FASTSIGNS Franchisee, Mike Reagan, Named Arizona Small Business Person of the Year

Local FASTSIGNS franchisee Mike Reagan has been chosen to receive the Arizona Small Business Person of the Year Award and will travel to Washington, D.C. later this month to accept the award.

The award will be presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration as part of Small Business Week 2000, an observance that pays tribute to the contributions of small business owners and operators who have made outstanding contributions to their communities.

The national honor is the latest of several awards Reagan has received in his nine years as a FASTSIGNS franchisee. All have come in response to a unique business philosophy that stresses community involvement.

"When you give of yourself, you get it back," Reagan said. "We've found that we get back more than we give."

Reagan is a past recipient of a Blue Chip Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for the state of Arizona, and was named International Franchise of the Year in 1998. In addition, last year, Reagan was selected as Small Business Person of the Year by the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce.

"We are very proud of Mike's achievement and want to offer him our heartfelt congratulations," said Gary Salomon, co-founder, President and CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc., "We believe this honor is indicative of the caliber of individuals serving our clients across the country."

Offering state-of-the-art computer technology, FASTSIGNS stores are able to produce sign and graphic solutions for businesses of all types. Since its origination in 1986, the FASTSIGNS network has grown to more than 438 franchise locations worldwide.

Reagan's success story grew out of his desire to relocate from the southern suburbs of Chicago to an area where he wanted to retire, which ultimately lead him to Phoenix. When he realized that opportunities in his present occupation within the computer graphics industry were much more limited in Arizona, he investigated alternative careers and soon found something that seemed to offer the perfect way for him to capitalize on past experience while offering new opportunities as a self-employed professional.

"While visiting Phoenix, I saw an article in a business magazine about the quick-sign industry," Reagan said. "The article said high tech was propelling the industry, and the magazine focused on the leading franchisors. I looked at all the franchisors, but I selected FASTSIGNS because I saw that they had their act together. They knew what they were doing professionally."

"The business has done very, very well," he said, adding that FASTSIGNS on Central is currently enjoying a level of business that is about three times the average for a national FASTSIGNS store.

"The secret to our store's growth has been that we do not spend money for traditional commercial advertising," Reagan said. "We are very active in getting involved in charitable causes, trading retail signage for comparable recognition for our company."

Reagan is also active on many non-profit boards, and his store does a lot of pro bono work. His business philosophy has helped him build and retain a strong employee base. "Good employees want to work here," he said. "They see the business being recognized, and they say, 'My gosh, I want to work there.'

FASTSIGNS on Central now has a staff of 13 employees. Reagan's wife, Donna, is his business partner, handling administrative, financial and personnel matters. His daughter, Michelle, also has been with the operation from the beginning and handles outside sales.

About FASTSIGNS International, Inc.

FASTSIGNS International is the franchisor of FASTSIGNS® stores and offers a full range of custom sign and graphics products including banners, window-vehicle-floor graphics, safety and identification signage, trade show displays and graphics, and exterior signage. FASTSIGNS International is headquartered in Carrollton, Texas, and has more than 435 franchise locations worldwide.