It’s been one heck of a good year for FASTSIGNS. Back in January, the go-ahead graphics and visual comms franchise made the announcement that it had signed no fewer than 63 franchise agreements in 2016, these agreements being made with both new and long term franchisees in North America and the UK. “In the third quarter alone, we inked 22 new agreements, including 13 locations in Western and Midwestern states, such as California, Florida, Texas, Kansas, New Mexico and Washington,” says Mark Jameson, EVP of Franchise Support and Development, FASTSIGNS International, Inc.
2016 saw the company’s increasingly familiar red and blue logo being hoisted into position on 35 new franchise outlets. FASTSIGNS expects to open another 45 throughout 2017. On top of this and 400 U.S. and Canadian outlets it has targeted for development, the signage specialist has more than 65 international locations ready for expansion. “As part of the brand’s development strategy, FASTSIGNS is also targeting co-brand and conversion opportunities whereby print shop owners can expand their services by adding FASTSIGNS to their existing business or convert their business into a thriving FASTSIGNS center,” Jameson says.
“2016 was another record year for FASTSIGNS,” agrees Catherine Monson, president and CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “Our network generated over $446,000,000 in sales with strong sales growth in all regions and countries. We have the highest franchisee satisfaction ratings in the industry. Our franchisees continue to lead the industry in advanced products and services and provide comprehensive visual communications solutions to their customers. Our satisfied franchisees are our best reference! We are thrilled to be welcoming so many new franchisees to the FASTSIGNS family.”
Business model
“Growth like this definitely underscores the power of the FASTSIGNS brand and strength of our business model,” echoes Jameson. “We look forward to continuing this rapid expansion as 2017 brings a strong focus on the Northeast corridor, New England, Southern California and beyond, including entering new countries.”
With careful planing and an innovative product range, the FASTSIGNS brand has become the first choice of franchisees looking for a business whose products are in constant demand and which adapts and leads changes in this energetic marketplace. As well as catering to the demands of every kind of business with a huge range of products which includes signs of all types and for every surface (including vehicles), the company offers an endless variety of graphics, promotional products and also design and marketing services. Future-proofing comes with FASTSIGNS digital product range, encompassing digital displays which convey information clearly and effectively in public spaces such as transportation hubs as well as in healthcare facilities, corporate offices, retail stores, restaurants and countless other places.
Investors don’t need to take FASTSIGNS’ word for its success. The company has garnered deserved recognition and numerous awards from franchising bodies: * Franchise Business Review FBR50 Franchise Satisfaction Award 2006-2016 * Franchise Business Review – Best in Category 2016 *Franchise Research Institute World Class Franchise 2011-2016 *CFA Franchisees’ Choice Designation 2011-2016 * CFA Awards of Excellence, Bronze Winner 2016. It is to be noted that FASTSIGNS is one of only a handful of franchises approved for $21million in SBA financing for approved franchise candidates.
Key management
Once a candidate is accepted, their FASTSIGNS journey begins with three weeks of brand and model training with the key management team in Dallas. Master franchises are seen by FASTSIGNS very much as essential components in the machine driving the brand’s success. Master franchisees are kept in the loop and up to speed through attendance at company conventions, annual meeting and other events. They are encouraged to make visits to other countries and spend time understanding the unique challenges offered by franchising in that region. A typical FASTSIGNS master franchisee initially owns and operates one to two locations, and once they have a proven track record, the master franchisee will move on to sub-franchising.
FASTSIGNS welcomes enquiries from potential master franchisees and franchisees who would like to take a share in its ongoing success. A suitable candidate for FASTSIGNS is a person or company with strong experience as a master franchisee or area developer with other imported brands. The ideal candidate is likely to have extensive experience in their industry or a related industry, have proven management, multi-unit and senior management experience and be someone or some company whose conduct proves satisfactory after thorough due diligence and background screening. Naturally, the ideal candidate will have a passion for the brand and a hunger to help it grow. Interested parties will need have a minimum net worth as determined below.
“It’s important to join a brand with a highly successful franchise model and strong brand awareness,” says Mark Jameson. “ FASTSIGNS is a top-rated franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs who are considering a business with strong ties to the business community. FASTSIGNS franchisees receive the blueprint for success and ongoing support and training to drive the new venture forwards.”
For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or 214-346-5679) or download an eBook that explores the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity at http://amzn.to/1FrnDJu.
