Editorial

FASTSIGNS Celebrates Fifteen Years of Franchising

FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the Carrollton, Texas based franchisor of FASTSIGNS centers, the leading sign and graphic solutions provider, is celebrating fifteen years of franchising.

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. Within the first year of operation, the company had sold two stores and growth began.

By the early 1990s, 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 franchisor had to offer.

Today, FASTSIGNS has over 430 stores worldwide including locations in the United States, Australia (known as SIGNWAVE), Canada, Mexico, Brazil and the United Kingdom. The network has experienced double-digit system-wide sales increases in every year of operation.

According to Ed Fagenson, who opened his first FASTSIGNS in 1988, "I chose FASTSIGNS based on the vision, management skill and track record of the founder and president of our company, Gary Salomon. Over the years, though I’ve watched competitive franchisors increase the size of their operation, none have ever been able to match the level of leadership and support provided by our franchisor."

The success of the FASTSIGNS network is enhanced by the continuing expansion of the products and services offered such as Full Color Digital Graphics and Trade Show Booth Rentals and Displays. In October 2000, they upgraded their website and introduced the first stage of e-commerce and will soon release Phase Two.

According to Gary Salomon, the founder and President of FASTSIGNS, "Fifteen years ago we could not have predicted what was to come. The changes in our industry and in technology alone have been enormous. We strive to keep up with changing times and are happy to provide customers worldwide with stores that are e-media friendly and embrace technology as it happens. It has been a great fifteen years, and we look forward to what lies ahead."