Pete Jackson is an affiliate of the Signworld Business Partners alliance, as owner-operator of Sign Distinction in San Diego, California. Jackson, a U.S. Army veteran who knows of many people who sacrificed greatly during the time they served, always wanted to give back out of obligation to his peers. By Nancy E. Williams
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges to business owners in all industries around the world. And while the business landscape continues to change rapidly and dramatically, one thing has remained constant: the need for businesses to communicate with consumers. FASTSIGNS International, Inc. has helped its franchisees in fulfilling the needs of their business clients by providing signs, graphics, digital signs, décor graphics and more. By Jessica Jones
Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchisor Recognized for Its Strong Performance and Brand Power
CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, has been ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500® for the third consecutive year. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the Franchise 500® ranks FASTSIGNS as #95 — the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100 — for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.
“We’re honored to once again be recognized as the leader in our category for the third year in a row. This accomplishment is a testament to the strength of the brand, our franchisees, support team, and the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity,” says Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “FASTSIGNS achieved exceptional results in 2018, another record year for the company, including the signing of 52 franchise agreements as well as a Master Franchise Agreements to expand the brand to Spain, the Balearic Islands, and Gibraltar and a master franchise agreement for Chile. We’re positioned to continue our aggressive worldwide growth this year.”
For any existing business looking to expand into this fast-paced market, FASTSIGNS gives the added support and training needed to make the process smooth. Whether an existing print-based business or a photography studio, FASTSIGNS’ co-brand centers receive the same assistance as any new franchisee, with the added bonus of being able to exclude established revenue streams, outside of the FASTSIGNS core business offering, from future royalty payments. Both the co-brand franchise opportunity and conversion can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.
“As we celebrate 40 years of producing the Franchise 500, it’s a good opportunity to step back and look at how much has changed since that first ranking in 1980,” says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur. “While the franchise business model has changed little, the strongest franchise brands are constantly evolving and innovating to keep up with changing trends and technology.”
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 $23,750. As part of the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) VetFran program, FASTSIGNS also offers veterans this special incentive. FASTSIGNS is proud to be the only franchisor in its segment to offer a development incentive specifically to first responders and veterans.
To view FASTSIGNS in the full ranking, visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2019 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands Jan. 15.
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the largest sign and visual communications franchisor in North America and is the worldwide franchisor of almost 700 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS® centers in nine countries including the U.S., Canada, England, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Grand Cayman, Mexico, Chile, and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®).
FASTSIGNS locations provide comprehensive sign and visual graphic solutions to help companies of all sizes and across all industries 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 and marketing materials. Learn more about sign and visual graphic solutions or find a location at fastsigns.com. Follow the brand on Twitter @FASTSIGNS, Facebook at facebook.com/FASTSIGNS or LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/fastsigns.