Rising worldwide demand for visual communications and digital sign technology has positioned FASTSIGNS International, Inc. for robust franchise expansion domestically and in key international markets. On track to sign a record fifty franchise agreements in 2015, the worldwide franchisor for more than 575 FASTSIGNS® sign, graphics, and visual communications centers in nine countries will be exhibiting at the 2015 International Franchise Expo (IFE).
Held June 18-20 at The Javits Center in New York City, the IFE is the largest franchise expo of its kind, showcasing more than 450 franchise opportunities. At the expo, company executives will be at booth No. 214 to meet with potential franchise candidates to discuss the company’s “More than fast. More than signs.” vision and franchise opportunities throughout North America as well as global markets.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with FASTSIGNS representatives to discuss the franchise buying process and learn more about the company’s proven business model, high franchise partner satisfaction rankings, $21 million in SBA financing available for franchisees and a special incentive program for military veterans, including a 50 percent discount off the initial franchise fee.
The FASTSIGNS booth will also highlight many new Digital Sign applications and hardware that illustrate the cutting-edge technology driving the brand’s growth.
“To be successful in the constantly evolving visual communication space, signage providers must be focused and forward-thinking,” said Mark Jameson, executive vice president of Franchise Support and Development at FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “At FASTSIGNS, we maintain a keen eye on industry developments that will help our franchisees deliver a more effective customer-focused communication strategy. Providing this guidance and support, while keeping lines of communication open, are the foundation of our company’s system-wide success.”
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. CEO Catherine Monson is partnering with FASTSIGNS franchisee Denise Acquaye in a panel session to discuss “The Franchisor-Franchisee Relationship: Striking the Perfect Balance” on Friday, June 19, from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. EST (room 1B02). Denise Acquaye and her husband, Robert, joined the FASTSIGNS family in October 2012 with the opening of their center in Newark, N.J.
“We wouldn’t have done this without the support that FASTSIGNS provided,” Robert stated. “When we began considering franchise entrepreneurship, we were looking for a franchise that would give us growth opportunities and provide ongoing support. FASTSIGNS assured us that they would offer initial and continued guidance throughout our time with the franchise and they haven’t wavered from that promise.”
Along with Monson’s Friday panel discussion, she will be a panelist for an educational program titled “Global Franchise Expansion: Strategies for Lucrative and Planned Growth” on Thursday, June 18, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. EST (room 1B03).
Through its targeted growth strategy, FASTSIGNS plans to open upwards of 50 locations each year over the next three to five years across the globe, entering 10 new markets. In addition to North American expansion, FASTSIGNS is enhancing its Middle Eastern presence with the recent opening of its first Dubai location by Master Franchisee Hamdi Osman. Under his Master Franchise agreement, Osman will open 12 locations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
While still looking to further develop in the Middle East with other franchise partners, FASTSIGNS is also seeking Master Franchisees in Central and South America, India, Mexico and Southeast Asia. The franchise has seen high demand in these regions for its core offerings of signs, graphics, printing, promotional products and related marketing services.
