Fastsigns Experiences Tremendous Growth in Q3, Signing 22 New Franchise Agreements

CARROLLTON, Texas — November 21, 2016 — Fastsigns International franchisor of Fastsigns, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, has announced that it has signed 39 franchise agreements this year with new and existing franchisees across the country.  In the third-quarter alone, the brand has inked 22 new agreements, including 13 locations in western and midwestern markets in states, such as California, Texas, Kansas, Washington, Florida and New Mexico. In addition this year, Fastsigns has opened 25 new centers.

Fastsigns International has more than 640 independently owned and operated locations in nine countries worldwide with plans to continue to expand both domestically and internationally. Despite a year of nationwide uncertainty in general for new business development, Fastsigns International has experienced tremendous growth in its third quarter and expects to finish the year strong with the signing of more than 50 new franchise agreements and likely entering two new countries.

"We are very excited with the brand's continued growth and success over the past several months, signing nearly two dozen new franchise agreements in Q3 alone and strengthening our presence in key markets throughout the country," says Mark Jameson, executive VP of franchise support and development, Fastsigns International. "Experiencing this level of growth is a testament to the strength of the Fastsigns brand and business model.  Additionally, we've noted an exciting trend with western expansion, most notably in the California market. With that being said, our growth is truly coast-to-coast with more than 400 open markets ready to develop; and 2017 brings a strong focus on the Northeast corridor and New England."

In addition to more than 400 U.S. and Canadian markets targeted for development, Fastsigns has 65+ international locations in nine countries open for continued expansion.  As part of the brand's development strategy, Fastsigns is also targeting Co-Brand and conversion opportunities whereby print shop owners can expand their services by adding Fastsigns to their existing business or convert their business into a thriving Fastsigns center.

One new franchisee who recently co-branded her existing photo retail shop, Fullerton Photographics, as a Fastsigns center is prominent photo industry leader, Gabrielle Mullinax. She notes, "As a woman business owner, I've found a true partner in Fastsigns who will help expand my existing business by providing our new and current clients the ability to stay on the cutting-edge of the sign, graphics and visual communications industry. For businesses looking for ways to expand their current portfolio and increase their revenue in today's fast-paced market, Fastsigns offers an opportunity, including training and support that is first-class in service and made the decision process easy for me."

Also in Q3, Fastsigns garnered national recognition in the industry for their strong veteran support. The brand was selected as one of 15 national recipients of the 2016 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the Department of Defense's highest recognition presented to employers for their exemplary support of National Guard and Reserve members. Fastsigns was also named a top franchise by Franchise Business Review (FBR) in its 2016 Top Franchises for Veterans Report, ranking the brand 11^th overall, earning its designation as "The Best of the Best" Franchise for Veterans. In addition, Fastsigns International was honored at the 2016 Franchise Update STAR Awards, placing 2^nd for best recruitment practices.

Earlier this year, the company launched a new franchise development website, making it easier for potential franchise candidates to learn about the Fastsigns brand and opportunity.

For information about the Fastsigns franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or (214) 346-5679) or download an ebook that explores the Fastsigns franchise opportunity at http://amzn.to/1FrnDJu.

About Fastsigns
Fastsigns International is the largest sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of more than 640 independently owned and operated Fastsigns centers in nine countries including the US, Canada, England, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Grand Cayman, Mexico and Australia (where centers operate as Signwave).

Fastsigns locations provide comprehensive sign and visual graphic solutions to help companies of all sizes and across all industries attract more attention, communicate their message, sell more products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touch points including décor, events, wearables and marketing materials. Learn more about sign and visual graphic solutions or find a location at fastsigns.com. Follow the brand on Twitter @Fastsigns, Facebook at facebook.com/FASTSIGNS or LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/fastsigns.

Franchise Research Institute has named Fastsigns a top sign and graphics franchise and has awarded the company certification as a 2015 World-Class Franchise for four consecutive years. Fastsigns was also recognized by USA Today, Military Times magazine, G.I. Jobs magazine and Franchise Business Review as one of the top franchises for military veterans. Most recently, the company was selected as one of 15 national recipients of the 2016 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the Department of Defense's highest recognition presented to employers for their exemplary support of National Guard and Reserve members. In addition, Fastsigns International was honored at the 2016 Franchise STAR awards, placing 2^nd for best recruitment practices.

Source: Fastsigns.