Trent Lensch of FASTSIGNS International Inc. to Boost the Ranks of Certified Franchise Professionals

Carrollton resident Trent Lensch, Vice President of Operations for Texas-based FASTSIGNS International Inc.—worldwide franchisor of FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centers—was recognized today as a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) by the Institute of Certified franchise Executives.

Lensch completed a comprehensive course of study in franchise management offered by the institute, which is the academic branch of the International Franchise Association’s Educational Foundation. IFA, the world’s largest trade group representing the Franchising industry, includes nearly 1,300 franchise companies, 10,000 franchisees and more than 500 firms that provide goods and services to the industry, hosts the presentation during its annual convention in Orlando.

Lensch has more than 15 years experience providing support and managing operations and sales in the franchise industry. As vice president of operations for FASTSIGNS, he oversees a staff that supports more than 480 FASTSIGNS centers in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Before joining FASTSIGNS, he managed support operations for a district of franchisees of Orion Food Systems, a branded fast foods company. Lensch is a native of Glidden, Iowa, and graduated from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.

More than 1,000 candidates are currently enrolled or have received their CFE certification. Over 300 IFA-member companies currently have one or more executives enrolled in the program that provides benefits such as specialized knowledge, industry recognition, peer-level networking and professional standing.

Candidates must complete a rigorous course of study to earn the CFE designation, which includes attending institute-sponsored educational seminars and workshops. The program is designed to enhance franchising professionals’ understanding of both the industry’s fundamental and complex aspects.