Visual communications, signs and graphics leader FASTSIGNS International, Inc., has earned a 2016 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The honor, also known as the "Freedom Award," is bestowed by the Department of Defense on employers who provide exemplary support to Reserve and National Guard members.
Air Force Reservist and Indianapolis FASTSIGNS Business Consultant Stephen MacKenzie nominated the signage franchise business in light of its financial and personal support during his most recent overseas deployment. Prior to this accommodation, the franchiser was also the only employer to earn the Pro Patria honor in Texas, which is awarded to a business for its support of employees in the Reserve and National Guard.
While MacKenzie was overseas, his family received tremendous support from the franchise, which included care packages for Stephen and personalized gifts to his wife and three children. The sign and visual communications franchise also provided the family with the difference between his corporate pay and military compensation for the entire deployment period. When he returned, he received a welcome party attended by brand CEO Catherine Monson.
MacKenzie spoke about the wealth of support he received from his employer during his deployment, saying he and his family are incredibly grateful for all the help and care they received.
According to Monson, the brand is honored to be included among the 15 recipients of the Freedom Award this year. The CEO says the company will continue to support employees who serve their country as it's part of their corporate responsibility. Currently, more than 10 percent of the brand's franchisees are military veterans, and the company is always working to improve that number.
Current Franchises for Sale
FASTSIGNS is the biggest visual communications and signage franchiser in North America, with more than 600 centers across nine countries. There are currently franchises for sale in several major markets, including Los Angeles, California, and Boston, Massachusetts. Qualified applicants will have a net worth of at least $250,000, with a minimum of $80,000 liquid. The franchise fee is $44,500, but qualified veterans may receive a reduced fee of $22,250. The total investment ranges from $151,140 to $293,525.
