FASTSIGNS Earns Recognition for Veteran Recruitment Initiatives

Kudos to Catherine Monson and her FastSigns team members!

FASTSIGNS Earns Recognition for Veteran Recruitment Initiatives

Friday, May 31, 2013

Press release from the issuing company

Only Sign & Graphics Franchise Included on 2013 Military Friendly Franchise List by Victory Media

CARROLLTON, Texas – As a testament to FASTSIGNS commitment to hiring and recruiting veterans as franchise owners an  employees, Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs,has recognized the company as a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise.

Comprised of the top 10 percent of franchise concepts doing the most to recruit and train America’s veterans as business owners, the 2013 list was compiled through exhaustive research by Victory Media in which thousands of franchises nationwide were polled. Criteria for inclusion on the list include the franchise’s success in recruiting military veterans, non-financial efforts and financial commitment to recruit and retain veterans.

FASTSIGNS, the worldwide franchisor for the more than 540 FASTSIGNS sign, graphic and visual communications centers in eight countries, is the only sign and graphics company to make the list. In its efforts to actively help veterans find career opportunities, the company is part of the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) VetFran program that provides military veterans with special incentives and assistance to open a franchise.

All veterans that choose to become FASTSIGNS franchisees can take advantage of specific incentives including a 50 percent reduced franchise fee of $18,250, in addition to reduced royalties for the first twelve months. FASTSIGNS is the only franchise in its industry to offer a 50 percent discount to any veteran without stipulations.

Currently, 10 percent of the FASTSIGNS U.S. network is comprised of veterans, and an additional two veterans have signed on with the company to open centers in Denver, Colo. and Brandon, Fla. in the coming months.

“We truly appreciate the sacrifices that our servicemen and women have made for our country,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS. “We want to make sure our veterans have every opportunity when it comes to securing a career in franchising. For those wanting to go into business for themselves, FASTSIGNS is committed to offering aggressive financial support and resources that will help them every step of the way. Our experience is that veterans are outstanding franchisees; they have developed strong leadership and execution skills during their service to our country. This is a perfect recipe for success.”

Daniel Nichols, who served as a sailor in the U.S. Navy and opened his FASTSIGNS center in 2008, is one example of the many military veterans who have taken advantage of the initiatives and support that FASTSIGNS offers.

“I always wanted to run my own business and after learning about FASTSIGNS through a friend, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for me,” Nichols said. “I was also drawn to FASTSIGNS because they offered a veteran program and discounts through VetFran. I knew I wanted to go with a company that had a proven business model, so I could learn from the mistakes that others had already made without repeating them. In the five years since joining FASTSIGNS, I have received immense support and business consulting advice from the main office. There is always someone available to help me whether it’s with setting goals, providing sales courses or training on new technologies.”

FASTSIGNS is the largest sign and graphics franchisor in North America and consistently receives top ratings for system growth and franchisee satisfaction, including: certification as a 2013 World-Class Franchise by the Franchise Research Institute, inclusion on the Franchise Business Review’s 2013 “FBR50”, and inclusion in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 as the No. 1 franchisor in the sign and graphic category.

With more than 540 FASTSIGNS sign and graphics centers in eight countries, the company provides marketing and visual communications solutions to businesses, organizations and events of all types and sizes. FASTSIGNS offers a variety of sign and graphics solutions – including banners, building signs, digital signage, yard signs, vehicle graphics, decals, trade show exhibits and displays, point-of-purchase signs, and posters – as well as mobile websites, promotional products, interior décor, branding, printing and other marketing services.