to conduct a professional site survey or skipping the permitting stage can result in hefty fines, forced signage removal or legal liability. Most cities require permits before installing exterior signs because they can affect public safety and aesthetics, so permitting ensures a sign follows all municipal rules related to size, location and lighting before it ever goes up, preventing legal complications later on.

What Happens If a Sign Isn’t Permitted
An unpermitted sign can be flagged during a routine city inspection or after a complaint, leading to fines, a forced takedown or costly redesign to meet code. Liability exposure is also a real risk: if a property lacks proper, compliant signage and an accident occurs on the premises, such as a customer being struck in a parking lot without correct traffic signage, the property owner can be held responsible. Addressing permitting before installation is almost always faster and less expensive than resolving a violation after the fact.

Which Properties Need to Pay Close Attention
All commercial, public and multifamily housing properties must adhere to local signage laws, structural building codes and accessibility standards, but compliance is especially critical for:

• Hospitality and medical facilities: hotels and hospitals that require clear emergency routing and visible code-enforcement signage
• Multi-family housing: apartment complexes and condominium communities that need compliant property boundary and traffic control markers
• Retail and dining establishments: shopping centers, strip malls and restaurants that must balance brand visibility with municipal size limits

How Long Permitting Takes
The timeline to secure a business sign permit varies significantly depending on local jurisdiction, zoning district restrictions and the complexity of the design. For example, basic wall or window signage takes approximately three to five business days to permit, while large-format, illuminated or freestanding monument sign permit requirements and zoning board review can take four to eight weeks. Cities may also require separate digital sign permit requirements for illuminated or electronic displays, given added regulations around brightness, motion and hours of operation.

Sign Variances
In some cases, a proposed sign may not fit within a city’s standard size, height or placement rules, requiring a formal sign variance application process. This typically involves petitioning the local zoning board for an exception, providing supporting documentation and, in many jurisdictions, attending a public hearing before approval is granted.

How Much Does a Business Sign Permit Cost?
Permit fees vary widely by city and sign type, often ranging from modest flat fees for small wall signs to several hundred dollars for large, illuminated or freestanding installations. FASTSIGNS’ upfront surveying and permitting process helps business owners understand these costs before committing to a design.

How FASTSIGNS Helps
FASTSIGNS manages the entire regulatory lifecycle of a sign project. Local experts conduct detailed on-site surveys, take precise structural measurements, analyze setback requirements and cross-reference sign concepts with current municipal codes. The FASTSIGNS project management team then compiles the necessary engineering documents, completes the paperwork and files for the exact zoning permits a property requires, actively managing interactions with zoning boards or other government agencies along the way, from initial blueprint auditing through final installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sign surveying and permitting service? Sign surveying and permitting services include mapping out the best spot for a sign installation, evaluating local regulations and obtaining essential permits to make sure the installed signage meets all city codes or regulations.

Why does a business need a permit for its sign? A business needs a permit for its sign because most cities require permits before installing exterior signs since they can affect public safety and aesthetics. Permitting ensures signage follows municipal rules related to size, location and lighting, preventing legal complications later on.

How much does a business sign permit cost?
The cost of a sign permit varies depending on the city, sign type, size and local requirements. Permit fees can range from minimal application fees to higher costs for larger or more complex signage. FASTSIGNS helps businesses understand local requirements and navigate the permitting process.

How long does it take to get a sign permit? The timeline to get a sign permit varies based on local requirements and can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the sign type and jurisdiction.

What documents are required for a city sign permit application? Requirements vary by municipality, but most applications call for site plans, structural drawings, property or landlord authorization and proof that the design meets local zoning codes. FASTSIGNS compiles and files this documentation on the business owner’s behalf.

Who handles sign permitting for businesses? FASTSIGNS handles sign permitting for businesses from start to finish, including site surveys, code research, application filing and coordination with local zoning boards.

What happens if a business skips the permitting process? Skipping the sign permitting process can result in hefty city fines, forced signage removal or legal liability, along with potential owner liability if an accident occurs on a property due to missing or noncompliant signage.

Can FASTSIGNS handle the permitting process for a business? FASTSIGNS can handle the permitting process for a business by surveying the property, evaluating local regulations and obtaining the necessary permits, so signage meets all applicable city codes.

Where can a business start the survey and permitting process? Businesses can start the sign survey and permitting process through FASTSIGNS, which offers surveying and permitting alongside content development, graphic design, installation and project management. Find a local FASTSIGNS center at fastsigns.com/locations.

Do I need a permit for a temporary or banner sign? Many cities require permits for temporary and banner signage, particularly for size, duration and placement restrictions, so it’s best to confirm with local code before installation.

Who is responsible if a business sign violates code: the landlord or the business owner? Responsibility for business sign code violations varies by lease agreement and local ordinance, but business owners are frequently held liable for code violations regardless of property ownership, making it important to clarify responsibility before signage goes up.

Can FASTSIGNS help if my sign permit application is rejected? Yes. FASTSIGNS can revise designs, gather additional documentation and work directly with local zoning boards to resolve permit rejections and secure approval.

International expansion, franchisee satisfaction awards and continued demand from corporate professionals fuel growth for the signage leader

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS®, the leader in the custom signs and visual solutions industry, announced a record-breaking first half of the year for franchise development sales in 2026, opening 13 new centers and signing 18 franchise agreements across domestic and international markets as the brand continues building momentum into the second half of the year.

FASTSIGNS signed franchise agreements across multiple markets during Q1 and Q2, including several international deals in Australia, Canada, the Dominican Republic and the United Kingdom, expanding the brand’s global footprint. Domestically, the brand continued attracting new franchise partners while also growing alongside existing franchisees who expanded their portfolios through additional center agreements.

Additionally, FASTSIGNS continued to grow through its co-branding program, opening two co-branded locations in New York City so far this summer and allowing independent sign, print and visual graphics businesses to transition into the FASTSIGNS network while maintaining local relationships and leveraging the strength of the global brand.

FASTSIGNS co-branded with One Stop Blueprinting in Brooklyn and FASTSIGNS co-branded with Alpina Printing Services in Manhattan to combine the expanded services, national vendor partnerships, marketing power and peer network of an award-winning franchise system with their decades-long presence in each community.

“Our record-breaking first half of the year demonstrates the continued demand we’re seeing from entrepreneurs looking for a business with long-term stability and growth potential,” said Mark Jameson, chief development officer at Propelled Brands. “Many of today’s franchise candidates are accomplished professionals looking for a business that offers strong support, diversified revenue streams and a model that serves virtually every industry. FASTSIGNS’ proven systems and affordable franchise model make it a strong opportunity for new and existing franchisees alike.”

Recent industry recognition and strong franchisee satisfaction have helped reinforce FASTSIGNS’ position as a leading franchise opportunity. In Q1, FASTSIGNS received the prestigious Franchisees’ Choice Designation from the Canadian Franchise Association for the 14th consecutive year and was also recognized as a finalist for the CFA Awards of Excellence in Franchising. The brand was additionally named to Franchise Business Review’s 2026 Top Franchises for Culture list, which is based entirely on independent franchisee satisfaction surveys.

“I chose to invest in FASTSIGNS because I found it to be a strong, well-structured organization that truly supports its franchisees,” said Bobby Heckeroth, owner of three FASTSIGNS locations in Katy, Houston-West and Cypress, Texas. “The partnership and resources provided by Propelled Brands have been a big part of our success and it’s rewarding to create more opportunities for our team and to expand what we’re capable of as a company.”

FASTSIGNS has increasingly attracted franchise candidates transitioning from corporate careers who are seeking greater flexibility, control, and long-term wealth-building opportunities through business ownership.

The total investment for a FASTSIGNS franchise starts at approximately $231,226, including a $49,750 franchise fee. As a member of VetFran, the brand offers a special incentive

for veterans and first responders, which includes a 50% reduction on the franchise fee – a savings of $24,875.

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

California multi-unit franchisees recognized for strong leadership, business growth and commitment to franchising

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, is proud to announce Gaby and Bob Mullinax, multi-unit owners of FASTSIGNS of Fullerton and Brea, California, have been named The FASTSIGNS Award recipients. They were honored at the 2026 FASTSIGNS International Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, for representing the brand’s culture and empowering customers and employees to reach their potential.

The FASTSIGNS Award recognizes the franchisees that best represent the concept and the spirit of the FASTSIGNS brand, both in the business community and within the FASTSIGNS network. The individuals honored with this award excel in solving visual and marketing communications challenges, helping customers and employees achieve their objectives and unlock their full potential.

“We are incredibly humbled and delighted to receive The FASTSIGNS Award. It was a wonderful surprise, and we are truly honored to be recognized in this way and to stand in the company of such an esteemed group of franchisees who embody the spirit of this brand,” shared Gaby Mullinax.

The Mullinaxes co-own and operate FASTSIGNS locations in Fullerton and Brea alongside their daughter, Kaitlyn Fischer, and her husband, Aaron Fischer. Originally leading a family-owned photography business, Gaby Mullinax strategically co-branded with FASTSIGNS in late 2016 to diversify revenue and future-proof the business as the photography industry underwent rapid digital disruption. In 2017, the family acquired a second FASTSIGNS center in Brea, expanding their footprint and creating a scalable, multi-unit operation.

“Receiving the FASTSIGNS Award is a testament to Gaby and Bob’s leadership, expertise and passion for their business,” said Jim Howe, president of FASTSIGNS. “Their ability to evolve their family’s business and develop strong leadership within their centers exemplifies the strength of the FASTSIGNS system and the power of our co-branding program. We are proud to celebrate their well-deserved recognition.”

This recognition reflects FASTSIGNS’ continued brand momentum across its network. In 2025, the brand expanded its footprint by opening more than 20 locations and selling an additional 30 locations across key markets, including the brand’s second location in the Dominican Republic, bringing the total number of FASTSIGNS locations to over 790 worldwide. Notably, FASTSIGNS continued to grow its vibrant co-brand program, signing three new co-brand locations in New York City last year. Additionally, FASTSIGNS was recognized on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Best of the Best Franchises; earned the Canadian Franchise Association’s Franchisees’ Choice Designation and Silver Award of Excellence; and was named to Franchise Business Review’s Top 100 Franchise for Women and Top 100 Franchise for Veterans lists.

The total investment for a FASTSIGNS franchise is approximately $248,083 – $344,624, including a $49,750 franchise fee. As a member of VetFran, the brand offers a special incentive for veterans and first responders, which includes a 50% reduction on the franchise fee – a savings of $24,875.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS^®, the leader in the custom signs and visual solutions industry, recently held its 2026 FASTSIGNS International Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. With the carefully selected theme, “Focus Forward,” the event hosted over 700 attendees and 150 vendors to celebrate record network growth in sales, profitability and location count.

“2026 marked a year of exceptional growth with record sales exceeding $900M as we expanded to 790 locations in eight countries,” said Jim Howe, president of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “This convention honors our franchisees’ achievements and serves as the catalyst for the next chapter of our network’s success.”

From the main stage, Howe reviewed the incredible network achievements over the past year and then pivoted to focus on the power of working together, bold new strategies, and a shared commitment to driving profitability and growth. Keynote speakers also included the Founder of Future Point of View, Scott Klososky, who focused on innovation and AI tools for a new era of growth and shared success, and Legendary Professional Boxer and Gold-Medal Olympian, Sugar Ray Leonard, who detailed his storied history in boxing to inspire lessons on professional excellence.

Highlights from this year’s convention:

• 60 FASTSIGNS/SIGNWAVE centers exceeded $1 million in annual sales for the first time, including 32 centers achieving over $1 million, 11 centers achieving over $2 million, 6 centers achieving over $3 million, 6 centers achieving over $4 million, 3 centers achieving over $6 million, 1 center achieving over $30 million and 1 center achieving over $43 million.
  
  
• The FASTSIGNS Award was presented to Gaby and Bob Mullinax, franchisees at FASTSIGNS of Fullerton and FASTSIGNS of Brea in California, for best representing the brand’s culture and values, both in the business community and within the FASTSIGNS network. They were recognized for their work empowering customers and employees to reach their potential while strengthening the network through generous collaboration.
  
  
• WhatTheyTh!nk, the global printing industry’s go-to information source with both print and digital offerings, recognized Peter Knight-Sheen and FASTSIGNS of Bend, Oregon, as the FASTSIGNS Project of the Year for their team’s work with Hayden Homes. First Runner Up included Pauline McKean, FASTSIGNS of Mobile, Alabama, for their team’s work with UMS Wright Preparatory School, and Second Runner Up included Jeff and Kim Chudoff, FASTSIGNS of Maple Shade, New Jersey, for their team’s work with Amazon DJZ8.
  
  
• Grimco was presented with the FASTSIGNS Vendor of the Year Award for the United States, and Grimco and ND Graphics were presented with the FASTSIGNS Vendor of the Year Award for Canada.
  
  
• Franchisees and their center teams were recognized for outstanding sign and graphic projects in the 2025 FASTSIGNS Customer Solutions Awards, which included Grand Prize winner Buddy Williams, FASTSIGNS of DTC, Colorado, for work with Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Top Customer Solutions Award Winners also included Dan, Noami and Levi Stutzman, FASTSIGNS of Erie, Pennsylvania, for work with ErieBank; Dave and Sonya Comer, FASTSIGNS of Kankakee, Illinois, for work with Olivet Nazarene University; Chris and Joelene Calvert, FASTSIGNS of Maple Grove-Osseo, Minnesota, for work with Discover Strength locations; and Kara Newman and Scott Horton, FASTSIGNS of North Little Rock, Arkansas, for work with Special Olympics of Arkansas.

FASTSIGNS also hosted a two-day community giveback project on their vendor show floor benefiting Charlotte nonprofit, Classroom Central. 375 homework kits and 450 wellness kits were created, and this initiative was supported by partners including ClearLED, Impact LEd, Vision Engraving, Zlight Technology, BC Collective, Epson, FACES, Grimco, Howard Industries, Ornamental Post and Panel, Zund and Retreva.

Independent Survey Shows Veteran Franchise Owners Are Highly Satisfied with FASTSIGNS’ Performance

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise, was named a 2025 Top Franchise for Veterans by independent research firm Franchise Business Review for the sixth year. Only 100 brands were named to the annual list of award winners.

Franchise Business Review conducts independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, providing the only ratings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. To identify the companies on this year’s list of the Top Franchises for Veterans, Franchise Business Review analyzed data from over 2,100 franchise owners representing 365 brands regarding their overall satisfaction with their brands and their likelihood to recommend them to others.

“This year marks the sixth time FASTSIGNS has earned this distinction from Franchise Business Review, a testament to the culture we’ve built and the opportunities we provide for those who have served,” said Mark Jameson, chief development officer of FASTSIGNS’ parent company, Propelled Brands. “Veterans bring exceptional leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills to franchising. We’re proud to offer them a proven path to business ownership and to empower them to thrive as entrepreneurs and community leaders after service.”

FASTSIGNS’ franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including leadership, training & support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity. FASTSIGNS’ survey data showed the following:

• 91% of franchisees agree that they enjoy operating this business
• 95% of franchisees are likely to recommend this franchise to others
• 91% of franchisees agree that they respect their franchisor

“After returning home from active duty, I spent years helping other entrepreneurs grow their businesses before joining the FASTSIGNS corporate team, and that experience gave me the bug for ownership,” said Jody Lamb, FASTSIGNS franchisee and U.S. Army veteran. “Owning a FASTSIGNS keeps you busy, but it also gives you the freedom to balance your life goals. It’s been incredibly rewarding to grow with a brand that values its people and gives veterans a clear path to success.”

FASTSIGNS is committed to helping servicemen and women find success and purpose through franchise opportunities. As a member of VetFran since 2012, FASTSIGNS offers 50% off the initial franchise fee as well as reduced royalties for the first 12 months of business. These incentives apply to both veterans and first responders interested in pursuing dreams of small business ownership.

To date, FASTSIGNS operates more than 785 locations, with nearly 10% of its franchisees being veterans.

Visit www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full description of the 2025 Top Franchises for Veterans.

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

Leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise builds momentum with industry accolades, franchise growth, and key appointments

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise, marked the first half of 2025 with notable achievements, earning multiple accolades, including being recently named to Entrepreneur’s 2025 Best of the Best Franchises list, expanding into key markets with new franchise agreements, and appointing Jim Howe as President.

“The Best of the Best honor reflects the strength of the FASTSIGNS brand and earning high marks from our franchisees reflects how our business model effectively sets up entrepreneurs for high satisfaction and success,” said Mark Jameson, Chief Development Officer at Propelled Brands. “Our continued recognition would not be possible without the shared dedication and forward-thinking vision of our franchisees and support teams.”

Key honors awarded in 2025 include:

• Entrepreneur’s 2025 Best of the Best Franchises
• Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® (Ranked #1 in Category; #100 Overall)
• Canadian Franchise Association’s Franchisees’ Choice Designation and Silver Award of Excellence
• Franchise Customer Experience Certification, administered by the Franchise Customer Experience Institute
• Franchise Business Review Top 100 Franchise for Women:
  • 91% of franchisees agree that they enjoy operating this business;
  • 95% of franchisees are likely to recommend this franchise to others;
  • 91% of franchisees agree that they respect their franchisor.

So far this year, FASTSIGNS has signed 14 agreements across California, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas, now boasting more than 785 locations across the U.S. and Canada. In addition to its growth and development, FASTSIGNS appointed Jim Howe as President in March. Under his leadership, the brand is focused on accelerating growth, expanding into untapped markets, and further strengthening franchisee support systems.

“With new franchise agreements, strong validation from our network, and the appointment of Jim Howe as President, FASTSIGNS is well-positioned for the future,” said Jameson. “We’re committed to supporting our franchisees and fueling sustainable growth for years to come. ”

The total investment for a FASTSIGNS franchise is approximately $248,083 – $344,624, including a $49,750 franchise fee. Ideal candidates have a net worth of $300,000, of which $80K is liquid. As a member of VetFran, the brand offers a special incentive for veterans and first responders, which includes a 50% reduction on the franchise fee – a savings of $24,875.

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

Franchisor Celebrates Landmark Year, Recognizing Over 400 Sales Professionals

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the world’s leading custom sign and visual solutions franchisor with more than 780 FASTSIGNS® centers worldwide, hosted its 15th annual Outside Sales Summit August 7-9 in St. Louis, Missouri. The event hosted over 640 participants, including franchisees, sales professionals, corporate staff and exhibitors.

“Our 15th Outside Sales Summit in St. Louis was a landmark event, where we had the honor of recognizing a record number of sales professionals for their outstanding achievements,” said Jim Howe, president of FASTSIGNS. “The energy was further amplified by our interactive Vendor Show and a highly successful inaugural Vendor Showcase from the mainstage, setting a new benchmark for success and propelling us into a period of exciting growth.”

With the theme “Ticket to Success”, the FASTSIGNS 2025 Outside Sales Summit celebrated the network’s sales achievements between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, and added three new awards: The Double Platinum Award, The Triple Platinum Award and The Titanium Award. At the awards event, 400 Outside Sales Professionals were recognized, including:

• 2 Titanium Sales Award winners for sales exceeding $4 million
• 1 Triple Platinum Sales Award winner for sales between $3 to $4 million
• 9 Double Platinum Sales Award winners for sales between $2 to $3 million
• 47 Platinum Sales Award winners for sales between $1 million to $2 million
• 70 Gold Sales Award winners for sales between $700,000 to $999,999
• 78 Silver Sales Award winners for sales between $500,000 to $699,999
• 137 Bronze Sales Award winners for sales between $300,000 to $499,999

Krista Wilson from FASTSIGNS® of Baltimore, Maryland, and FASTSIGNS of Columbia, Maryland, was recognized as this year’s recipient of the Catherine Monson Salesperson of the Year Award, marking the seventh year for this honor. With this award, FASTSIGNS recognizes one Outside Sales Professional who best represents the concept and the spirit of the brand, both in the business community and within the FASTSIGNS network.

Additional awards included The National Sales Achievement Award for the highest total sales, and 12 center employees received the Circle of Excellence Award, recognizing their daily commitment to the success and growth of their FASTSIGNS center. The Rookie of the Year Award was given to an individual with the highest total sales in their first full 12 months of employment, and The Rising Star Award honored an Outside Sales Professional promoted from within the center in 2023 or 2024 with the highest total sales in their first full 12 months in the role. An additional 43 individuals became Certified FASTSIGNS Sales Executives after completing an extensive Outside Sales Certification Program.

Featured speakers included newly appointed FASTSIGNS President Jim Howe; Vice President of Technology and Supply Chain for FASTSIGNS, Brian Boehm; CEO and Founder of Subtle Skills, Brian Galke; and American Ninja Warrior Competitor and an Award-Winning Entertainer for NBC, Alex Weber. Speakers also covered a variety of topics, including supercharging sales, efficient project management, unlocking revenue and more.

FASTSIGNS franchisees and their employees, vendors and FASTSIGNS International, Inc. corporate staff participated in the FASTSIGNS Community Giveback “Breakfast with a Purpose.” The team donated time and created hygiene kits for high school students in the area. This giveback event was also made possible by the generous support of the FASTSIGNS Community Giveback sponsors, including Contact USA, Epson, Grimco, Impact LED Signs, FASTSIGNS National Accounts, Retreva, SA-SO, and Vision Engraving.

88 vendors participated in this year’s Outside Sales Summit. Diamond sponsors included Epson, Fellers, Grimco and Signs365; Gold sponsors included 3M and Mimaki; and Avery Dennison was a Silver sponsor. The Opening Night Networking Party was sponsored by Drake Industries.

Independent Survey Shows Female Franchise Owners Are Highly Satisfied with FASTSIGNS’ Performance

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, has been recognized by Franchise Business Review as a 2025 Top Franchise for Women. Only 100 brands were named to the annual list of award winners.

“The women who make up the FASTSIGNS network are truly remarkable,” said Mark Jameson, chief development officer of Propelled Brands. “It’s an honor to see them recognized, especially since this award is based on feedback from our own franchisees. At FASTSIGNS, our culture is built around inclusivity, and we are proud to recruit and empower exceptional women to pursue business ownership.”

Franchise Business Review, a research firm that conducts independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only ratings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes its rankings of top franchises semi-annually in its Guide to Today’s Top Franchises, as well as industry reports throughout the year that highlight research on the top franchises in specific sectors.

FASTSIGNS was among 350 franchise brands, representing nearly 9,000 female franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research on the Top Franchises for Women. FASTSIGNS’ franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including leadership, training & support, financial opportunity, and work/life balance.

“Franchising is a fantastic option for women seeking business ownership on a full or part-time basis,” said Michelle Rowan, president and COO of Franchise Business Review. “With so many franchise opportunities to choose from, it’s critical to do in-depth research to understand how satisfied current female franchise owners are with the training and support, work/life balance, financial opportunity, culture and leadership of any brand they’re considering before making an investment. When you look at the brands on this year’s list of the Top Franchises for Women, 88% of women said they enjoy being part of their franchise organizations and 3 out of 4 said they would recommend their franchise to others—powerful feedback for women considering the transition to business ownership.”

FASTSIGNS’ survey data showed the following:

• 91% of franchisees agree that they enjoy operating this business;
• 95% of franchisees are likely to recommend this franchise to others;
• 91% of franchisees agree that they respect their franchisor.

“Opening a FASTSIGNS was an easy decision for our family. After seeing how the business model could complement our existing photography business, we knew it would offer opportunities for growth and flexibility,” said Gaby Mullinax, FASTSIGNS multi-unit franchisee in Fullerton and Brea, California. “FASTSIGNS continues to give us the resources we need to keep expanding our business and work towards building a lasting family legacy.”

To view FASTSIGNS’ recognition, visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com for the full list of the 2025 Top Franchises for Women.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, presented The FASTSIGNS Possibility Award, now in its second year, at the 2025 FASTSIGNS International Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. This award was given to Jose Corujo, Teresa Caballero and Juan Rivera for their groundbreaking work with Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in Caguas, Puerto Rico at the 2024 SME Marketing Summit.

The FASTSIGNS Puerto Rico team created a life-sized, walk-thru KFC bucket, incorporating video walls and structural trussing to support the installation. The immersive experience was enhanced with coroplast graphics and mirror vinyl, transforming the Coca-Cola Music Hall entrance into a social media sensation. This high-impact installation, completed swiftly, became the event’s highlight, captivating attendees and elevating brand visibility.

“We are thrilled to receive recognition across the entire FASTSIGNS network for our work with KFC,” said Juan Rivera, production and innovation partner at FASTSIGNS. “This project pushed our team to new creative heights, and we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with our client while sharing this achievement.”

Using a consultative sales approach, FASTSIGNS provides tailored strategies that improve customer engagement and business efficiency through visual communication. With four locations in Puerto Rico—Caguas, Carolina, Guaynabo and Las Piedras—as well as a center in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the company ensures that clients receive expert guidance in selecting the right solutions for their specific needs.

“Working with the FASTSIGNS team in Puerto Rico is always a pleasure, as they prioritize listening to your business needs and delivering creative, executable ideas,” said Ana Agrelot, CMO and vice president of marketing at Encanto Restaurants/KFC Puerto Rico.”The KFC bucket is a perfect example of how they brought to life our vision of letting consumers step inside a bucket of KFC chicken. Using video within a structure, they showcased our food visuals in a way that created an engaging social media moment for both the brand and its customers—it was truly ‘finger-lickin’ good!”

The FASTSIGNS franchise model enables local business partners to introduce world-class best practices to a variety of industries and market verticals. With a global presence, FASTSIGNS remains committed to helping brands make powerful brand statements through innovative design, expert execution and impactful visual solutions to elevate businesses and engage audiences.

“One of the key advantages of being part of the FASTSIGNS franchise is access to a vast network of over 785 centers worldwide,” said Teresa Caballero, business development partner at FASTSIGNS. This provides our team with the latest tools, best practices and ongoing learning opportunities to consistently deliver top-tier solutions to our clients.”

“This award is yet another incentive for our continued expansion,” said Jose Corujo, managing partner at FASTSIGNS. “Our growing presence in the region demonstrates the strength and reliability of our brand, and we look forward to bringing even more innovative solutions to businesses across Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and beyond.”

The Leading Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchise Poised for New Growth and Innovation with Howe at the Helm

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today the appointment of Jim Howe, former president of Propelled Brands’ company NerdsToGo^®, as president of FASTSIGNS, effective immediately.

“Jim is the perfect fit to lead FASTSIGNS, bringing his strategic vision and deep expertise in franchising to drive the brand’s objectives and large-scale initiatives forward,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of Propelled Brands. “I’ve witnessed Jim’s positive impact firsthand across the Propelled Brands network for over a decade, and I’m honored to appoint him to this role.”

Howe brings more than 30 years of franchising experience to his new role, including 11 years as vice president, leading operations and franchise support at FASTSIGNS. Most recently, he served as president of NerdsToGo^®, the managed IT services brand for small businesses under the Propelled Brands^® umbrella. During his tenure, Howe demonstrated exceptional brand stewardship, leading NerdsToGo’s transformation into a Managed Service Provider (MSP), positioning him for success in his new role as FASTSIGNS president.

“It’s an incredible honor to return to FASTSIGNS as president,” said Howe. “Having been part of the brand’s journey for over a decade, I’m eager to build on its legacy of innovation and drive continued growth by empowering our franchisees and strengthening our network.”

As president of FASTSIGNS, Howe will be responsible for increasing franchisee profitability through effective leadership, innovation, new revenue streams, and operational efficiencies, as well as driving growth in the number of franchise locations. He will focus on franchisee/franchisor collaboration, sharing best practices, optimizing processes, increasing franchisee profitability and satisfaction, as well as deepening customer relationships to bring the brand promise to life.