CARROLLTON, Texas, Aug. 20, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After receiving numerous awards and recognition for its outstanding franchisee satisfaction and veterans' programs, FASTSIGNS ® announces that it has signed a new center agreement in Waldorf, Md., adding to the company's already impressive franchise growth numbers.
The company's growth, fueled by a global market demand for its services, shows no signs of slowing down. FASTSIGNS finalized 38 new center agreements in 2012 to become the largest sign and graphics franchisor in North America and expects to see the same numbers in 2013. The worldwide franchisor has already opened 18 new centers and signed 22 agreements this year, calling for new centers in Chicago's West Loop, Orange County, Calif., Carrollwood, Fla., and six new centers across Canada.
FASTSIGNS' newest franchisee, Eric Kriemelmeyer, partnered with the booming franchise in an effort to expand his already extensive industry knowledge and plans to open his center in the Waldorf area in the fourth quarter of 2013.
"After spending nearly 20 years in the printing and graphics industry, I knew I wanted to expand my business into the signage and wide-format categories, but I didn't have the specific printing equipment or relationships with manufacturers that I needed," said Kriemelmeyer, who has been local to the Waldorf area much of his life. "Research led me to FASTSIGNS and I learned that the company would support me with everything I need, from technology expertise to specific production questions, to ensure the long-term success of my business."
As part of the support provided to all FASTSIGNS franchisees, Kriemelmeyer will receive assistance with marketing, site selection and construction management services. His center will also benefit from the company's proven business model and operations systems in addition to the brand recognition of a global network. All owners also receive ongoing training and support related to the industry, products and services, and general business.
FASTSIGNS is also involved in a variety of franchisee support initiatives, including a franchise lending program created by The Bancorp Bank and Franchise America Finance, giving the company a $6 million credit facility for start-up and expanding franchisees for new center development. In addition, the company offers special incentives to any veterans that choose to open a FASTSIGNS center, including a 50 percent reduced franchise fee of $18,250 and reduced royalties for the first twelve months.
"The momentum we've had to date, with these new agreements and openings, in addition to ongoing third-party acknowledgment from organizations like Entrepreneur magazine and the Franchise Research Institute continue to validate FASTSIGNS as the No. 1 sign and graphics franchise in North America," said Mark Jameson, FASTSIGNS Senior Vice President of Franchise Support & Development. "We are proud of this title and will continue focusing on being a great partner to our current franchisees while expanding the FASTSIGNS brand."
FASTSIGNS is the largest sign and graphics franchisor in North America and consistently receives top ratings for system growth and franchisee satisfaction, including: certification as a 2013 World-Class Franchise by the Franchise Research Institute, inclusion on the Franchise Business Review's 2013 " FBR50 ", Canada Franchise Association (CFA) Award of Excellence in Franchising, CFA Franchisees' Choice Award, and inclusion in Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500® as the No. 1 franchisor in the sign and graphic category.
With more than 540 FASTSIGNS sign and graphics centers in eight countries, the company provides marketing and visual communications solutions to businesses, organizations and events of all types and sizes. FASTSIGNS offers a variety of sign and graphics solutions – including banners, building signs, digital signage, yard signs, vehicle graphics, decals, trade show exhibits and displays, point-of-purchase signs, and posters – as well as mobile websites, promotional products, interior décor, branding, printing and other marketing services.
About FASTSIGNS ®
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the worldwide franchisor for the more than 540 FASTSIGNS ® sign, graphic and visual communications centers in eight countries including the US (and Puerto Rico), Canada, England, Brazil, Mexico, the Caribbean, Saudi Arabia and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE ® ). FASTSIGNS provides comprehensive visual communications solutions to help customers of all sizes – across all industries – meet their business objectives and increase their business visibility through the use of signs, graphics, printing, promotional products and related marketing services. FASTSIGNS was ranked number one for the third year in a row in the sign and graphic category in the 2013 Entrepreneur Magazine annual Franchise 500 ® . For franchise information, contact Mark Jameson ( mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or 214-346-5679) or visit www.fastsigns.com .
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Candice Hudson, Fishman Public Relations, (847) 945-1300,
