Propelled Brands

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.”

CARROLLTON, Texas — Propelled Brands, a best-in-class multi-brand franchisor platform company, is welcoming a new president for its premier franchise brand, FASTSIGNS International, Inc.

Catherine Monson, CEO of Propelled Brands, who has served as the CEO and President of FASTSIGNS International since January 2009, knew that it was time for a president solely devoted to FASTSIGNS. As Propelled Brands continues to grow and add more brands, she wanted to ensure that FASTSIGNS had a strong, dedicated leader to continue to drive innovation and growth for the FASTSIGNS franchisees.

Propelled Brands was formed in 2001 with FASTSIGNS International, Inc. as its first brand. The franchisor later acquired the technology brand NerdsToGo® and the salon suite franchisor Suite Management Franchising, LLC®, the parent company of MY SALON Suite® and Salon Plaza.

“It has been a true joy to be the dedicated executive focused on the FASTSIGNS brand for over 13 years, helping the FASTSIGNS Network grow. I have focused on implementing the franchising best practices of improving franchisee profitability, increasing franchisees’ profitable sales growth, increasing the value of the brand through excellent marketing, and increasing already-high franchisee satisfaction. The FASTSIGNS brand continues to be the recognized leader in the signage and visual graphics space,” said Monson. “NerdsToGo and MY SALON Suite both have their own dedicated, focused presidents, and now FASTSIGNS has its own president. We took our time to find the right person for this role. Andrea Hohermuth’s franchising knowledge and experience, strong leadership skills, broad skillset, technology background–along with her passion and drive–make her the ideal President to continue to grow the FASTSIGNS network.”

Hohermuth met with franchisees and spoke about her vision for 2023 from the main stage at the FASTSIGNS International Convention held in Las Vegas this week.

With over 20 years of experience, Andrea Hohermuth has broad experience in franchising, technology, operations, and leadership and has been integral to the modernization of multiple companies. Utilizing strategic vision and design to deliver on large-scale initiatives, she has a proven track record of overseeing departments and leading teams through transition and growth.

Prior to FASTSIGNS, Andrea held the role of Chief Operating Officer of Threshold Brands, a multi-brand franchisor in the home services industry, for which she was instrumental in structuring. She has also served as the Senior Vice President of Technology & Operations and later the Chief Operating Officer at MaidPro, the inaugural brand of Threshold Brands and one of the top 10 franchise companies ranked by Forbes.

At FASTSIGNS, Andrea is leading all franchise support efforts for the FASTSIGNS network including business development, operations, supply chain, technology, IT support, training, sales development, digital signage, and national accounts.

“As FASTSIGNS continues to grow as the leader in the signage and visual graphics industry, we are thrilled to have Andrea Hohermuth as the dedicated executive to continue to innovate, grow the brand and to support our franchisees in the FASTSIGNS Network. What a great way to bring in 2023,” said Catherine Monson.

Independent Survey Shows FASTSIGNS Ranks Highest in Franchisee Satisfaction in the Business Service Category Within the Top 200 Franchise Brands.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, was recently named #1 in the Business Services sector on Franchise Business Review’s list of the Top Franchises for 2023. This is the 18th annual ranking of the 200 best franchise opportunities as rated by franchise business owners. The list is available at https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/top-franchises/. FASTSIGNS was also identified by Franchise Business Review as being one of only 100 franchises to qualify as a 2022 Recession-Proof Franchise.

“Being named one of Franchise Business Review’s top 200 franchises and the #1 in our category is an immense honor and a testament to the strength of our brand,” said Mark Jameson, Chief Development Officer at Propelled Brands. “This achievement was made possible through the efforts of our franchisees to further establish FASTSIGNS as the go-to resource for visual communications in their communities. This year, we look forward to continuing to deliver quality services to our customers and attracting the best franchise candidates by offering a range of options, from owning a franchise to adapting an existing sign business through a conversion or co-branding with a complementary business.”

Franchise Business Review, a market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction and employee engagement, provides the only rankings and awards for franchise companies based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes its rankings of the top 200 franchises in its annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises.

FASTSIGNS was among over 360 franchise brands, representing more than 38,000 franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research. 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, and financial opportunity.

“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 FASTSIGNS of Maumee. “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.”

FASTSIGNS’ survey data showed the following:

I enjoy being part of this organization: 4.4/5.0
I respect my Franchisor: 4.5/5.0
Senior Management promotes a clear vision for the company: 4.4/5.0
My Franchisor cares about my success: 4.4/5.0
Would you recommend this franchise to others? 4.5/5.0

“Franchisee satisfaction levels hit an all-time high last year despite the pandemic, and we are pleased to report that our 2023 research shows satisfaction has remained sky high—a sure indicator that franchisee satisfaction is a top priority for franchise companies—and that’s good news for franchise owners and anyone thinking about investing in a franchise,” said Michelle Rowan, president & COO of Franchise Business Review. “As an independent research firm, Franchise Business Review is committed to helping prospective franchisees get an objective view of the best franchise opportunities available based on actual feedback from the people who own them. This year, nearly 38,000 franchisees completed our survey, and from there we identified the franchise brands with the highest levels of satisfaction and performance to educate potential buyers about which franchise to invest in. Each of the 200 Franchisee Satisfaction Award winners on this year’s list achieved stellar ratings from their franchisees.”

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

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

Franchise Business Review (FBR) is a leading market research firm serving the franchise sector. FBR measures the satisfaction and engagement of franchisees and franchise employees and publishes various guides and reports for entrepreneurs considering an investment in a franchise business. Since 2005, FBR has surveyed hundreds of thousands of franchise owners and over 1,200 leading franchise companies. FBR publishes free and unbiased franchisee satisfaction research reports throughout the year online at http://www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com. To read our publications, visit https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/publications/.

The Leading Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchise Receives Recognition Following Record-Breaking 2022.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise in the nation, announced today it has been ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category in Entrepreneur‘s Franchise 500® for the seventh consecutive year. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the Franchise 500® ranks FASTSIGNS as #62 overall for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength, stability, and brand power.

“After a year of record-breaking success for FASTSIGNS, receiving recognition as the #1 franchise opportunity for signage, graphics, and visual communication once again is a testament to the strength of our brand and the hard work of our franchisees,” said Mark Jameson, chief development officer at Propelled Brands. “Demand for our services remains high and FASTSIGNS franchisees continue to be the go-to resource for visual communications in their communities. I look forward to seeing our momentum of growth continue this year by offering a variety of franchising options, from owning a franchise to adapting an existing sign business through a conversion or co-branding with a complementary business as we expand into new markets.”

The recognition follows 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. FASTSIGNS has experienced strong growth and continues to expand the franchise network, awarding 20 franchises in 2022 to develop locations in markets such as Santa Clarita, CA, Ocala, FL, Gastonia, NC and Sioux City, IA. The impressive growth underscores FASTSIGNS’ adaptability to a rapidly changing business environment and economy and the continued demand for signage and visual graphics making it a recession resistant business.

“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. “FASTSIGNS helped me just by standing behind all the things they promised. The business model does work as they said it would, the marketing support is excellent, and the operational support provided by the business consultants is always there.”

In Entrepreneur‘s continuing effort to best understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace, the company’s 44-year-old ranking formula continues to evolve as well. The editorial team researches and assesses several factors that go into the evaluation including costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500® in ranking order.

“The past year underscores the extraordinary opportunities that the franchising industry presents for entrepreneurs of all levels,” says Entrepreneur editor in chief Jason Feifer. “The companies named to our 44th annual Franchise 500 list represent some of the most innovative, creative, and trusted brands across many industries and highlight what it takes to build the kind of momentum that drives long-lasting success.”

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.

FASTSIGNS is currently seeking qualified franchisees with an emphasis on existing businesses to co-brand or convert. Owners of sign businesses can convert the business into a FASTSIGNS center to benefit from the proven business model and support system, or add a FASTSIGNS center to an existing business to receive training and support from the franchise system for just $15,000 down.

To date, FASTSIGNS operates more than 760 locations in 46 states and eight countries. Of these FASTSIGNS franchisees, around 14% are veterans.

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

To view FASTSIGNS in the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2023 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands January 17th.

CAGUAS, Puerto Rico — Rebecca Belgodere, an Outside Sales Professional for FASTSIGNS® of Caguas received the Catherine Monson Salesperson of the Year Award at the 2022 FASTSIGNS Outside Sales Summit held in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.

This prestigious award recognizes an Outside Sales Professional that best represents the spirit of the FASTSIGNS brand by solving visual communication challenges through comprehensive solutions. It also honors someone who continually improves their selling skills and encourages others.

“It’s a huge honor and a celebration for me, the clients and the entire team,” said Rebecca. “I fell in love with the brand and the culture of how they care for all of us. We experienced that care when the hurricanes hit Puerto Rico and also during the pandemic. You know you’re going to be successful with the support of FASTSIGNS.”

Rebecca’s advertising agency background allows her project management skills to shine when working with vendors and clients. This makes her a valuable asset at FASTSIGNS.

Rebecca trains everyone who joins FASTSIGNS PR or the Dominican Republic.

“One of the things that sets Rebecca apart is that she never runs from a challenge. She was new to the world of signs when she started, but nothing we have thrown at her stops her,” said Jose Corujo, franchisee at FASTSIGNS of Caguas, PR. “She always finds a way, and that’s a skill that she has taken to another level.”

This year, the high-performing Puerto Rican sales team celebrated additional achievements. Ricky Rivera received The Gold Sales Award and Maria DelValle and Ziranay Torres received The Bronze Sales Award.

“We consider our FASTSIGNS team our family,” shared Franchisee Teresa Caballero.
“We love helping people feel like they belong, no matter who they are or what they do. That’s our business, and Rebecca has really been able to help further that culture here at FASTSIGNS.”

Franchisee Juan Rivera said, “Because of the way the franchise model is set up, we’ve been able to develop someone like Rebecca with a transactional background to become a visual communication consultant who gives valuable advice to clients on integrated solutions to take their brand to the next level.”

Rebecca understands people and truly serves her clients. “I’m helping clients achieve business success. Their success is our success.”