sign and graphic solutions

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.

The Leading Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchise Was Named a Top 100 Recession-Proof Franchise for 2022. 

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise in the nation, was recently identified by Franchise Business Review as being one of only 100 franchises to qualify as a 2022 Recession-Proof Franchise.

“FASTSIGNS® is proud to be recognized by Franchise Business Review as one of the most recession-proof franchises globally,” said Mark Jameson, chief support and development officer at Propelled Brands. “This award is a recognition of FASTSIGNS® providing our franchisees the tools and systems to run a successful small business even during turbulent times, while also delivering a service that almost every business or organization will need, even during times of crisis.”

Franchise Business Review (FBR), a franchise research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only rankings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes its rankings of top franchises in its annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises and quarterly reports that rank the top franchises in specific sectors throughout the year.

“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. “While a recession is generally bad for business, it creates opportunities as well. Having the drive to work hard and seize every good opportunity is the key. 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.”

FASTSIGNS® was among thousands of franchises that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research on the Best Recession-Proof Businesses to start. FASTSIGNS® franchisees were surveyed on many benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including leadership, training & support, financial opportunity and work/life balance. To be considered for this award, companies have outstanding satisfaction among their owners and hold a strong advantage to outperform their competitors in the years ahead.

To view FASTSIGNS’s® recognition, visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com and see the complete list of the 2022 Top Franchises.

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

Grimco and ND Graphics Recognized for Incredible Supplier Relationship. 

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise with more than 750 locations in nine countries worldwide, presented the U.S. Vendor of the Year Award to Grimco, Inc. and the Canadian Vendor of the Year Award to ND Graphics at the 2022 FASTSIGNS International Convention in Grapevine, Texas.

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 second 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 Mark Jameson, Chief Support and Development Officer. “We’re happy to recognize Grimco and ND Graphics, and we appreciate all that they do for our franchise network.”

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

“To be named Vendor of the Year in 2021 is truly an honor. We hoped that 2021 would move us forward from the pandemic and provide a more stable supply chain. Unfortunately that did not happen and everyone dealt with challenges that we had never expected or experienced in our industry,” said Julie McClain, Director of National Accounts at Grimco. “Through all of this, we appreciate our partnership with FASTSIGNS and the patience that everyone has shown throughout the year. We look forward to continuing the partnership with our goal of providing everyday products in a timely manner and to bring new products forward as the supply chain allows.”

Since 2017, ND Graphics has been working with FASTSIGNS centers, supplying sign and visual graphic materials and products. This includes equipment and everything from sign supplies to digital media and electrical solutions.

“It is an honor for ND Graphics to be awarded the Canadian Vendor of the Year from FASTSIGNS,” said Amber Mundy with ND Graphics. “After an unprecedented year, we appreciate working with such an incredible group of people. It has always been a pleasure to support FASTSIGNS and their growing success. At ND Graphics, we are fortunate to have 10 locations across Canada dedicated to serving Canadian businesses. As an industry leader, we pride ourselves on our exceptional team, extensive experience, and specialized knowledge to assist on every project. We look forward to continuing our valued relationship with the FASTSIGNS network for years to come.”

The Leading Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchise Wins its Fourth Consecutive Global Franchise Award.

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

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise with more than 750 locations in nine countries worldwide, recently held its 2022 FASTSIGNS^® International Convention in Grapevine, Texas. Themed Building Your Future, 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 and number of locations.

Over 900 people attended which included FASTSIGNS franchisees, center team members, 220 first-time attendees, exhibitors, and corporate staff members.  Attendees represented 400 center locations in the US and International locations.

Attendees had the opportunity to participate in general sessions, educational sessions, peer panels and roundtable discussions. Highlights from the event included hearing from Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher of the Dallas Cowboys, Dancing with the Stars champion, and successful real estate investor.

Additional speakers included Trent Shelton, Former NFL wide receiver and now one of the most authentic and powerful voices in the area of personal development as an inspiring motivational speaker and author; Scott Greenberg, author of The Wealthy Franchisee; and Scott Bornstein, a memory expert and business author who is world-renowned for his brain-changing memory systems that unleash the brain’s ability to learn deep and fast, and achieve exceptional and enduring recall.

In addition, corporate team members educated franchisees in various breakout sessions, and attendees also had the opportunity to gain insight from a panel of high-profile vertical industry sign and visual graphic buyers at the Secrets of Success Customer Experience Panel.

Highlights from the 2022 convention include:

• 2021 System-wide Sales for FASTSIGNS was $638M
• 170 FASTSIGNS/SIGNWAVE centers exceeded $1 million in annual sales, including 37 centers achieving over $2 million, 13 centers achieving over $3 million, 8 centers achieving over $4 million, 4 centers achieving over $5 million, 3 centers achieving over $6 million, 2 centers achieving over $17 million and one center 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 Stan Gray with FASTSIGNS of Long Beach and FASTSIGNS of Torrance.
• The WhatTheyThink | Printing News |Wide Format & Signage FASTSIGNS Project of the Year was presented to Jon Toy from York, PA for their team’s work with Shippensburg University.
• FASTSIGNS held their Vendor Show Training Events that included 7 different sessions from Bodaq Finishes (Nelcos), Zund America, Unibind/Peleman, GSG, Avery Dennison, Ricoh and ASI.
• Grimco was presented the FASTSIGNS Vendor of Year Award for the US, and ND Graphics was 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 2021 FASTSIGNS Customer Solutions Awards, which included grand prize winner Jon Toy, FASTSIGNS of York, for their work with Shippensburg University.

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 Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth with a focus on addressing food insecurity. The Fleet and Family Services department at the base was in need of perishable items as well as hygiene products and baby care items, so the outreach from FASTSIGNS was perfectly timed. Together, FASTSIGNS franchisees and employees as well as the corporate staff at FASTSIGNS International Inc., along with vendor partners, helped support over 6,000 military and family members in the Ft. Worth area. Vendor partners included Avery Dennison, Click2Sell, Colex, Grimco, GSG, Ornamental Post & Panel, Plasticade, PromoMatting,  Ricoh, Sinalite.

“2021 was a record year for FASTSIGNS. Same center sales exceeded 16% in the US, 17% in the UK and 24% in Canada. The number of FASTSIGNS locations grew to a record 761 locations in nine countries” said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “Our annual convention brings our franchise network together to recognize, honor and celebrate their many achievements, as well as to engage in educational and networking opportunities to kick off the year. This one-of-a-kind event enabled us to celebrate our connections through FASTSIGNS, and it set the stage for an even more successful 2022.”

The Franchise Puts New Software In Place to Reach Goals and Exceed Expectations for Franchisees.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc. Is putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to promising to help Franchisees generate more revenue and profits in 2022.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc announced that they have joined forces with the leader in financial data consolidation and analysis, ProfitKeeper. “Our most important Key Strategic Objective is to help each of our franchisees further increase profitability by 25%, after already achieving the prior goal–set in 2009–to increase franchisee profitability by 50%. We are committed to providing our franchisees excellent support and service, focused on increasing profitability and driving high-margin revenue. We have been researching tools to help our franchisees further improve profitability and selected ProfitKeeper,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. at the FASTSIGNS International Convention recently; over 485 franchisees attended the convention.

“We looked at several software solutions and chose ProfitKeeper, who has been helping franchisors help their franchisees improve profitability for over 14 years,” added Monson.

FASTSIGNS Franchisees are beginning to use ProfitKeeper, an integrated software solution connecting payroll and financial measurement services. “Financial health of franchisees is paramount for franchisors to grow their brand.  ProfitKeeper is truly excited about working with such an iconic brand as FASTSIGNS who believes in helping their franchisees maximize profits. We look forward to this partnership and delivering our turn-key benchmarking, trends, and analytics which helps franchisees pinpoint areas for improving their profitability,” said Kyle McEuen, President and COO at ProfitKeeper.

“We love that users can drill down and get financial data by region, metro area, sales volume, or board group. We know this detailed information and benchmarking will be invaluable to our franchisees as they work to improve profitability and implement best practices,” said Monson. Franchisees can now sync their accounting software to upload financials each month and receive instant feedback on how their center is performing in relation to other centers within the network.

The ProfitKeeper software program is complementary and offered to all franchisees as part of the FASTSIGNS support.