Fastsigns
Encyclopedia
Fastsigns is the franchisor of Fastsigns centers which provide a full range of custom sign and graphics products to companies and individuals who want to outsource their signage needs.
There are currently more than 530 Fastsigns retail locations worldwide in United States, Canada, the U.K., Brazil, the Cayman Islands, Mexico and Australia (where centers operate under the name Signwave). Countries where the company formerly had locations but no longer operates include Colombia (from which it withdrew in 1996) and Argentina.
was sold December 1986, and its first international franchise sold in 1991. The company was bought in October 2003 by Roark Capital Group
, an Atlanta-based private equity firm. In 2009, former president of PIP Printing, Catherine Monson was named CEO of Fastsigns.
The creation and growth of Fastsigns was profiled in a case study in the textbook Managing: A Competency-Based Approach.
signs, vehicle graphics, decals, QR codes, mobile web
sites, architectural site signs
, digital signs
, point of purchase exhibits and displays
. They also provide in-house custom design services and consultation, delivery, and installation.
There are currently more than 530 Fastsigns retail locations worldwide in United States, Canada, the U.K., Brazil, the Cayman Islands, Mexico and Australia (where centers operate under the name Signwave). Countries where the company formerly had locations but no longer operates include Colombia (from which it withdrew in 1996) and Argentina.
History
Fastsigns was founded in 1985 in Dallas by Gary Salomon and Bob Schanbaum. The first franchiseFranchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
was sold December 1986, and its first international franchise sold in 1991. The company was bought in October 2003 by Roark Capital Group
Roark Capital Group
Roark Capital Group is a private equity firm focused on leveraged buyout investments in middle-market companies primarily in consumer and business services companies. Roark has historically focused on the franchise, food and restaurant, specialty retail, environmental services, waste management,...
, an Atlanta-based private equity firm. In 2009, former president of PIP Printing, Catherine Monson was named CEO of Fastsigns.
The creation and growth of Fastsigns was profiled in a case study in the textbook Managing: A Competency-Based Approach.
Services
Fastsigns makes custom banners, large format inkjetInkjet printer
An inkjet printer is a type of computer printer that creates a digital image by propelling droplets of ink onto paper. Inkjet printers are the most commonly used type of printer and range from small inexpensive consumer models to very large professional machines that can cost up to thousands of...
signs, vehicle graphics, decals, QR codes, mobile web
Mobile Web
The Mobile Web refers to the use of Internet-connected applications, or browser-based access to the Internet from a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer, connected to a wireless network....
sites, architectural site signs
Signage
Signage is any kind of visual graphics created to display information to a particular audience. This is typically manifested in the form of wayfinding information in places such as streets or inside/outside of buildings.-History:...
, digital signs
Digital signage
Digital signage is a form of electronic display that shows television programming, menus, information, advertising and other messages. Digital signs can be found in public and private environments, such as retail stores, hotels, restaurants and corporate buildings.Digital signage Displays are most...
, point of purchase exhibits and displays
Display advertising
Display advertising is a type of advertising that typically contains text , logos, photographs or other images, location maps, and similar items. In periodicals, display advertising can appear on the same page as, or on the page adjacent to, general editorial content...
. They also provide in-house custom design services and consultation, delivery, and installation.