visual communications

Leading nationwide brand renews Alliance membership for five years, solidifying AlphaGraphics’ long-term support to all the Alliance does to serve the printing industry

PHILADELPHIA — PRINTING United Alliance, the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America, today announces that AlphaGraphics has committed to a five-year membership program for its franchise network, solidifying AlphaGraphics’ long-term support to all the Alliance does to serve the printing industry. AlphaGraphics is a franchised chain of 270+ independently owned and operated marketing service providers with full-service print shops.

As part of this extended membership, AlphaGraphics franchisees will continue to receive access to the wide array of benefits and discounts offered by the Alliance. This includes the comprehensive training and professional development through iLEARNING+, advocacy support on legislative and regulatory issues, exclusive business resources and the latest research, guidance on EHS, OSHA, and HR issues, and premier access to the Alliance’s industry-leading events, including its annual Expo.

Strengthening Industry Leadership and Innovation
With this five-year commitment, AlphaGraphics demonstrates its dedication to staying at the forefront of industry advancements and ensuring that its franchise network is equipped with the latest knowledge, tools, and resources to succeed. The partnership is a testament to AlphaGraphics’ belief in the value that Alliance benefits deliver to businesses across the printing ecosystem.

“We’re excited to continue our journey with PRINTING United Alliance over the next five years,” said Ryan Farris, President and COO, AlphaGraphics. “This partnership will further enhance the existing support we provide to our franchisees, ensuring they have access to the industry’s best resources, training, and advocacy efforts to help them thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.”

A Shared Vision for Growth
Alliance CEO Ford Bowers welcomed the news, noting, “AlphaGraphics’ commitment to a five-year membership with PRINTING United Alliance reinforces the shared values of innovation, community, and growth. We look forward to working closely with AlphaGraphics as we continue to support their franchisees in reaching new levels of success.”

Join the Alliance 
If you are part of a franchise network and would like to learn more about becoming an Alliance member to tap into the vast network and benefits available to you, visit www.printing.org/membership, or call 888-385-3588 to speak with our membership team for more information.

For more information about the Alliance, visit: www.printing.org.

The leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions cites its commitment to franchise owners as a key to its success

DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions, has been named to the 2024 Franchise Tmes Top 400 list of the most successful franchises in the United States. The company ranked No. 183 on the list.

“One of the keys to our success is AlphaGraphics’ constant commitment to our franchise owners,” AlphaGraphics Vice President of Retail Network Development Bill McPherson said. “We strive to be there for them every step of the way with free learning, ongoing franchisee support and marketing and public relations strategies. We understand the importance of building a great franchisor-franchise owner relationship, and that’s the reason we can attract new owners and grow each year.”

Last year, AlphaGraphics reported global sales of more than $340 million, posting a growth rate of more than 10%.

The Franchise Times Top 400 is an exclusive annual ranking of the largest U.S.-based franchise systems by global systemwide sales. The project is the result of a five-month research and reporting effort that leads to the most credible and objective franchise ranking available, said Franchise Times Editor in Chief Laura Michaels.

The collection of systemwide sales data also provides useful insight into the franchise industry’s performance as the economic and consumer demand shakeout continues. Out of the 10 major franchise categories analyzed, just two—Business Services and Real Estate—saw an overall decline in sales. Notably, within the Restaurant category, total sales for chicken-focused concepts grew 12 percent, to $76 billion, as the segment remained hot.

“This recognition is a testament to our team’s hard work and AlphaGraphics’ proven franchise business model,” McPherson said. “We have no plans of slowing down, and we’re excited to see how much the franchise grows over the next year.”

AlphaGraphics was founded in 1970, and the company began offering franchise opportunities in 1979. Today, there are more than 270 AlphaGraphics centers in the United States, Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.

For more information, visit https://www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com.

Franchise owners also use the conference as a time to strategize and network with owners around the world

DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions, recently recognized its “best of the best” franchisees while also discussing strategies for future growth at its 54^th annual conference at the Austin Marriott Downtown in Austin, Texas, last month.

“We always enjoy the chance to get together as a franchise family so we can share our success and provide one another with strategies that help us develop and grow,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of retail network development. “Our annual conference also serves as a chance to celebrate our high-achieving franchise owners and recognize them for an outstanding year.”

Several awards were given out at this year’s conference, including:

• Franny: Butch Clarke, Rockwell, Texas
• Rising Star: Daniel Granados, El Paso, Texas
• Most Improved: Jason Warr, Round Rock, Texas
• Project of the Year: Zach Clarke, Rockwall, Texas
• Community Impact: Amanda Popwell, Hoover, Alabama
• Top Overall Sales: Lynn Nelson, Idaho Falls, Idaho
• Best Operation Under $1 Million: Tom Kane, Mokena, Illinois
• Best Operation Silver Circle: Steve and Cinda Morse, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Best Operation Gold Circle: Jeff Bailey, Las Vegas, Nevada

The company also recognized the top sales associates, top overall sales, top sales for franchisees with a single center domestically and internationally, and franchisees with milestone anniversaries.

“Our franchisees deserve all the praise for their perseverance and commitment to the success of AlphaGraphics,” McPherson said. “This conference allows us to do that while also providing us with the opportunity to network, work on strategies as a team and get together in a fun setting to celebrate all our hard work.”

AlphaGraphics was founded in 1970, and the company began offering franchise opportunities in 1979. For more information, visit https://www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com.

Female franchise owners are highly satisfied with the printing and marketing solutions company’s core values and franchise community

DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions, proudly announces that it has been recognized by Franchise Business Review as one of the franchise research firm’s 2024 Top 100 Franchises for Women. Only 100 brands were named to the annual list of winners.

AlphaGraphics was among 350 franchise brands, representing more than 8,500 female franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research on the Top Franchises for Women. The printing and marketing solutions company’s franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including leadership, training & support, financial opportunity, and work/life balance.

“We are honored to be recognized as a top franchise for women and pride ourselves on our commitment to expanding opportunities for everyone,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of retail network development. “It’s encouraging to see that the prospects, tools and resources we have provided throughout our franchising network have fostered this culture of inclusion and diversity.”

FBR’s survey showed that AlphaGraphics’ female owners were very satisfied with the company’s core values and franchise community. They were also pleased with the company’s training and support system and the leadership AlphaGraphics provides.

“Franchising is a terrific option for women seeking business ownership on a full- or part-time basis,” said Michelle Rowan, president and COO of Franchise Business Review. “With so many franchise opportunities to choose from, it’s critical to do in-depth research to understand how satisfied current female franchise owners are with the training and support, work/life balance, financial opportunity, culture, and leadership of any brand they’re considering before making an investment. When you look at the brands on this year’s list of the Top Franchises for Women, 89% of women said they enjoy being part of their franchise organizations, and 88% said they enjoy operating the business, making them all excellent options for women looking to make the transition to business ownership.”

To see the full list of the 2024 Top 100 Franchises for Women, visit https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/top-franchises-for-women/.

DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions, proudly announces that its South Charlotte, North Carolina franchisee, Rich Schepler, was named 2023 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA). Schepler was honored at the 64^th IFA Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona for being an outstanding franchise establishment owner-operator.

“Franchisees of the Year exemplify what franchising is all about – providing opportunity, serving others, and fulfilling the American Dream,” said Matthew Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “We are proud to recognize Rich Schepler with the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and I have no doubt his work is changing lives and making a lasting community impact.”

The Franchisee of the Year Award recognizes leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance, and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by their parent company, individuals are selected for their involvement in their communities, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit, fostering a strong and healthy culture with their workforce, and assisting their fellow franchisees when called upon.

Schepler has been a member of the AlphaGraphics family since 2015. Prior to joining AlphaGraphics, he spent 31 years in the printing industry, including being the vice president at his former company. He took that experience and has quickly grown his business in North Carolina into an exceptional AlphaGraphics center. His wife, son, and daughter all work in the business with him.

“Rich Schepler, alongside his entire family and team, epitomize the pinnacle of what every franchisee should aspire to become,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of retail network development. “Their excellence isn’t just measured by their remarkable sales, growth, and profitability — what truly sets them apart is their unparalleled commitment to their community and customers. Rich and his team embody the essence of AlphaGraphics, demonstrating that their business transcends beyond merely printing and signage—it’s about uplifting the community and bolstering other businesses to get noticed and get business.”

“Their dedication to fostering the success of others has propelled their own impressive growth, making it no surprise that they have earned the prestigious accolade of Franchisee of the Year from the IFA,” said Ryan Farris President and COO of AlphaGraphics. “This recognition is a testament to their outstanding contributions and the significant impact they’ve made, showcasing that their success is indeed well-deserved.”

There are approximately 806,000 franchised businesses across the U.S., providing over 8.7 million direct jobs and generating over $858 billion in economic output. According to Oxford Economics, franchising on average provides higher wages and better benefits than non-franchised businesses, as well as greater entrepreneurial opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented communities.

The franchisor setting the standard for excellence in printing and marketing solutions

DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions, has secured a spot on the prestigious Franchise 500^® list of top franchisors in the nation for the fifth consecutive year. Entrepreneur‘s Franchise 500^® is the world’s first, best, and most comprehensive franchise ranking. For 45 years, the annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500^® has been a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry and recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees. The 2024 Franchise 500^® ranks AlphaGraphics as #480 for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

“At AlphaGraphics, our commitment to innovation and franchise expansion remains unwavering,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of franchise development. “Securing a spot on this elite list for the fifth consecutive year underscores our dedication to crafting innovative strategies that foster continuous growth. We have the entire AlphaGraphics team and our franchisees to thank for this honor.”

In Entrepreneur’s continuing effort to best understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace, the company’s ranking formula continues to evolve as well. The editorial team researches and assesses several factors, including costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is then 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 ranked order.

“Every brand on the Franchise 500 has its own unique story, but they all collectively make the same statement: Franchising is strong and resilient, is full of innovation and opportunity, and provides a powerful entrepreneurial path for many people,” says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine. “Our 45th annual ranking is full of companies with fresh ideas, exciting business models, cultural sway, and the kind of business sophistication that will define the next 45 years and beyond.”

AlphaGraphics was founded in 1970, and the company began offering franchise opportunities in 1979. For more information, visit http://www/alphagraphics.com.

Independent survey shows franchise owners are highly satisfied with the leading marketing and print solutions provider

DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions, was recently recognized for their outstanding work with franchise owners after being named a Top Franchise for 2024 by Franchise Business Review. This is the 19^th annual ranking of the 200 best franchise opportunities as rated by franchise business owners.

AlphaGraphics was among more than 375 franchise brands, representing over 35,000 franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research. Its 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.

“Making Franchise Business Review’s top franchise list is a testament to how hard our corporate team works to provide franchise owners with the necessary tools they need to grow and succeed,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of franchise development. “Our relationship with our franchise owners resembles that of a marriage. We need each other for both entities to be successful. We are always looking for innovative ways to help our franchise owners take the next step in their success journey. That’s a major part of our job as the franchisor.”

Among the AlphaGraphics franchisees surveyed, 91% stated they enjoy operating the business, 91% stated they were likely to recommend the brand to others, and 89% felt supportive of each other. Overall, the franchise scored in the “very good” range in core values, franchise community and self-evaluation.

“Franchisee satisfaction continues to be the leading indicator of franchise performance and system health, and we are pleased to report that our latest research shows satisfaction has remained at some of the highest levels in the past 19 years,” said Michelle Rowan, president and COO of Franchise Business Review. “In fact, our survey results show that three out of four franchise owners would recommend their brand to others. That’s extremely encouraging news for franchise owners and anyone considering investing in a franchise.”

“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. Each of the award winners on this year’s list of the 200 Top Franchises received stellar ratings from their franchisees in the areas crucial to success in operating a franchise, including training & support, leadership, innovation, culture, and financial opportunity.”

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.

To view the entire list, please visit https://franchisebusinessreview.com/lists/top-200-franchises/.

AlphaGraphics was founded in 1970, and the company began offering franchise opportunities in 1979. For more information, visit https://www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com.

Franchise owners explore growth strategies during annual networking event. 

DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions, recently recognized its high-achieving franchisees while also discussing strategies for the future during its 53rd annual conference at Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

“At AlphaGraphics, our franchise owners and leadership team have a win-win relationship,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of franchise development. “Neither one can achieve success without relying on the other. Our annual conference gives us an opportunity to come together as a franchise family and work on strategies that help us all grow.”

Several awards were given out at this year’s conference, including:

• Franny: Rich Schepler, North Carolina
• Rising Star: Eric Johnson, Missouri
• Most Improved: Jim Ballew, Texas
• Project of the Year: Clare, Bill and Sarah Meehan, Pennsylvania
• Community Impact: Barry and Rita Wilson, South Carolina
• Top Overall Sales: Lynn Nelson, Idaho.

“Our franchisees deserve all the recognition for their hard work and dedication to making AlphaGraphics successful,” McPherson said. “While our conference is a chance to networking and work on strategies, it is also a great opportunity to recognize franchise owners who have achieved success over the past year.”

AlphaGraphics was founded in 1970, and the company began offering franchise opportunities in 1979. For more information, visit https://www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com.

About MBE Worldwide

MBE Worldwide S.p.A., a privately-owned company headquartered in Italy, is a Global Commerce enabler for SMBs and consumers thanks to its platform providing e-commerce, fulfillment, shipping, marketing and print solutions via multi-brand operations: PrestaShop, Mail Boxes Etc. (except in the US and Canada), PostNet, PACK & SEND, Spedingo.com, AlphaGraphics, Multicopy, Print Speak, GEL Proximity and World Options. In 2022, the combination of its physical platform – that currently counts 3,150+ Business Solution Centers in 52 countries with more than 13,000 associates – with its PrestaShop e-commerce platform served over 1 million business customers worldwide generating €1.3 billion (US$1.4 billion) of System-wide Gross Revenue and €22 billion (US$23 billion) of Gross Merchandise Value.

For additional information please visit MBE Worldwide Group websites at:www.mbecorporate.com – www.prestashop.com/en – www.mbeglobal.com – www.postnet.com – www.packsend.com.au – www.packsend.co.uk – www.spedingo.com/en – www.alphagraphics.com – www.multicopy.nl – www.printspeak.com – www.mbe.it – www.mbe.es – www.mbe.de – www.mbefrance.fr – www.mbe.pl – www.mbe.pt – www.mbe.co.uk – www.gelproximity.com/en – www.worldoptions.com

Leading marketing and print solutions provider recognized as a top business service, recession-proof franchise.

DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions, showcased its excellence in franchisee satisfaction after being named a top franchise for 2023 by Franchise Business Review.

AlphaGraphics ranked 40^th in the “Large” category, which included franchise systems with 170 to 399 units. They were also named one of the top business service franchises and received recognition for being a recession-proof brand.

“Franchise culture is one of the highest priorities for AlphaGraphics,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of franchise development. “While we understand financial criteria and market availability are important to own a franchise, it’s not the number one determining factor for us. We focus on finding the right people that fit our franchise culture to ensure all parties flourish.”

“The relationship between franchisor and franchisee resembles that of a marriage. If one party is disenchanted, it’s difficult for the marriage to be successful. That’s why we focus on giving our franchisees the necessary tools they need to thrive while also providing a culture, atmosphere and franchise community that they can enjoy. Based on our recognition by FBR, I feel confident in saying we continue to accomplish that goal year after year.”

AlphaGraphics was among over 360 franchise brands, representing nearly 38,000 franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research. Its 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.

Based on the franchise owner satisfaction report, AlphaGraphics received positive results in six major categories: training and support, franchise system, leadership, core values, franchise community and self-evaluation. According to the report, 91% of franchisees enjoy operating their business, 91% of franchisees are likely to recommend the brand to others and 89% of franchisees feel supportive of each other.

“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.

About MBE Worldwide
MBE Worldwide S.p.A., a privately-owned company headquartered in Italy, is a Global Commerce enabler for SMBs and consumers thanks to its platform providing e-commerce, fulfillment, shipping, marketing and print solutions via multi-brand operations: PrestaShop, Mail Boxes Etc. (except in the US and Canada), PostNet, PACK & SEND, Spedingo.com, AlphaGraphics, Multicopy, Print Speak, GEL Proximity and World Options. In 2022, the combination of its physical platform – that currently counts 3,150+ Business Solution Centers in 52 countries with more than 13,000 associates – with its PrestaShop e-commerce platform served over 1 million business customers worldwide generating €1.3 billion (US$1.4 billion) of System-wide Gross Revenue and €22 billion (US$23 billion) of Gross Merchandise Value.

For additional information please visit MBE Worldwide Group websites at: www.mbecorporate.com – www.prestashop.com/en – www.mbeglobal.com – www.postnet.com – www.packsend.com.au – www.packsend.co.uk – www.spedingo.com/en  – www.alphagraphics.com – www.multicopy.nl – www.printspeak.com – www.mbe.it – www.mbe.es – www.mbe.de – www.mbefrance.fr – www.mbe.pl – www.mbe.pt – www.mbe.co.uk – www.gelproximity.com/en –  www.worldoptions.com

SOURCE AlphaGraphics