The global resilience of communication.
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FASTSIGNS has executed dozens of master franchise agreements across the globe through its established franchising model over the past several years in nine countries including the United States and Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Grand Cayman, the United Arab Emirates, Malta, France and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE).
As the worldwide franchisor of more than 735 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS centers, the brand is poised for additional international growth and has developed a proven process that allows FASTSIGNS centers to enter new countries while adapting to local customs and traditions.
FASTSIGNS’ growth is a testament to the company’s ability to listen to its customers in the local markets it operates in and adapt accordingly to best suit local visual communications needs. This attribute has pioneered the brand’s approach to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout 2020, as business owners were faced with unpredictable challenges and changes. As the business landscape continues to shift with updated regulations to keep individuals safe while slowly returning to normalcy, one thing that has remained consistent since March is business’ need to communicate.
With a proven business model, international brand recognition, and unparalleled training and support, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. has remained on the cutting- edge of its industry, and through these unprecedented times, the support of its franchise system has helped its master franchisees and individual franchise owners stay afloat.
FASTSIGNS centers in the United States were deemed as essential businesses and able to continue operating as they provided signs, graphics and visual communications while other concepts, such as retail stores, salons or restaurants, were mandated to temporarily close their doors. Local franchisees were able to quickly pivot their services to best support their customers and local communities to inspire safe environments.
With franchisees utilizing their supplies and services to focus on providing solutions to protect their communities, FASTSIGNS centers have displayed the ability to adapt and persevere despite the state of the world. As the demand for signage continues to not only stay relevant but increase, FASTSIGNS has an ongoing commitment to upholding a highly-adaptable company, providing visual marketing solutions that meet the ever-evolving needs of its franchisees and customers internationally.
Mark Jameson, EVP of franchise support and development of FASTSIGNS International, Inc., says the brand is currently focusing on enlisting strong master franchisees – both prior to and post the pandemic – capable of building out an entire country.
UNPARALLELED TRAINING AND RESOURCES
FASTSIGNS is known in the industry for equipping its franchisees with training and tools vital to securing the ongoing success of each location – wherever they operate. FASTSIGNS has more than 120 support staff, boasting a support ratio of 1:6 worldwide, the largest of any sign franchise.
FASTSIGNS’ training and support resources include its online FASTSIGNS University, sales training, a mentor program, a new center business consultant, sales leadership academy, and more.
Linda Sultmann and Dean Rowland are the master franchisees for Australia – where centers operate as SIGNWAVE. Prior to becoming a master franchisee with FASTSIGNS, Linda was a business consultant for the brand in Australia. After learning about all of the tools and resources FASTSIGNS offers to their international partners, they decided to transition from business consultants to master franchisees to help catapult expansion throughout the country.
STAYING AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION
Launching an American brand overseas has its benefits. In many countries, U.S. technological advancements in the signage industry are several years ahead, meaning that once there is a demand in a master franchisee’s home country, FASTSIGNS has already worked out the best usage methodologies.
Across all nine countries, FASTSIGNS is at the forefront of industry development and its offerings extend beyond traditional signage to include digital signage, architectural signage, and interior décor.
“The past several months have displayed that our business model allows our franchisees to be nimble and respond quickly to whatever their communities need the most”
“Franchisees worldwide benefit from our diverse product range, so they can serve the unique needs of their customers,” says Jameson. “We know that to be a truly global franchise, we can’t only offer products that are popular back home in the U.S. While people worldwide need signage, graphics, and visual communications, they often consume these things in different ways depending on where they live and do business.”
In December 2019, FASTSIGNS’ first location in France opened in Paris and the brand announced the signing of a master franchise agreement with Parisian entrepreneur Jean-Marc Tabel, who will open 12 centers throughout France and Monaco over the next several years. Tabel has over 40 years of experience developing awnings, store décor, and printed materials.
“Throughout France, there are numerous privately-owned businesses that need marketing and branding services, and FASTSIGNS is surely the most advanced franchise opportunity in its industry,” says Tabel. “We are glad to be pioneers for the brand in our country. Joining FASTSIGNS met every criteria we were searching for in a business opportunity. With the amount of ongoing support and training that FASTSIGNS provides its franchisees, we are confident we will be successful.”
Today, FASTSIGNS continues to set its sights on finding master franchisees for Québec, New Zealand, India, and Brazil, as well as countries throughout North Africa, Southwest Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
“The past several months have displayed that our business model allows our franchisees to be nimble and respond quickly to whatever their communities need the most,” says Jameson. “As long as there are businesses and organizations needing signage, graphics, and visual communications, FASTSIGNS can be there to fulfill that need. The FASTSIGNS business opportunity is designed to succeed anywhere, especially in today’s environment, and that’s why we’re seeking qualified candidates looking to join our brand.”
AT A GLANCE
Established: 1985
Number of franchised outlets: Over 735
Location of units: United States, Canada, Chile, England, Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, the United Arab Emirates, Malta, and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE)
Investment range:
• Cobrand: $96,881 – $206,501
• Conversion: $106,054 – $219,842
• New center: $218,596 – $298,679
Minimum required capital: $80,000
Contact: mark.jameson@fastsigns.com / +1 (888) 285-5935
