In 2016, graphics and sign solution leader FASTSIGNS International launched "FASTSIGNS Cares," an initiative that blends team building, involvement in the community and support of local charities. Throughout its inaugural year, US and Canadian brand franchise business owners selected different organizations to help, including local charities and chapters of national nonprofits. They also honored service members returning home with banners and signs, and a donation of $25,000 was made to American Red Cross.
As part of this new initiative, franchisees shared an overview of their year for "Show Us How You Care," and all franchisees voted for the five owners who stood out at promoting goodwill in their local communities. Four US franchisees and one Canadian franchisee became the first "Show Us How You Care" winners: Cory Merchant and Jeff Youngblood of Texas; Bev and Tom Weber of Minnesota; Renee Friedman of Florida; Susan and Sam Cilone of Texas; and Jackie Raymond and Donna Bilodeau of Ontario. The winner had additional $500 grants made on their behalf to their local Red Cross chapter and to a community charity of their choice.
Brand CEO Catherine Monson said that the company's franchisees really do care about others and that the brand is proud of how its franchisees serve local communities and is looking forward to expanding the new initiative in the years ahead.
Franchise opportunities are available
FASTSIGNS is the biggest visual communications and sign franchise in North America, and it has locations spanning nine countries. There are currently franchise opportunities in many markets, such as Tucson, Arizona; Los Angeles, California; and Chicago, Illinois. Applicants who qualify will have a good credit rating, a net worth of at least $250,000 and at least $80,000 in liquid assets. The franchise fee is $44,500, and the total investment runs from $151,140 to $293,525.
