Catherine Monson is recognized again this year by Franchise Dictionary Magazine as one of the WOW: 50 Women Of Wonder and she graces our cover for excellent reasons. Under her leadership as CEO of FASTSIGNS since 2009, the brand has become one of the country’s largest franchise companies. It has benefited significantly from Monson’s strategic positioning and her franchising and broad business and marketing experience. By Rose Mango
Global industry leader in printing and marketing goes virtual for five-day annual conference.
DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions, honored its top franchise owners and rising stars at the company’s recent annual conference. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the five-day event was held virtually, with center owners connecting safely from around the globe while celebrating AlphaGraphics’ 50th anniversary.
AlphaGraphics, which offers worldwide print design, marketing and sign creation services, was founded in 1970, and the company began offering franchise opportunities in 1979.
“This has been a difficult year on many levels, but the AlphaGraphics brand has persevered and grown stronger,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of franchise development. “Shifting to a virtual conference is just one of the many ways we’ve offered innovative solutions to our center owners and staff members in 2020. We were grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate the dedication and hard work of those in the AlphaGraphics network.”
This year’s winners included:
Rising Star: Jeff Bailey (Las Vegas, Nevada)
A 20-year veteran of the print industry, Bailey was chosen for his consultative approach, high-tech investments and strategic partnerships with local leaders and vendors.
Most Improved: Carmine and Victoria Camerato (Boston, Massachusetts)
The Cameratos opened their first Boston AlphaGraphics in 2003 under the motto “failure is not an option.” They were chosen for their continued growth as well as attention to networking and focus groups.
Project of the Year: Gregg McDonough (Salt Lake City, Utah)
McDonough was recognized for a successful $75,000 contract with Tour of Utah, producing everything from large advertising banners to coloring books. He also landed a repeat contract for the next race.
Best Web to Print Storefront: Bill and Clare Meehan and Sarah Meehan Parker (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
The trio was celebrated for their clear and user-friendly work in dual-branding an independent pharmacy. The pharmacy now has the ability to send postcards, emails, and generate graphics for social media.
Best AgSigns Solution: Frank Leone (Stamford, Connecticut)
Leone made the list after successfully completing an innovative six-figure logo rebranding for CX Loyalty. Leone helped replace signage in six corporate locations.
Best Customer Marketing Campaign: Bill and Clare Meehan and Sarah Meehan Parker (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
The trio was recognized for creating thoughtful and impactful marketing materials for Shenango on the Green, a family of senior living and service options.
Community Impact: Phil Davis and Auburn Peterson (Lehi, Utah)
Davis and Peterson were chosen for volunteer work, which was instrumental in raising over $10,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Peterson also volunteers with Tiny Hero, Operation Underground Railroad and LOVELOUD.
AlphaGraphics has more than 285 locations in six countries. The brand recognizes standout franchise owners each year at its international conference where business owners gather as peers. For more information, visit http://www.alphagraphics.com.
About MBE Worldwide
MBE Worldwide S.p.A. (“MBE”), is a privately-owned holding company based in Milan, Italy. Small and medium-sized enterprises and retail customers find shipping, fulfillment, printing, and marketing solutions through MBE’s network of independently owned and operated franchised locations. MBE Service Centers facilitate the activities of entrepreneurs, people, and businesses through an easy-to-access distribution network. Customized services and products are delivered with a uniquely high level of customer service. MBE presently operates under three different brands: Mail Boxes Etc., AlphaGraphics, and PostNet. Globally, the entire MBE network currently operates over 2,550 locations in 47 countries, with FY2018 system-wide sales of €861($956) Million.
SOURCE AlphaGraphics
About AlphaGraphics
AlphaGraphics, Inc., with more than 285 locations in 6 countries, is one of the largest U.S.-based networks of locally-owned and operated Business Centers offering a complete range of print, visual communications, and marketing products. Solutions include: full-service digital, offset, and large format printing; design services; mailing; one-to-one marketing solutions; promotional products; and web to print solutions. For more information about AlphaGraphics services, visit www.alphagraphics.com. To learn about franchise opportunities, visit www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com.
EAST GREENWICH, R.I. — During the AlphaGraphics annual convention, held virtually last month, franchise owners selected and awarded LoyaltyLoop® as their 2020 Vendor of the Year.
“We are honored to have been selected by the franchise owners as vendor of the year,” John DiPippo, President of LoyaltyLoop said. “we truly love helping each of our customers grow and strengthen their business through better customer feedback and reviews, and it is truly wonderful to have our dedication to the AlphaGraphics Network recognized by the franchise owners.”
“We are proud to be partnered with LoyaltyLoop,” stated AlphaGraphics President Ryan Farris, “our franchisees and corporate support staff use the results from their customer loyalty surveys to understand and adapt to changing customer needs, automatically get online reviews, and track our Net Promoter Score. LoyaltyLoop manages the entire process for us, and supports us every step of the way.”
The LoyaltyLoop service automatically engages customers following a recent transaction to provide feedback and post reviews online that boosts the marketing of AlphaGraphics Centers in each local market and nationally as a brand. This is LoyaltyLoop’s fourth award as voted by the AlphaGraphics franchise owners.
Visit www.loyaltyloop.com for further details and information.
ABOUT LOYALTYLOOP:
The LoyaltyLoop system gathers online reviews using customer feedback surveys. LoyaltyLoop management software then tracks Net Promoter Score® (NPS) to continually measure customer satisfaction levels. This allows businesses to improve sales by increasing customer loyalty.
ABOUT ALPHAGRAPHICS:
AlphaGraphics is a franchised chain of more than 270 independently owned and operated marketing service providers with full-service print shops. AlphaGraphics business centers are franchised by AlphaGraphics, Inc., part of the MBE Worldwide group of companies.
For more than a decade, Brent Walker worked as a contract ICU nurse, traveling from Michigan to Southern California, offering his services in 14 different hospitals. He was burned out and looking for a career transition when a friend started talking about an entrepreneurial opportunity. By Jessica Jones
AlphaGraphics helps clients adapt for success in changing economy.
SAN FRANCISCO — AlphaGraphics, a leading provider of printing and marketing solutions in San Francisco for more than 30 years, continues to provide essential products and services for companies in the Bay Area as California begins the process of reopening for business after the coronavirus shutdown.
The center, located at 840 Sansome St., is seeing increased demand in recent weeks for new signage communicating COVID-19-related messaging such as social-distancing requirements and health and safety guidelines.
“As the economy restarts, business owners and property managers are recognizing that they have critical new information to share with employees, customers and the general public,” said Manuel Torres, the owner of AlphaGraphics. “The circumstances are continually changing, but we have a team here that can work with clients to identify the solutions that will work best for them. We’re ready to consult with them and share our expertise to provide the exact products they need.”
Torres and the AlphaGraphics team have recently created floor graphics to mark off social-distancing standards and wall signs encouraging people to stand six feet apart and wear safety masks on elevators. In addition, the center has produced yard signs and “graduation in a box” packages for graduates whose ceremonies were canceled, business-related backgrounds for video conferences and a medical manual for health-care facilities made of synthetic paper than can be sanitized and reused.
“San Francisco’s own DNA is founded on 24/7 energy and the city’s ability to create and innovate. The members of the AlphaGraphics team share that energy, and we are problem-solvers and innovators,” Torres said. “We’re here to make our customers look good. The key to that during these challenging times is working closely with them to understand what will help them succeed in this new environment.”
For more information about this AlphaGraphics center, call (415) 781-4910 or visit https://www.alphagraphics.com/centers/san-francisco-california-us684.html.
AlphaGraphics was founded in 1970 and began offering franchise opportunities in 1979. For more information, visit http://www/alphagraphics.com.
About MBE Worldwide
MBE Worldwide S.p.A. (“MBE”), a privately-owned holding company based in Milan – Italy, is a third party provider of shipping, fulfillment, printing and marketing solutions to small and medium enterprises and retail consumers via a network of independently owned and operated franchised locations. MBE Service Centers facilitate the activities of entrepreneurs, people and businesses through an easy-to-access distribution network and customized services and products delivered with a distinguished and unique level of customer service. MBE presently operates under three different brands: Mail Boxes Etc., AlphaGraphics and PostNet and its global network counts currently 2,550+ locations in 47 countries, with FY2018 System-wide Sales of €861($956) Million.
About AlphaGraphics
AlphaGraphics, Inc., with more than 285 locations in 5 countries, is one of the largest U.S.-based networks of locally-owned and operated Business Centers offering a complete range of print, visual communications, and marketing products and solutions including: full-service digital, offset, and large format printing; design services; mailing; one-to-one marketing solutions; promotional products; web to print solutions. For more information about AlphaGraphics services, visit www.alphagraphics.com. To learn about franchise opportunities, visit www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com.
Veteran franchise sales expert joins leading print and marketing company as regional development director.
DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions, has selected franchise sales veteran Kevin Bryant to support the company’s strategic growth.
Bryant, who has 15 years of experience in the franchise industry, including ownership, sales, conversion, marketing and development, as well as Fortune 500 sales experience, has been named AlphaGraphics’ new regional development director.
“Kevin’s extensive background in the franchise industry gives him the skills and insight that we need in order to build on our success and continue the growth of AlphaGraphics,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of franchise development for AlphaGraphics. “The diversity of experience he’s bringing to the company, including his time as a franchise owner, make him a great fit for this job.”
Bryant, a graduate of the University of Kentucky, has worked with fitness, electrical supply and restoration and remediation services franchises during his career. Bryant will work with the AlphaGraphics franchise development team to develop and implement strategies for lead generation, identifying potential franchisees and build relationships to drive profitability and revenue.
“Exceptional performance and growth make AlphaGraphics one of the top franchise opportunities, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of continuing to meet that high standard of excellence,” Mr. Bryant said. “This is a competitive industry, but I believe my experience, along with my ability to share the perspective of franchisees on a day-to-day basis, puts me in a unique position and can provide AlphaGraphics a critical edge in development and growth.”
AlphaGraphics was founded in 1970, and the company began offering franchise opportunities in 1979. For more information, visit http://www/alphagraphics.com.
About MBE Worldwide
MBE Worldwide S.p.A. (“MBE”), is a privately-owned holding company based in Milan, Italy. Small and medium-sized enterprises and retail customers find shipping, fulfillment, printing, and marketing solutions through MBE’s network of independently owned and operated franchised locations. MBE Service Centers facilitate the activities of entrepreneurs, people, and businesses through an easy-to-access distribution network. Customized services and products are delivered with a uniquely high level of customer service. MBE presently operates under three different brands: Mail Boxes Etc., AlphaGraphics, and PostNet. Globally, the entire MBE network currently operates over 2,550 locations in 47 countries, with FY2018 system-wide sales of €861($956) Million.
SOURCE AlphaGraphics
About AlphaGraphics
AlphaGraphics, Inc., with more than 285 locations in 6 countries, is one of the largest U.S.-based networks of locally-owned and operated Business Centers offering a complete range of print, visual communications, and marketing products. Solutions include: full-service digital, offset, and large format printing; design services; mailing; one-to-one marketing solutions; promotional products; and web to print solutions. For more information about AlphaGraphics services, visit www.alphagraphics.com. To learn about franchise opportunities, visit www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com.
Senior franchise expert will lead franchise conversions and acquisitions for global printing and marketing brand.
DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions, has named long-time franchise expert Brad Swimmer to lead the company’s efforts to grow through franchise conversions and acquisitions.
Swimmer, a former Fortune 500 financial manager, owned and operated the AlphaGraphics location in Cleveland with his wife, Judy, from 1991 until 2019. The Cleveland franchise location was twice named to the AlphaGraphics Gold Circle Centers and earned multiple Silver Circle recognitions during the Swimmers’ tenure as franchisees.
“Brad and Judy’s decision to sell their franchise last year turned out to be an opportunity to give Brad an even more important role in the AlphaGraphics family,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of franchise development for AlphaGraphics. “With nearly 30 years of experience as a successful franchise owner, and more than 45 years of high-level business experience overall, Brad’s extensive insight and critical skill sets will support our efforts to grow both franchise conversions and acquisitions. No one is better equipped for this position than Brad.”
As the company’s new conversion and acquisition specialist, Swimmer will work with existing independent printshops throughout the U.S. that are interested in being acquired by new AlphaGraphics franchisees or interested in converting their businesses to an AlphaGraphics franchise.
“Everything I learned as an AlphaGraphics franchise owner prepared me for this next chapter,” Swimmer said. “Conversions and acquisitions are an essential, efficient way for franchisors to maintain an advantage in a competitive industry. The challenge is to evaluate the ideal properties and responsibly steward the franchise’s resources toward intelligent, strategic growth, not just inflated numbers.”
AlphaGraphics was founded in 1970, and the company began offering franchise opportunities in 1979. For more information, visit http://www.alphagraphics.com.
About MBE Worldwide
MBE Worldwide S.p.A. (“MBE”), is a privately-owned holding company based in Milan, Italy. Small and medium-sized enterprises and retail customers find shipping, fulfillment, printing, and marketing solutions through MBE’s network of independently owned and operated franchised locations. MBE Service Centers facilitate the activities of entrepreneurs, people, and businesses through an easy-to-access distribution network. Customized services and products are delivered with a uniquely high level of customer service. MBE presently operates under three different brands: Mail Boxes Etc., AlphaGraphics, and PostNet. Globally, the entire MBE network currently operates over 2,550 locations in 47 countries, with FY2018 system-wide sales of €861($956) Million.
About AlphaGraphics
AlphaGraphics, Inc., with more than 285 locations in 6 countries, is one of the largest U.S.-based networks of locally-owned and operated Business Centers offering a complete range of print, visual communications, and marketing products. Solutions include: full-service digital, offset, and large format printing; design services; mailing; one-to-one marketing solutions; promotional products; and web to print solutions. For more information about AlphaGraphics services, visit www.alphagraphics.com. To learn about franchise opportunities, visit www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com.
Global leader in printing and marketing ranks 226th in magazine’s elite franchise rankings.
DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading provider of printing and marketing solutions, recently ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500®. Placement in the Franchise 500® is a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry, making it one of the company’s most competitive rankings ever. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the Franchise 500® ranks AlphaGraphics at 226 for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability and brand power.
“The 500 companies on this list all have something in common: They understand what consumers want now,” says Entrepreneur editor-in-chief Jason Feifer. “They may be an upstart in a brand-new category, or they may be a brand like Dunkin’ that’s ranked highly on our list for decades. But either way, making our list means they’re forward-thinking, nimble, and closely in touch with their customers’ needs—because in an ever-changing business environment, that’s what a franchise must do to thrive.”
The key factors that go into the evaluation include 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.
“Our continued placement in the Franchise 500® is really a testament to the outstanding work and determination of everyone at AlphaGraphics,” said Ryan Farris, President and COO at AlphaGraphics. “We’ve committed ourselves to building an exceptional franchise system for all of our franchisees. With our recent growth and newly developed franchisee tools, we’re confident that we will continue to deliver on the promise of the AlphaGraphics franchise.”
Over its 41 years in existence, the Franchise 500® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. AlphaGraphics’ position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.
To view AlphaGraphics in the full ranking, visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500.
About MBE Worldwide
MBE Worldwide S.p.A. (“MBE”), is a privately-owned holding company based in Milan, Italy. Small and medium-sized enterprises and retail customers find shipping, fulfillment, printing, and marketing solutions through MBE’s network of independently owned and operated franchised locations. MBE Service Centers facilitate the activities of entrepreneurs, people, and businesses through an easy-to-access distribution network. Customized services and products are delivered with a uniquely high level of customer service. MBE presently operates under three different brands: Mail Boxes Etc., AlphaGraphics, and PostNet. Globally, the entire MBE network currently operates over 2,550 locations in 47 countries, with FY2018 system-wide sales of €861($956) Million.
About AlphaGraphics
AlphaGraphics, Inc., with more than 285 locations in 5 countries, is one of the largest U.S.-based networks of locally-owned and operated Business Centers offering a complete range of print, visual communications, and marketing products. Solutions include: full-service digital, offset, and large format printing; design services; mailing; one-to-one marketing solutions; promotional products; and web to print solutions. For more information about AlphaGraphics services, visit www.alphagraphics.com. To learn about franchise opportunities, visit www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com.
Global leader in printing and marketing adds top business intelligence software and develops agLearn and agXsell tools to support franchise training and sales.
DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a leading provider of printing and marketing solutions, has announced the development of two new proprietary technologies offering ongoing sales training and hundreds of hours of educational courses for franchise owners. The new business tools, agLearn and agXsell, follow AlphaGraphics’ acquisition of business intelligence software Print Speak in 2019.
Print Speak, an industry-leading provider of business intelligence, contact relationship management and data aggregation designed to generate more leads and grow sales, provides an array of systems and business tools to support AlphaGraphics’ growth initiatives for the future.
“The acquisition of Print Speak was a major step forward in our mission to provide our franchise owners with tools for success,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of franchise development at AlphaGraphics. “The development of agLearn and agXsell for franchise centers is another milestone. These new tools fit the learning and development and sales and marketing landscape of a cutting edge franchisor.”
AgLearn currently offers more than 600 courses ranging from sales techniques to equipment training to products and services provided by AlphaGraphics centers. The business tool allows franchise owners and managers to assign, monitor and assess training for team members. The implementation of agLearn creates a culture of learning excellence and empowerment for franchise centers across the country.
AgXsell is seamlessly integrated with the powerful applications of Print Speak and assists owners and sales representatives in creating a step-by-step process to make customers aware of available services and help convert leads to customers. This innovative tool is designed to provide long-term printing and marketing solutions for customers by developing customer service representative sales skills.
“Based on our growth in 2019, it’s apparent that we are offering what potential franchise owners are looking for,” McPherson said. “We’re committed to ensuring that our franchise partners have the foundation and tools to build their AlphaGraphics business. Our investment in AgLearn and AgXsell are just the two latest examples of our partnership mentality with our franchise owners.”
AlphaGraphics was founded in 1970, and the company began offering franchise opportunities in 1979. AlphaGraphics’ services include printing, marketing, signs and other business solutions.
About MBE Worldwide
MBE Worldwide S.p.A. (“MBE”), is a privately-owned holding company based in Milan, Italy. Small and medium-sized enterprises and retail customers find shipping, fulfillment, printing, and marketing solutions through MBE’s network of independently owned and operated franchised locations. MBE Service Centers facilitate the activities of entrepreneurs, people, and businesses through an easy-to-access distribution network. Customized services and products are delivered with a uniquely high level of customer service. MBE presently operates under three different brands: Mail Boxes Etc., AlphaGraphics, and PostNet. Globally, the entire MBE network currently operates over 2,550 locations in 47 countries, with FY2018 system-wide sales of €861($956) Million.
About AlphaGraphics
AlphaGraphics, Inc., with more than 285 locations in 5 countries, is one of the largest U.S.-based networks of locally-owned and operated Business Centers offering a complete range of print, visual communications, and marketing products. Solutions include: full-service digital, offset, and large format printing; design services; mailing; one-to-one marketing solutions; promotional products; and web to print solutions. For more information about AlphaGraphics services, visit www.alphagraphics.com. To learn about franchise opportunities, visit www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com.
Global leader in printing and marketing receives positive results following an annual survey of the franchisees
DENVER — AlphaGraphics, a global leader in printing and marketing solutions, has received positive feedback from franchisees following Franchise Business Review’s annual survey completed in September of this year.
Since 2017, when the brand was purchased out of private equity by MBE Worldwide, AlpahGraphics has seen increasingly positive results when measured by their franchise owners.
For 2019, key categories with the greatest positive score increases include:
“We had 70% of our franchisees participate this year,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of franchise development at AlphaGraphics. “Our owners are validating at a higher level than ever before that they are excited about the brand, the leadership and the future.”
Franchise Business Review is a leading market research firm in the franchise industry that specializes in assessing franchisee satisfaction and performance. The goal is to bring transparency to the franchise industry for prospective owners and to help franchisors achieve performance objectives.
“We find these survey results to be extremely useful in strengthening our brand,” said McPherson. “We have improved on our score each year that we’ve participated in the survey. Once again, our owners have provided insightful and valuable feedback that will continue to support the health of our company.”
AlphaGraphics was founded in 1970, and the company began offering franchise opportunities in 1979. AlphaGraphics services include printing, marketing, signs and other business solutions.
About MBE Worldwide
MBE Worldwide S.p.A. (“MBE”), is a privately-owned holding company based in Milan, Italy. Small and medium-sized enterprises and retail customers find shipping, fulfillment, printing, and marketing solutions through MBE’s network of independently owned and operated franchised locations. MBE Service Centers facilitate the activities of entrepreneurs, people, and businesses through an easy-to-access distribution network. Customized services and products are delivered with a uniquely high level of customer service. MBE presently operates under three different brands: Mail Boxes Etc., AlphaGraphics, and PostNet. Globally, the entire MBE network currently operates over 2,550 locations in 47 countries, with FY2018 system-wide sales of €861($956) Million.
About AlphaGraphics
AlphaGraphics, Inc., with more than 285 locations in 5 countries, is one of the largest U.S.-based networks of locally-owned and operated Business Centers offering a complete range of print, visual communications, and marketing products. Solutions include: full-service digital, offset, and large format printing; design services; mailing; one-to-one marketing solutions; promotional products; and web to print solutions. For more information about AlphaGraphics services, visit www.alphagraphics.com. To learn about franchise opportunities, visit www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com.