sign and graphic solutions

CARROLLTON, Texas — The Dallas Business Journal recently named Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. as a 2019 Most Admired CEO. The 20 North Texas CEO honorees this year come from a range of industries including architecture, manufacturing, finance, healthcare, real estate, technology and transportation.

The Dallas Business Journal created The Most Admired CEO Awards in 2018 to recognize executives not only for impressive stewardship of their companies, but also for cultivating an inclusive, collaborative culture. Honorees hold their employees, products and services in the highest regard, run their companies with integrity and efficiency, and inspire those around them.

Selected from hundreds of nominees, the 2019 honorees will be recognized at an Awards Dinner on September 25 at the Belo Mansion in Dallas. Dallas Business Journal readers will be given an opportunity to select their favorite CEOs in a Readers Choice Survey. The survey will be conducted digitally prior to the awards event, and winners of the readers’ survey will be revealed during the celebratory evening.

“I am honored to be named one of the Dallas Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “I am truly thankful to get to work with an incredible corporate team and our amazing franchisees who dedicate their time and energy to growing and promoting the FASTSIGNS brand by providing outstanding comprehensive visual communications solutions to their customers.”

About Catherine Monson

Catherine became CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. in 2009, bringing over 25 years of franchising and management experience. In 2009, she received the International Franchise Association (IFA) Bonny LeVine Award in recognition of her contributions to the growth of the franchising industry and in 2010, the Dallas Business Journal named her a top Women Industry Leader in the Dallas Metroplex. In 2012, Catherine appeared on the Emmy Award-winning series Undercover Boss to learn new ways to advance the FASTSIGNS® brand. In 2013, she was named an “Innovator and Influencer” by Sign and Digital Graphics Magazine. In 2015, she received the IFA’s first Franchise Action Network “FAN of the Year” award for her advocacy work on behalf of the franchising community. In 2016, she was selected as a Soderstrom Society Inductee for her contributions to the printing and graphic communications industry and was also honored with the 2016 Leadership Award from the Women That Soar organization. Under Monson’s leadership, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. received the 2016 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition presented by the Department of Defense to employers for their exemplary support of National Guard and Reserve members. In 2017, Monson received the Distinguished Women Award presented by Northwood University in Midland, Michigan. In 2018, she was honored by the Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI) with their Ambassador of Free Enterprise Award. Catherine has served on the Board of Directors of the IFA since 2008 and is currently Vice Chair and will become Chairwoman in February 2020. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors of Brain Balance, a franchise company with a non-drug alternative for children with behavioral challenges, and on the Board of Directors of the franchisor Big Blue Swim School, one of the nation’s fastest growing swim schools. She is a keynote speaker at many franchise industry events, as well as at many sign and visual graphics industry events.

For more videos on Catherine Monson, visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7qJckb26TTPGWl9wQJNjKA. Visit the section, “Get to Know the FASTSIGNS CEO Catherine Monson,” and click to the right.

No. 1-ranked Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchisor Continues to Grow Its Successful Co-brand and Conversion Program throughout East Coast

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today that it will be attending and sponsoring the National Business Media Show at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 12-14, 2019.

As part of its aggressive growth throughout the East Coast and nationwide, the brand is recruiting existing business owners interested in adding a FASTSIGNS to their existing business or fully converting their store to a FASTSIGNS franchise. Currently, franchise opportunities exist throughout Ohio in markets like Cleveland, Cincinnati, Newark, Springfield, Mansfield and Muncie, as well as Indianapolis, IN.

“FASTSIGNS’ co-brand and conversion programs are an opportunity for established entrepreneurs to expand their business with the help of an award-winning franchisor. FASTSIGNS franchisees benefit from not only our name recognition and strong reputation, but also from our constant research and new product development, and a business model that has proven to drive sales and reduce supply costs,” said Mark Jameson, Executive Vice President of Franchise Support and Development.

FASTSIGNS’ co-brand and conversion franchise offerings can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.

“I was looking for ways to bring my small business to the next level, and once I came across FASTSIGNS, I quickly learned that the return would be greatly worth the investment for both myself and my business as a whole,” said Josette Brinkman, who recently converted her existing business, Signed By Josette, LLC to a FASTSIGNS center in Findlay, Ohio which is slated to open Oct. 1. “FASTSIGNS has phenomenal brand recognition, and every corporate team member or fellow franchisee I’ve met has been committed to ensuring I have all of the necessary information needed to successfully launch as the newest center for the brand in Ohio. I’m extremely excited to get started and look forward to the opportunity to offer more solutions than just signs for my local community with the help of FASTSIGNS.”

FASTSIGNS is offering a special incentive for first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters, which includes a 50 percent reduction on the franchise fee — a savings of $24,875.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. was ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and 95 overall on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2019 Franchise 500^®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Acknowledged by entrepreneurs and franchisors as a top competitive tool of measurement, the Franchise 500^® recognizes FASTSIGNS, the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100, for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate, and brand power. FASTSIGNS was recently named to the 2019 America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine. FASTSIGNS also made Franchise Direct‘s list of the Top 100 Franchises 2019 and ranked #2 on this year’s Franchise Gator Top 100 list, both ranking the best franchises for 2019. Franchise Business Review has recognized FASTSIGNS as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years, as well as naming FASTSIGNS to its “Innovative Franchises” list in 2017, and its Top 50 Franchises for Women and Top Service Franchise lists in 2019. In 2018, Franchise Business Review named FASTSIGNS a “Best-in-Category” franchise. This year, the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) awarded FASTSIGNS International, Inc. the Franchisees’ Choice Designation for the seventh consecutive year for its strong relationship with Canadian franchisees, as well as extensive franchisee training and support.

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the franchisor of more than 700 FASTSIGNS® locations in nine countries worldwide, has welcomed Shayne Mehringer as the company’s new Chief Information Officer.

Shayne Mehringer is a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) who began his career with IBM and brings over 20 years of executive leadership experience with an extensive background in franchising, information technology, business startups and acquisitions. In his most recent role as CIO for Neighborly (formerly the Dwyer Group), the multi-brand franchisor based in Waco, he was responsible for the company’s global technology strategy and digital footprint for their 22 brands, representing over 3600 franchises. In that role, he worked to improve program performance, manage risk for Neighborly franchise brands and provide business transformation oversight.

During his time as CIO for Neighborly, Mehringer was also the president of ZorWare, LLC, which is a subsidiary of Neighborly that delivers technology solutions to franchisees, such as point-of-sale and accounting software. In addition, Mehringer has served as Senior Vice-President for a Mark Cuban-owned data center and cloud services company in Dallas, Texas, and he has spent over a decade launching and managing a series of startups in manufacturing, technology consulting, commercial printing and e-commerce. In 2008, he sold these businesses and held a seat on the Board of Directors and served as President of the operating entities until 2011.

“We are thrilled to welcome Shayne Mehringer to our team. With an extensive background in franchising and information technology, he is the perfect addition to support our franchisees,” said Catherine Monson, CEO at FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “We look forward to Shayne’s expertise and assistance to take us into our rapidly expanding future at FASTSIGNS.”

A native Texan, Mehringer is also actively involved with the International Franchise Association.

No. 1-Ranked Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchisor Continues Midwest Expansion, Recruiting Franchisee Candidates at Franchise Expo Chicago Sept. 13-14, 2019

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today it signed a franchise development agreement to open a new location in Chicago — part of the FASTSIGNS’ continued development throughout Chicago and the Midwest. The new location is targeted to open in the Loop and will be owned and operated by Tony McHale.

“With nearly 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, and branding, Tony has the expertise and passion to thrive as a FASTSIGNS franchisee,” said Mark Jameson, Executive Vice President of Franchise Support and Development. “We’re thrilled to have him join FASTSIGNS as we continue to build our presence throughout Chicago.”

Prior to joining FASTSIGNS, McHale was Vice President of Sales, Retail, for North Aurora, Illinois-based Oberweis Dairy. He also held executive-level sales and marketing positions at Mistica Foods and Scala’s Original.

“I’ve always wanted to run my own company and after almost 30 great years in the corporate world, the timing was right to make this entrepreneurial leap,” McHale said. “At every stage of growth, businesses need visual media and marketing. I believe that FASTSIGNS is ideally placed to helped companies of every size meet their marketing needs, large or small. The sheer number of services that FASTSIGNS is able to offer its clients means we can do nearly anything for our business partners. I look forward to the opportunity to help other companies maximize their marketing opportunities.”

FASTSIGNS currently has several locations in the Chicago area — including on East Ohio St., North Halsted St. in West Loop, in Bucktown, and in Lakeview — and will open another in Addison in early January 2020. FASTSIGNS is looking to continue growing throughout the market and surrounding communities. As part of its aggressive franchise development plans, FASTSIGNS will exhibit at Franchise Expo Chicago at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center from Sept. 13-14, 2019. Interested candidates can meet FASTSIGNS’ franchise development team at booth #313 and learn more about franchise opportunities nationwide.

FASTSIGNS is offering a special incentive nationwide for first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters, which includes a 50 percent reduction on the franchise fee — a savings of $24,875.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. was ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and 95 overall on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2019 Franchise 500^®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Acknowledged by entrepreneurs and franchisors as a top competitive tool of measurement, the Franchise 500^® recognizes FASTSIGNS, the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100, for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate, and brand power. FASTSIGNS was recently named to the 2019 America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine. FASTSIGNS also made Franchise Direct‘s list of the Top 100 Franchises 2019 and ranked #2 on this year’s Franchise Gator Top 100 list, both ranking the best franchises for 2019. Franchise Business Review has recognized FASTSIGNS as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years, as well as naming FASTSIGNS to its “Innovative Franchises” list in 2017, and its Top 50 Franchises for Women and Top Service Franchise lists in 2019. In 2018, Franchise Business Review named FASTSIGNS a “Best-in-Category” franchise. This year, the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) awarded FASTSIGNS International, Inc. the Franchisees’ Choice Designation for the seventh consecutive year for its strong relationship with Canadian franchisees, as well as extensive franchisee training and support.

DALLAS — Jose Corujo, Juan A. Rivera, and Teresa Caballero, Master franchisees and owners of all three FASTSIGNS Puerto Rico locations, have been recognized by the International Franchise Association (IFA) with its annual Franchisee of the Year Award during the IFA’s Franchise Action Network Annual Meeting this month.

The Franchisee of the Year award recognizes top performers from various franchise brands whose outstanding performance and contributions enhance the growth and development of the franchising model and their specific brand.

“FASTSIGNS of Puerto Rico represents the brand with passion and excellence, helping grow the network both domestically and internationally,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the leading sign and visual graphics franchisor with more than 700 locations worldwide. “Not only are they committed to FASTSIGNS, they are also committed to helping their local community and consistently making a positive impact. Despite the issues that the islands have recently faced – from the devastation and rebuilding after Hurricane Maria to the economic concerns and political environment – this team continues to move forward, inspiring others along the way. We are thankful to have them as members of the FASTSIGNS family.”

In January of this year, the Puerto Rico team also received the 2019 FASTSIGNS of the Year Award, the most prestigious recognition that is given to the FASTSIGNS franchisee who best represents the FASTSIGNS brand in their community and the network.

About the FASTSIGNS Puerto Rico locations
FASTSIGNS® locations are locally and independently owned and operated. The sign, graphics and visual communications companies provide comprehensive visual marketing solutions to customers of all sizes—across all industries—to help them attract more attention, communicate their message, sell more products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touch points including décor, events, wearables, digital signage and marketing materials. To learn more, visit:

FASTSIGNS of Carolina | fastsigns.com/2119 | 787.946.4465

FASTSIGNS of Caguas | fastsigns.com/2005 | 787.961.6446

FASTSIGNS of Guaynabo | fastsigns.com/609 | 787.966.7446

CARROLLTON, Texas — Attendees at the 2019 FASTSIGNS Outside Sales Summit in St. Louis, Missouri partnered with the Little Bit Foundation to assemble and donate 2,000 Back-to-School bags as part of a “FASTSIGNS Community Giveback.” The bags, containing pencils, markers and more, were assembled on Saturday, August 10 during the “Breakfast with a Purpose” event. The Riverview Gardens School District was the recipient, with school supply kits created for 2,000 of their most deserving students.

The Little Bit Foundation supports 13,000 students in the St. Louis and surrounding areas. 2,000 of these children live in extreme poverty and lack the basic essentials, which can inhibit their ability to focus in the classroom, engage in learning and be a successful student.

Through the FASTSIGNS Community Giveback Project, Franchisees and their employees from five  countries, as well as FASTSIGNS International team members and vendors, came together to support an important cause and help the St. Louis community.

“At FASTSIGNS, we believe in leaving the communities where we host events better than we found them, and this is why we created the Community Giveback Project. Along with our partners in giving at the annual “Breakfast with a Purpose,” we were honored to have the opportunity to help support students at Riverview Gardens School District,” said Tracy Lake, Director of Events at FASTSIGNS International, Inc.

Partners in giving for this event included Click2Sell, Avery Dennison, Grimco, Zoo Printing, COLEX, Glantz and Window Film Depot who generously contributed funds for the donation items.

“The partnership with FASTSIGNS was amazing!  Because of their donation of time, talent and resources, we will be able to help all of the elementary school children in an entire district go back to school fully prepared,” said Betsy Schmidt, Donor and Community Relationships Manager. “Having the FASTSIGNS team assemble the kits saved our small staff HOURS of time packing school supplies. We are truly grateful for their commitment to help the Riverview Gardens School District students return to school ready for success!  We thank the entire FASTSIGNS network!”

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the world’s leading sign and visual graphics franchisor with more than 700 FASTSIGNS^Ⓡ locations in nine countries worldwide, hosted its ninth annual Outside Sales Summit August 8-10 in St. Louis, Missouri. There were over 315 people from five countries in attendance.

Themed Ready Set Grow, the 2019 Outside Sales Summit celebrated the FASTSIGNS network’s sales achievements between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019. At the formal awards presentation, a record 161 Outside Sales Professionals were recognized, including 12 who received the prestigious Platinum Award for achieving over $1 million in individual sales during the 12-month period. Additionally, 27 individuals became Certified FASTSIGNS Sales Executives after completing an extensive certification program during the same period. 2019 marked the first year for presenting the Catherine Monson Salesperson of the Year Award, which recognized 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. Mark Van Ermen from FASTSIGNS of Milwaukee, WI – Glendale was recognized as the inaugural recipient of the Catherine Monson Salesperson of the Year Award.

“Our annual Outside Sales Summit gives us a platform to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication that FASTSIGNS Outside Sales Professionals from locations around the world demonstrate every day, as well as provide them with education and tools to continue honing their craft,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “This high-powered event with inspiring presentations, professional training classes, peer networking events and an amazing Vendor Show helps attendees further develop the skills and confidence they need to provide comprehensive visual communications solutions to organizations using the latest products and services the sign and graphics industry has to offer.”

Inspiring speakers included John Boyens, sales strategist and Co-Founder/President of Boyens Group; Jeb Blount, prospecting guru and President and Founder of Sales Gravy, Inc.; Gary Michels,  Co-Founder of Southwest Consulting; and Molly Bloom, entrepreneur and bestselling author of Molly’s Game.

109 vendors participated at this year’s Outside Sales Summit Vendor Show, including 26 first-time exhibitors. Event sponsors included Click2Sell, Grimco, EPSON America, Inc., Soardist, FELLERS, Image Manufacturing Group, 4over, Avery Dennison, Canon Solutions America, GSG, INX International Ink Co., Konica Minolta Business Solutions, Orbus Exhibit & Display Group, Sign Fab, Inc. and Wayfindit.

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

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today that it has been named a top franchise for women by Franchise Business Review in its 2019 Top Franchises for Women Report.

“This recognition from Franchise Business Review is a testament to FASTSIGNS’ commitment of equipping our franchisees with all of the necessary training, tools and resources needed to succeed,” said Catherine Monson, President and CEO, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “Female franchisees across the franchising industry continue to shape the future of business and we are proud to support those female franchisees in our system, as they have proven to be a true asset to our brand while providing sign, graphics and visual communications services to their local communities.”

FASTSIGNS was among more than 265 franchise brands that participated in Franchise Business Review‘s research on the Top Franchises for Women. FASTSIGNS’ franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including leadership, training and support, financial opportunity, and work/life balance.

“We surveyed nearly 9,000 women franchise owners across the franchising sector, and FASTSIGNS was among the very best,” said Eric Stites, CEO and Managing Director of Franchise Business Review. “In our 15 years of research, FASTSIGNS has consistently been among the top companies in franchising, scoring 20% to 35% above industry benchmarks in most areas. FASTSIGNS CEO Catherine Monson has done a tremendous job of developing relationships built on trust, and that is clearly reflected in the feedback we received from their franchise owners — with 92% saying that they respect FASTSIGNS’ leadership.”

Shawn Glenn and her husband, Mark, took ownership of FASTSIGNS® of Carrollton, Texas, in 2011. In their first three years, the Carrollton center’s sales volume tripled. Today, Shawn and Mark own three additional FASTSIGNS centers in the Dallas area.

“Becoming a FASTSIGNS franchisee has allowed me the opportunity to own my own business, enjoy financial profitability, and maintain the flexibility I need to raise our family,” said Shawn. “FASTSIGNS provides the operational resources I need as an owner, as well as opportunities for team training and marketing support on an ongoing basis. These unmatched components, along with the diligent work of our team, has made owning FASTSIGNS centers the perfect investment.”

FASTSIGNS is known in the industry for equipping its franchisees with tools vital to securing the ongoing success of each individual location. In 2018, FASTSIGNS announced the launch of a special incentive for first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters, which includes a 50 percent reduction on the franchise fee — a savings of $24,875.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. was ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and 95 overall on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2019 Franchise 500^®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Acknowledged by entrepreneurs and franchisors as a top competitive tool of measurement, the Franchise 500^® recognizes FASTSIGNS, the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100, for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate, and brand power. FASTSIGNS was recently named to the 2019 America’s Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine. FASTSIGNS also made Franchise Direct‘s list of the Top 100 Franchises 2019 and ranked #2 on this year’s Franchise Gator Top 100 list, both ranking the best franchises for 2019. FASTSIGNS has also been ranked by Franchise Business Review as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years. Additionally, FASTSIGNS was also named to Franchise Business Review’s “Innovative Franchises” list in 2017 and a “Best-in-Category” franchise by Franchise Business Review in 2018. In 2019, the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) awarded FASTSIGNS International, Inc. the Franchisees’ Choice Designation for the seventh consecutive year for its strong relationship with Canadian franchisees, as well as extensive franchisee training and support.

Candy and Graydon Grush Open New Business with Support of Franchising Industry Veteran

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc. recently announced the opening of a new center location under the support of franchising industry veteran Greg Carafello of Executive Franchise Group, LLC. Carafello is working to utilize his New York business relationships to bring this region’s centers through the process from opening to actively thriving business.

As part of his Area Representative Agreement with FASTSIGNS®, Carafello agreed to develop new FASTSIGNS locations in all of the city’s five boroughs, as well as oversee franchise development and provide operational support for the market throughout its ongoing growth. FASTSIGNS currently has two existing locations in Manhattan and Staten Island, with plans to develop more than 20 additional centers in the coming years. With this plan in place, FASTSIGNS has the opportunity to penetrate the business market and increase the market share.

FASTSIGNS of South Ozone Park in Queens is the first of its kind to open under the direction of Carafello. Franchisees, Candy and Graydon Grush have converted their current sign business to a FASTSIGNS center, and as a conversion, the center is well on its way to success with a ready-to-utilize book of business.

“After joining one of the most respected names in franchising and number one in the signage segment, I have begun to drive FASTSIGNS’ expansion throughout New York City,” said Carafello. “I know that Candy and Graydon Grush, franchisees with FASTSIGNS of South Ozone Park, are the right candidates for the brand, and I look forward to positioning them for success and supporting them for many years to come.”

Expansion in the NYC metro area includes additional locations that are planned, already sold and under development such as White Plains, NY, New York City and the West Hempstead area of Long Island.

“We are extremely excited to have this Queens location as a first step in Greg spearheading FASTSIGNS’ growth efforts in the New York City area,” said Mark Jameson, EVP of Franchise Support and Development, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “We are confident that with nearly four decades of experience in the franchise and sign and graphics industries in the local market, this is a great first step for Greg to drive our expansion in an area with so much potential.”