Propelled Brands

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.”

The Leading Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchise Makes the 2022 List at #4 out of 150.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise in the nation, has been ranked 4th on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2022 list of Top Franchises for Veterans. This is the fifth consecutive year FASTSIGNS has been recognized in the top 10 and the sixth year the brand has been included on this list, which highlights a wide variety of franchises that provide advantageous opportunities for veterans.

Entrepreneur magazine’s Top Franchises for Veterans list ranks the top 150 franchises that offer incentives and other programs to help veterans become franchisees. FASTSIGNS, which is already associated with low start-up costs, provides veteran-friendly financing options including 50% off the initial franchise fee for veterans and first responders as well as reduced royalties for the first 12 months of business.

“FASTSIGNS is proud to support and provide opportunities for our nation’s veterans, and the continued recognition on Entrepreneur‘s Top Franchises for Veterans list is a testament to our success,” said Mark Jameson, Chief Support and Development Officer at Propelled Brands. “Veterans are some of the most qualified and ideal candidates for franchise business ownership, with the drive, work ethic and integrity needed to run a successful business. We have consistently seen those who have served thrive as business owners with our brand’s support behind them, and we look forward to helping more veterans achieve their goals as FASTSIGNS continues to grow.”

To develop the list of the Top Franchises for Veterans, Entrepreneur invited hundreds of companies to take part in a survey that requested information regarding each company’s veteran programs. Such information included the company’s veteran incentives and how veteran franchisees are attracted to and supported by the company, as well as how each company scored in the 2022 Franchise 500 list.

“Veterans have good discipline and the ability to look for solutions, which provides a leg-up working within a structured franchise system,” said Navy veteran Daniel Nichols, who owns a FASTSIGNS in The Woodlands, TX.

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

To view FASTSIGNS in the full Entrepreneur magazine Top Franchises for Veterans list, visit https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/topfranchiseveterans. Results can also be seen in the October/November issue of Entrepreneur magazine.

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

For more information about owning a FASTSIGNS franchise, visit https://www.fastsigns.com.

The Leading Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchise Exhibiting at the 2022 PRINTING United Expo.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise in the nation, will attend the PRINTING United Expo (Booth #N1811) at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Oct. 19-21, which brings together businesses from across the printing industry. FASTSIGNS will showcase its available franchise opportunities nationwide, focusing in particular on opportunities through the company’s co-brands with businesses such as print shops, photo processing and camera businesses, pack and ship stores and others, and a conversion program for independent sign businesses and printers.

“As our brand continues to grow across the nation, the PRINTING United Expo allows FASTSIGNS to share opportunities for co-brands and conversions with other businesses in our industry,” said Mark Jameson, Chief Support and Development Officer at Propelled Brands. “We’re proud to have over 760 locations operating around the world, with plans to target at least 400 more markets across the U.S. and Canada. With a nationally recognized brand, proven business model and support across our franchising network, we look forward to helping establish more business owners.”

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. By joining the FASTSIGNS family, franchisees receive local marketing and national brand marketing; sales support; technology support; supply chain and vendor discounts; and training.

“Prior to converting to FASTSIGNS, we were never able to achieve the sales goals we wanted. The processes and procedures allow us to obtain larger goals,” said Jeff Chudoff, franchisee at FASTSIGNS of Maple Shade, New Jersey. “Doing business is so much easier and profitable. I’m disappointed I didn’t convert sooner.”

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 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).

For more information about the PRINTING United Expo, visit https://www.printingunited.com/.

For more information about owning a FASTSIGNS franchise, visit https://www.fastsigns.com.

FASTSIGNS Engages Over 350 Sales Professionals Across 8 Countries.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the world’s leading sign and visual graphics franchisor with more than 750 FASTSIGNS^® locations in eight countries worldwide, hosted its 12th annual Outside Sales Summit August 18-20 in Indianapolis, IN. There were over 350 people in attendance.

The Accelerate Your Sales, the 2022 Outside Sales Summit celebrated the FASTSIGNS network’s sales achievements between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. At the award event on Saturday, 224 Outside Sales Professionals were recognized, including 34 who received the prestigious Platinum Award for achieving over $1 million in individual sales during the 12-month period. Additionally, 28 individuals became Certified FASTSIGNS Sales Executives after completing an extensive certification program during the same period.

2022 marked the fourth year for presenting the Catherine Monson Salesperson of the Year Award. 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. Rebecca Belgodere from FASTSIGNS® of Caguas, Puerto Rico was recognized as this year’s recipient of the Catherine Monson Salesperson of the Year Award.

“We were thrilled to host our 12th annual Outside Sales Summit, held in Indianapolis this year. This energy-packed event allowed us to provide attendee’s with education and tools to continue honing their selling skills, as well as to recognize and celebrate the impressive work and achievements of FASTSIGNS Outside Sales Professionals from locations around the world,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc.

One of the featured speakers included Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour, America’s First Black Female Combat Pilot. Additional speakers covered a variety of topics including Proven Prospecting Techniques Speeding Up the Close, Deepening Relationships, Managing a Sales Team, Reactivating Confidence in Sales, Coaching Tools and more.

FASTSIGNS® franchisees and their employees, vendors and FASTSIGNS International, Inc. corporate staff also participated in the FASTSIGNS Community Giveback “Breakfast with a Purpose” event to assemble 300 care packages for local teachers and students through the organization, Teachers’ Treasures. This giveback event was also made possible by the generous support of the FASTSIGNS Community Giveback sponsors including Click2Sell, Easelly, Grimco Inc., GSG, Sign Source USA and Steel Art Company.

88 vendors participated at this year’s Outside Sales Summit Event, including Grimco Inc who was a Diamond Sponsor. The Opening Night Networking Party was sponsored by HubSpot. FASTSIGNS also hosted 6 Vendor Training Workshops from 4over, 3M Commercial Solutions, Orbus Exhibit & Display Group, The Sign Pack, Wayfindit, and Jessup Manufacturing Company.