FASTSIGNS® Opens Ten New Sign and Graphics Centers in California

Strong market interest and desire to own a business attracts new group of entrepreneurs

CARROLLTON, TX - Business is booming in California, and FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centers are making a concentrated push into the “Golden State” to fulfill a need that has been previously untapped for area businesses and organizations. Since 2005, ten FASTSIGNS centers have opened or are preparing to open in California within the next few months. Additionally, FASTSIGNS has plans to sell another 3 franchises in California in 2007.

The FASTSIGNS franchise is not new to California—with 42 individually-owned and operated centers operating in the state. “We established a presence in Southern California in 1988,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of domestic franchise development for FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “We’ve re-discovered a stronger market interest in more diverse areas of the state and increased inquiries into franchise ownership is being expressed by former corporate employees who have an interest to move on to the next stage in life and run their own business.” Five of the California FASTSIGNS are part of an elite group of centers, achieving over $1 million in sales.

A few weeks ago, Clint and Christina Ehlers opened a new FASTSIGNS center in Culver City. In explaining their decision, the couple said they wanted to join a company that had a proven system of successful operations. “We chose the FASTSIGNS network because it has a great business model and an excellent reputation within the industry,” said Clint Ehlers. “The FASTSIGNS concept thrives on the goal of making the sign and graphics buying experience simple for the customer. By offering innovative ideas and state-of-the art technology, our experts will be able to create and deliver effective graphic designs and signage for every type of business.”

“The large number of diverse businesses in the marketplace presents a huge opportunity for potential and current FASTSIGNS owners," said McPherson on the sudden surge of new centers. "We are eager to work with local entrepreneurs to grow our brand and offer signage solutions to help businesses in the area achieve their objectives and create awareness for their products and services.” The opening of so many centers has opened a variety of job opportunities to area residents in management, sales, computer design and production. .

“With all of the new innovations and changes in our industry, it is an exciting time to be involved in the signs and graphics business,” said Linda Fong who has owned a FASTSIGNS center in Oakland since 1995. In fact, business has been so good, she’s finding that the need for the products and services FASTSIGNS offers reaches beyond her first center, and she is preparing to open a second location in Hayward in the coming months.

In addition to the newly opened Culver City center and future Hayward location, FASTSIGNS centers have recently opened in American Canyon, Santa Clarita, Irvine, Folsom, San Bernardino, Ontario and Vista. A new center will be opening soon in Fremont.

The FASTSIGNS International, Inc. sign and graphics franchise includes 431 centers in the U.S. and an additional 76 centers in Australia (where FASTSIGNS is known as SIGNWAVE®), Brazil, Canada, Mexico and the UK. “Our franchise owners operate as local, independent business people, but with the support of a franchise system,” said McPherson. “Owners can choose from a variety of marketing programs, field visits and other forms of support so they get the kind of help from us that their individual center needs.”

Franchisees have incorporated their centers into the fabric of the community and actively search for ways to be more involved in the community and help its residents. Whether it be by becoming involved within their communities as members of the local chambers of commerce or by donating their time and services to charitable causes and sponsoring area events and organizations.

With a growth and profitability that has consistently outpaced the more than $7 billion non-electrical commercial sign industry, FASTSIGNS continues to be recognized as the industry's leading franchise. The company has a Four-Star Franchisee Satisfaction Rating from Franchise Business Review and in 2007 received the "Franchise 50 Best-in-Category Award".

“The economy is on a rebound and shows no signs of stopping, and we expect to have continued success in California, in our new centers as well as existing ones,” said McPherson on FASTSIGNS future. “The possibilities are endless and we’re locating a large number of territories that are available for new centers."

For more information on FASTSIGNS, visit www.fastsigns.com. To obtain more information on becoming an owner within the FASTSIGNS franchise network, visit franchise.fastsigns.com or call 800-827-7446.