FastSigns Enhances Training for New Owners

FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the Carrollton, Texas based franchisor of FASTSIGNS sign and graphic centers, has expanded their New Owner Training program from three weeks to four weeks effective June, 2002. This change has been put in place to better prepare new store owners for meeting the demands brought on by new technologies and rapid advances in the sign and graphic industry.

The change in the length of the New Owner training program, which is required of all new owners purchasing a FASTSIGNS franchise, is partially to help improve information retention so that owners can return to their stores with the knowledge and skills necessary to grow and maintain a successful FASTSIGNS store.

Due to rapid advances in sign making technology and the equipment used for sign and graphic production, lessons in more targeted marketing, expanded technology training and more hands-on, in-store training are just a few of the areas of additional focus.

According to Susan Last, Senior Vice President of Franchise Services for FASTSIGNS, "We are anticipating great results from the additional training we are providing our franchisees. In an industry like ours that is constantly growing, thriving and changing, our goal is to make sure that each of our owners is armed with the best training and resources available in the industry."

FASTSIGNS became the industry leader in 1986 when it franchised its first store and revolutionized the sign industry by bringing professional customer service, one-day turnaround and computer-aided technology to what had traditionally been a more industrial field. By the early 1990's, Franchising had become an attractive investment for many individuals who were faced with company restructurings, mid-level management layoffs and high unemployment levels. It was these individuals, like the ones today, who wanted the freedom of owning their own business, but also wanted the support of proven systems that a franchise had to offer.

Today, FASTSIGNS has over 440 stores worldwide including locations in the United States, Australia (known as SIGNWAVE), Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.