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Meet FASTSIGNS®Owner Bill Belmont
 Entrepreneurial Spirit
Bill Belmont, Lawrenceville, New Jersey
Even as a boy, Bill Belmont showed the ethic of a true entrepreneur. Starting at the age of 12 in Pleasantville, New York, Bill worked as a caddie at a local country club, toting bags, cleaning clubs and learning the value of a well-earned dollar. After receiving his college degree in accounting, Bill worked as Vice President of Finance for a company that sold collectables and giftwares in the trade and retail channels. He was good at his job, but longed for a career that offered more independence and personal satisfaction; one without “the backbiting and politics of the corporate world”. He dreamt of the day when he could take greater control over his own life and began to investigate the possibility of owning and operating his own business.
Seeking Independence
As an avid golfer, Bill considered starting a business constructing putting greens in the backyards of private homes. That idea seemed like it would be enjoyable and rewarding, but it also seemed more than a bit risky. To reduce the uncertainty of his startup venture, Belmont began looking more closely into franchise opportunities, and for a time actively considered opportunities in the food and automotive supply industries. Then, after a rigorous search, Bill applied for and was awarded a FASTSIGNS® franchise. “I picked FASTSIGNS for three reasons,” Belmont explains. “They were a pioneer and a leader in the industry, they focused on business-to-business sales, and FASTSIGNS had a great management team that was obviously committed to building and supporting a successful group of franchise owners.”
A Successful Launch
Bill Belmont opened his FASTSIGNS store in January of 1999 in a suburban community between Princeton and Trenton, New Jersey, some 70 miles south of New York City. So far, he says, ownership has been both a challenge and a tremendously positive experience. He says he has never regretted the decision to open his own business. Married with three children, Bill describes his wife as his “life partner and Most Valuable Player” in the management of their FASTSIGNS store. He says that at first, it was a learning experience for he and his wife to work so closely in a business environment, but since opening the store, they have developed into a great working partnership. When he’s not managing the store, Bill still enjoys sports-related outdoor activities such as golf and skiing. The Belmont’s employ four staff members, and say their store has succeeded by stressing “customer service” to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Bill has worked hard to maintain double-digit growth, and takes pride in having reached several ambitious sales and profitability objectives. He reports that in most cases, the business has met or exceeded his initial goals.
A Real Community
“The one thing that has surprised me as a FASTSIGNS franchisee is the extent of support the owners receive from FASTSIGNS corporate,” Belmont now says. He cites FASTSIGNS’ leadership in marketing and advertising, technology and training support as key reasons for his achievements and the success of the entire FASTSIGNS owner community. Since opening its first U.S. retail store in 1985, FASTSIGNS has become a leader in the dynamic sign and graphics industry. FASTSIGNS supports its owners with a full array of business and marketing assistance, including site selection, a “store in a box” startup program, national advertising and promotional campaigns, financial and operational systems, initial and ongoing training and sales leads from an aggressive National Accounts Program. The company has recently introduced advanced graphics and customer solutions, including full-color graphics, E-commerce, and personalized store websites. FASTSIGNS has continued to grow and prosper, and now boasts nearly 490 stores the world over.
Encouraging Words
Like so many other FASTSIGNS owners, Bill Belmont is generous with his advice to anyone considering a FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity. “Be prepared to enter an industry that is changing rapidly,” he says. The very definition of a “sign” is changing, Belmont notes. To meet their customers’ needs, store owners must broaden the scope of the products and services they offer. He says FASTSIGNS is committed to helping its owners meet that challenge.
Being a FASTSIGNS owner requires a commitment to other franchisees and to the entire system, Belmont believes. By supporting one another, he is convinced that FASTSIGNS store owners help ensure the future of their own small business. “To make it in this industry, you must invest in personnel, training and equipment,” Bill Belmont says. “But once you make those investments, FASTSIGNS gives you the support you need to succeed.”
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