Propelled Brands

Leading Sign and Graphics Organization Named a Top 100 Recession-Proof Franchise for Third Consecutive Year.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, was recently named a top franchise by Franchise Business Review in its report on the Top Recession-Proof Franchises for 2023. Companies featured on the list not only have outstanding satisfaction among their franchise owners, but also demonstrate a strong potential to outperform their competitors during challenging economic times.

“FASTSIGNS is proud to offer our franchisees world-class support as they navigate business ownership during turbulent times, and this award is a testament to the value of our franchise network and business model,” said Mark Jameson, chief development officer at Propelled Brands. “With an uncertain economic landscape, having the largest, most sophisticated and recognized brand by your side can be tremendously helpful in navigating those challenges. As the need for visual communications continues to increase, FASTSIGNS serves more than 30 industries with our business model that is able to thrive in any market condition. We are proud to offer our network the tools and resources they need to find success.”

Franchise Business Review (FBR) provides the only rankings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. More than 36,000 franchisees representing over 365 franchise brands participated in Franchise Business Review’s franchisee satisfaction survey over 18 months. From the research, FASTSIGNS was one of just 100 franchise brands to be identified as a Top Recession-Proof Franchise award winner and be featured on the list of the best recession-proof franchises.

“FASTSIGNS has a broad range of products and services that are needed in all kinds of economic environments by a large variety of businesses and organizations,” said Al Cothern, FASTSIGNS franchisee of West Palm Beach, Florida, who opened his first franchise during the previous recession in 2009. “It is a very profitable business and the start-up costs were within my means. The sign and graphics industry is more insulated from a recession than some other businesses, and with a proven business model, finding success with FASTSIGNS is mainly a matter of execution.”

Last year was the brand’s most successful year-to-date with FASTSIGNS surpassing $700 million in network sales for the first time, underscoring FASTSIGNS’ adaptability to a rapidly-changing business environment and economy and the continued demand for signage and graphics, making it a recession-resistant business. FASTSIGNS is continuing to grow with record success with franchise sales, having signed 10 new franchise agreements in the first quarter this year.

The brand also recently announced plans to expand its co-brand and conversion programs to help small businesses in the sign or adjacent industries navigate operating in a recession. The co-brand and conversion programs offer independent businesses the resources and support of a recognizable brand and access to FASTSIGNS’ extensive network and successful business model.

FASTSIGNS franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including training & support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, culture, and financial opportunity.

FASTSIGNS’ survey data showed the following:

• 92% of franchisees “strongly agree” or “agree” to respecting the franchisor
• 95% of franchisees are likely to recommend FASTSIGNS to others
• 95% of franchisees rate their local market competitiveness above average, +20% higher than the industry benchmark

“While no business is 100% recession-proof, these franchise businesses have demonstrated that they are highly recession-resistant based on historical performance,” said Eric Stites, CEO of Franchise Business Review. “For people seeking to be their own boss, the Top 100 Recession-Proof businesses we identified this year not only have outstanding satisfaction among their owners—one of the most important factors to consider before investing in any franchise opportunity—but they have performed well in good times and bad, and we feel they hold a strong advantage to outperform their competitors in the years ahead.”

For more information about FASTSIGNS®, visit https://www.fastsigns.com.

Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full list of the Top Franchises of 2023.

Industry leader offers independent sign and graphic owners a proven support network that drives next-level growth.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS® – the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise in the nation – will attend the 2023 ISA International Sign Expo (Booth #1871) at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas on April 12-14 to showcase upcoming franchise opportunities amid expansion of the brand’s co-brand and conversion programs. The programs offer independent businesses in the sign or adjacent industries opportunities for expanded revenue streams and the support of an established network, while still maintaining their initial business.

“We’re helping those who have experienced slow and steady growth reach a new level of success with greater revenues and profitability through our co-brand and conversion program,” said Mark Jameson, chief development officer of Propelled Brands. “As the industry leader, we offer brand recognition, powerful local and national marketing, improved buying power and relationships with vendors, up-to-date technology and digital services, a nationwide network of franchisees, and top-of-the-line training and support.”

Last year was the brand’s most successful year-to-date with FASTSIGNS building on a growing sales track record and surpassing $700 million in network sales for the first time in company history. The impressive growth underscores FASTSIGNS’ adaptability to a rapidly-changing business environment and economy and the continued demand for signage and graphics making it a recession-resistant business.

“With an uncertain economic landscape, having the largest, most sophisticated and recognized brand by your side can be tremendously helpful navigating those challenges,” added Jameson. “We’re here to support our franchise partners at whatever level they desire.”

FASTSIGNS co-branding program allows those in a complementary space, such as photo, promotional products, awards/engraving and printing, to keep their independence and control of their existing business, while growing a whole new category to expand revenues with diverse product lines and services at a minimal cost. The owner’s core business is exempt from royalty structure.

“Co-branding with FASTSIGNS has changed my business. As an independent entrepreneur in the photo business, coming into the sign business and seeing what FASTSIGNS provided for us is completely game-changing,” said Gaby Mullinax, franchisee at FASTSIGNS of Fullerton, CA. “When you become an entrepreneur, you are on your own, everything falls on your shoulders. FASTSIGNS takes that on for you in a sense and delivers opportunities.”

The FASTSIGNS conversion program allows business owners to convert their existing sign shop and gain brand recognition and ongoing training and support from the franchise system for a $15,000 starting investment on franchise fee. FASTSIGNS offers support throughout each stage of the franchising process, including when it’s time to sell the business or establish a succession plan.

“When FASTSIGNS pursued us to convert our business, we decided to make the leap after seeing what we could do and what potential support there was for our business growth,” said Karrie Brock, franchisee at FASTSIGNS of Toledo and Maumee, OH. “The network of other FASTSIGNS owners has been the biggest key to our success. Being a part of a larger network that can share ideas, help with solutions and even help produce or install anywhere in the world is priceless.”

The total investment for a FASTSIGNS franchise is approximately $233,555 – $307,308 including a $49,750 franchise fee. Additionally, FASTSIGNS offers a special incentive for veterans and 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.

To date, FASTSIGNS operates more than 765 locations in 46 states and eight countries. Of these FASTSIGNS franchisees, around 14% are veterans.

For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, fill out this brief form, or contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or 214-346-5679).

Franchisees Receive Industry Recognition at 2023 IFA Annual Convention Following FASTSIGNS Convention, Adding to Growing List of Accolades.

CARROLLTON, Texas — The International Franchise Association (IFA) today named Jeff Parsons and Wes Snyder, multi-unit owners of FASTSIGNS® – the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise in the nation – as 2023 Franchisees of the Year. Parsons and Snyder were honored at the 63rd IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, for being outstanding franchise establishment owner-operators.

“Jeff Parsons and Wes Snyder are masters of the FASTSIGNS model and have been integral contributors to the health and vibrancy of our network,” said Andrea Hohermuth, President of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “They invest in their people, they invest in their processes, and they invest in their centers to ensure each location has the capability and knowledge to deliver our brand promise to customers. We are proud to have such outstanding franchisees represent the FASTSIGNS brand and are honored to receive this recognition from the IFA.”

The Franchisee of the Year Award, sponsored by IFA’s partner Paychex, recognizes leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance, and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by their parent company, individuals are selected for their service to their communities, fostering a strong and vibrant workforce, opening the doors for career growth and entrepreneurship, and supporting their fellow franchisees.

“It is an amazing honor to receive this award. I have been a franchisee for almost 25 years, and everything I have accomplished in my life is a direct result of the FASTSIGNS network,” said Wes Snyder. “Not only am I very grateful for what this network has provided me, but I also love to tell anyone who will listen that it is a wonderful organization to be part of, and the management of the FASTSIGNS network is second to none.”

Parsons and Snyder were also recently recognized at the FASTSIGNS International Convention with the FASTSIGNS Award, the most prestigious recognition in the franchise, presented to the franchisees who best represent the FASTSIGNS brand in their community and the network. With years of experience in the FASTSIGNS network, Parsons and Snyder purchase FASTSIGNS centers that are for sale to help them become high-performing locations. Today, they own centers in Austin and Corpus Christi, TX, Fort Myers, FL, Charleston, SC, Tucson, AZ and Raleigh, NC.

“Franchisee of the Year recipients represent the best in franchising,” said Matthew Haller, president and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “This is the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and local business owners like FASTSIGNS exemplify the power of franchising and its positive contributions to communities around the world.”

The total investment for a FASTSIGNS franchise is approximately $233,555 – $307,308 including a $49,750 franchise fee. Ideal candidates have a net worth of $300,000, of which $80K is liquid. Additionally, FASTSIGNS offers a special incentive for veterans and 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.

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

The Leading Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchise Wins its Fifth Consecutive Global Franchise Award at the Annual IFA Conference.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise in the nation, ranked first in “Signage & Communication” for the annual Global Franchise Awards. This marks the fifth consecutive year FASTSIGNS has won this award, highlighting the brand’s superb ethics, dedication and excellence as an international franchisor.

“Our franchisees work to establish FASTSIGNS as the go-to resource for visual communications in their communities and receiving this prestigious recognition for the fifth year is a testament to the strength of our growing network,” said Mark Jameson, chief support and development officer at Propelled Brands. “We are thrilled to be recognized as number one in our category for both this award as well as recently in Entrepreneur magazine’s highly competitive Franchise 500^® list. We are proud of our entire team and thank our amazing franchisees helping us to achieve these accolades.”

The Global Franchise Awards, now in its sixth year, honors exceptional franchise brands that are leaders in their respective categories. To decide the winners of these Awards, Global Franchise shortlists the applications using an independent panel of key, impartial and industry experts working to the criteria created by the Global Franchise team. Using these criteria as a guide, the judges select an entry from each category that best demonstrates the values Global Franchise is looking to celebrate.

FASTSIGNS experienced exceptional growth last year surpassing $700 million in sales for the first time. Today there are over 765 FASTSIGNS locations in eight different countries with more being awarded as new franchisees continue to join FASTSIGNS. In 2022, 20 franchises were awarded through either traditional franchise agreements or through co-brands and conversions, including four international locations. Currently, at least 400 more U.S. and Canadian markets and additional international markets are targeted for development.

“FASTSIGNS was a ‘leap of faith’ or a ‘leap before you look’ type of situation, but we have never regretted it for a single moment,” said Donna Bilodeau, FASTSIGNS franchisee of Windsor, Ontario. “The support from FASTSIGNS is second to none. The corporate team is designed to assist the franchisees in making our businesses front runners in the industry. We have grown many relationships and sales over the years, and could not have done it without the support of our franchisor and the family of other franchisees.”

The total investment for a FASTSIGNS franchise is approximately $233,555 – $307,308 including a $49,750 franchise fee. Ideal candidates have a net worth of $300,000, of which $80K is liquid. Additionally, FASTSIGNS offers a special incentive for veterans and 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.

To view FASTSIGNS in the full Global Franchise Award winners list, visit https://www.global-franchise.com/awards/winners.

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

Grimco and Spicers Recognized for Incredible Supplier Relationship.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise with more than 765 locations in eight countries worldwide, presented the U.S. Vendor of the Year Award to Grimco, Inc. and the Canadian Vendor of the Year Award to Grimco and Spicers at the 2023 FASTSIGNS International Convention in Las Vegas, NV.

The FASTSIGNS Vendor of the Year is selected by FASTSIGNS franchisees and is based on the integrity of business practices, product quality, and having a long-term commitment to the FASTSIGNS network. Since 2015, Grimco has received this recognition. This also marks the third year for recognizing the Canadian Vendor of the Year.

“The FASTSIGNS Vendor of the Year Award for the US and Canada recognizes a supplier that delivers outstanding service and consistently provides excellent support to our franchisees,” said Andrea Hohermuth, President of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “We were thrilled to recognize Grimco and Spicers, and we truly appreciate all that they do for our franchise network.”

For the past 16 years, Grimco has been working with FASTSIGNS centers, supplying sign and graphics materials, products equipment and everything from signs and blanks to Digital Media and LED’s.

“We really appreciate the partnership with FASTSIGNS, and being named Vendor of the Year in the US and Canada is one of the highlights of the partnership,” said Julie McClain, Director of National Accounts at Grimco. “As the supply chain loosens up, our goal is to continue to provide excellent customer service, timely deliveries, and quality products at a competitive price. In 2023, we are also planning on offering new products with new training opportunities that will allow FASTSIGNS to grow with us in vertical markets. We look forward to continuing the partnership in years to come.”

Spicers works closely with FASTSIGNS centers, supplying custom signs and visual solution materials and products. This includes specialty products, graphic solutions, sign & display equipment and materials, and packaging and facility supplies and equipment.

“We are honoured to receive the Vendor of the Year award for Canada from FASTSIGNS as a Partner, delivering expertise and unparalleled support,” said Hugues Piaud, Category Director- Graphic Solutions at Spicers. “We are highly focused on providing the FASTSIGNS network with high-quality equipment such as printers, laminators, and consumables, in addition to excellent service and maintenance for their printers from our skilled technicians. We truly value their partnership and business and enjoy serving their franchisees.”

Jeff Parsons and Wes Snyder Receive The 2023 FASTSIGNS Award.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise with more than 764 locations in eight countries worldwide, recognized Jeff Parsons and Wes Snyder for the highest honor in the FASTSIGNS network, The FASTSIGNS Award.

The FASTSIGNS^® Award is the most prestigious recognition in the franchise and is presented to the franchisees who best represent the FASTSIGNS^® brand in their community and the network, as they provide exceptional customer service, mentorship, company culture and employee development.

“To me, one of the primary appeals of our brand, going back 20+ years, is that our products help businesses be noticed and successful. We don’t push, peddle and hard-sell clients into goods and services they don’t need and won’t help them achieve their goals of greater visibility,” said Jeff Parsons. “FASTSIGNS has encompassed most of my professional career and I am pleased to be partnered with a franchise that has such integrity at the core of what they do. As a result, I feel honored to be recognized as one who represents and embodies the ethos of our brand.”

“It is an amazing honor to receive this award. I have been a franchisee for almost 25 years, and everything I have accomplished in my life is a direct result of this network,” said Wes Snyder. “Not only am I very grateful for what this network has provided me, but I also love to tell anyone who will listen that it is a wonderful organization to be part of and the management of the FASTSIGNS network is second to none.”

While both Parsons and Snyder have been part of the FASTSIGNS network for many years, they began a path to own several FASTSIGNS together just a few short years ago.

Jeff Parsons, who has been in the FASTSIGNS network for over 20 years, began his FASTSIGNS career while working at his parents’ center for 10 years before he purchased an existing center in Indianapolis. He grew the business substantially before selling it in 2009, and he continued to be involved as a franchisee in other centers since then.

Wes opened the doors of his first FASTSIGNS center at the young age of 25 in Indianapolis. He sold the business in 2016, and by that point, it was one of the top-performing locations, consistently recognized in the top seven and eight for sales volume, for the entire network.

In 2018, Parsons and Snyder began purchasing FASTSIGNS centers that were for sale, often ones that were underperforming to turn them around. Their goal is to find individuals who want to own a FASTSIGNS center and who can help it become a high-performing center, and then they work closely with the onsite operator. Today they own centers in Austin and Corpus Christi, TX, Fort Myers, FL, Charleston, SC, Tucson, AZ and Raleigh, NC.

“Jeff Parsons and Wes Snyder are masters of the FASTSIGNS model and have been integral contributors to the health and vibrancy of our network,” said Andrea Hohermuth, President of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “They invest in their people, they invest in their processes, and they invest in their centers to ensure each location has the capability and knowledge to deliver our brand promise to customers. Their partnership is a testament to how working together can lead to amazing results. ”

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the custom signs and visual solutions franchise with more than 760 locations in eight countries worldwide, recently held its 2023 FASTSIGNS® International Convention in Las Vegas, NV. Themed Choose Victory, the multiple-day event taught best practices as well as celebrated franchisee achievements and the continued growth of the franchise network in both sales volume, profitability, and number of locations.

Over 1200 people attended which included FASTSIGNS franchisees, center team members, exhibitors, corporate staff members, including 186 first-time attendees. Attendees represented 378 center locations in the US and International locations, and 142 vendors exhibited in the annual Vendor Show.

Attendees had the opportunity to participate in general sessions, educational sessions, breakout sessions, peer panels and engaging roundtable discussions. From the mainstage, Andrea Hohermuth, the new President of FASTSIGNS, shared her vision of victory through proven growth strategies, embracing technology and driving efficiency, while ensuring business preparedness in the face of uncertain economic times. Other keynote speakers included Tiffani Bova, the Wall Street Journal’s bestselling author of Growth IQ; Steve LeFever, a successful entrepreneur and Chairman of Profit Mastery; and David Barr, Chairman of PMTD Restaurants LLC, Managing Director & Partner of Franworth, a multi-unit franchisee and franchisor, and Past Chairman of the International Franchise Association (2019-2020).

In addition, corporate team members educated franchisees in various breakout sessions, and attendees also had multiple opportunities to gain insight from panels of successful franchisees in the visual communications industry including The Secrets of Success Panel: The Secret of Doing More with Less. FASTSIGNS also held Vendor Show Training Events that included six different sessions from Banner Ups, Permit Place, 4over, Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), Howard Industries, Ricoh USA.

Highlights from the 2023 convention include:

• 2022 System-wide Sales for FASTSIGNS was $729 Million
• 74 FASTSIGNS/SIGNWAVE centers exceeded $1 million in annual sales, including 43 centers achieving over $1 million, 18 centers achieving over $2 million, 6 centers achieving over $3 million, 4 centers achieving over $4 million, 1 center achieving over $5 million, 1 center achieving over $8 million and 1 achieving over $18 million.
• The FASTSIGNS Award, which recognizes the franchisee who best represents the FASTSIGNS name in both the business community and within the FASTSIGNS network, was awarded to Jeff Parsons and Wes Snyder, franchisees of centers in Tucson, AZ, Austin and Corpus Christi, TX, Fort Myers, FL, Charleston, SC and Raleigh, NC.
• The WhatTheyThink|Wide Format & Signage FASTSIGNS Project of the Year was presented to Peter Knight-Sheen from Eugene, Oregon for their team’s work with Oregon 22 – World Track and Field Championships. Runners Up included Russell Hall, FASTSIGNS of Syracuse, NY for work with Gilbane Development/The Laurel and Rick & Lisa Abercrombie, FASTSIGNS of Lakewood, CO for work with Terumo.
• Grimco was presented the FASTSIGNS Vendor of Year Award for the US, and Grimco and Spicers were both presented the FASTSIGNS Vendor of the Year Award for Canada.
• Franchisees and their center teams were recognized for outstanding sign and graphic projects in the 2022 FASTSIGNS Customer Solutions Awards, which included grand prize winner Peter Knight-Sheen, FASTSIGNS of Eugene, OR, for work with Oregon 22 – World Track and Field Championships, 2nd Place Winner Joel Miller, FASTSIGNS of Manchester, CT, for work with Fresh Monkee Smoothie Shop, and two 3rd places winners that included Jim and Michelle Hall, FASTSIGNS of Nashville, TN, for work with Walker Lumber, as well as Team Boca, FASTSIGNS of Boca Raton, for work with Strike10 Bowling.

During each convention, FASTSIGNS hosts Breakfast with a Purpose, a Community Giveback project to make a difference in the community where the event is held. This year, FASTSIGNS worked with the North Las Vegas VA Medical Center to provide 200 care packages for hospitalized veterans. Together, FASTSIGNS franchisees and employees as well as the corporate staff at FASTSIGNS International Inc., along with vendor partners, supported the organization by filling care packages with for each veteran to receive a Thank You for Your Service drawstring bag filled with puzzle/game books, socks, denture adhesive cream, deodorant, lotion, chapstick and razors. Vendor partners included Boss Laser, Clarus, Click2Sell, Epson, Glantz, Grimco, GSG, Ornamental Post & Panel, and Stenson Tamaddon.

“2022 marked a year of incredible growth for the FASTSIGNS Brand. The number of FASTSIGNS centers grew to a record 765 locations in eight countries with same center sales exceeding 15% in the US, 6% in the UK and 2% in Canada year over year,” said Andrea Hohermuth, President of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “I experienced first-hand how this annual event brings our franchise network together to celebrate their achievements, and energizes them for the year ahead through educational and networking opportunities. Convention is the catalyst to create deeper FASTSIGNS connections, alignment and an even more successful 2023.”