Typically on this blog, we highlight our individual FASTSIGNS locations and look for ways to provide you a closer look into our world of signs—we are sign-loving nerds! But at FASTSIGNS, we are also a franchise, which means we are very supportive and understand firsthand the issues faced by the small business community, and by the franchise community.
The Wall Street Journal ran a great article today about the importance of franchisee satisfaction. You can read the article by clicking here.
At FASTSIGNS, we strongly believe that we are only as good as our franchisees. If they are unhappy, or aren’t able to be achieve their goals with their business—their FASTSIGNS center—then that means we—at the corporate headquarters—are not successful. For the last four years, FASTSIGNS has been named “Best in Business Services” by Franchise Business Review. As this title comes directly from the feedback of our franchise partners (FASTSIGNS owners), we take that award very seriously.
The great thing about this kind of research and the survey that firms like Franchise Business Review conduct annually, is that it allows us to stay on top of the collective satisfaction of our franchise community. If there are areas that need improvement, this research is a tool that allows us to keep those areas from being overlooked.
If you get a chance to read the article, we would enjoy knowing your thoughts.
Overall, navigation has been improved and the website is now much more aligned with the clean look-and-feel of the FASTSIGNS® brand.
The old FASTSIGNS.com
VS.
The newly redesigned and enhanced FASTSIGNS.com
But one of the aspects we are most excited and proud of is the variety of ways that a sign can be searched for within the site. Now, visitors can search by type of sign, by industry, by event, or by indoor or outdoor use. That may not seem like an earth-shattering concept to some, but for those of us sign nerds in the know, this may possibly be the first time that a sign and graphic franchise website has had that kind of search ability.
Either way, we have been taking the new http://www.fastsigns.com/ out for a spin, and hope you will do the same. If you do, be sure to drop back by and let us know what you think!
People are always surprised by the diversity of projects that FASTSIGNS® centers are capable of—you never know what surface we will have a sign or graphic on next. Rob Jaggers and his Hamilton, Ontario, FASTSIGNS center in Canada recently did a project that is a perfect example, proving that the sky truly is the limit.
Yes, you are seeing graphics being applied to the wings of a vintage airplane! Rob was called upon to create the graphics and have them applied them temporarily to the historic plane for a local radio contest.
“It was a little awkward, basically like applying graphics to a 10 foot high ceiling,” Rob explained. After the contest, the graphics were easily removed without harming the aircraft.
With this blog we enjoy highlighting the various projects that our FASTSIGNS® centers participate in or help benefit, especially those that are outside of the typical sign and graphics realm. A perfect example is the FASTSIGNS center in Sheffield, England, which recently sent a group of children to the Whirlow Farm Trust for two days of hands-on farm life experience.
This is not the first time the center has helped send local children to the farm—FASTSIGNS of Sheffield is a member of the ‘480 Club’ which coordinates donations from local businesses with visits for local schools. The Club especially targets schools that are in special needs groups, or where more than 25% of children receive free school meals.
In October, 12 children from Woodhouse West Primary School spent two nights at the farm, courtesy of FASTSIGNS of Sheffield. While there the students learned about animal care and carried out regular farm jobs such as feeding goats, collecting eggs and grooming the horses.
“We’re especially pleased that Woodhouse West Primary has benefited because we know that ecology, food and green issues are hot topics for the staff and pupils there,” explained Paul Allison, owner of FASTSIGNS of Sheffield.
“This is the second group of children from our school to benefit thanks to FASTSIGNS’ support. The children love staying at the farm.” said John Bennett, Head Teacher at Woodhouse West Primary. “We don’t have the resources for special trips like this so everyone’s thrilled that we’ve had this opportunity.”
Bernie and Kay Doyle have owned and operated their Downtown Cleveland FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics center for a decade. They put together a great video that takes you through a virutal tour of their center and provides an up close look at the diverse projects a FASTSIGNS center can do. From making bumper stickers and laying vinyl, to running a router and even creating a ’stand-in’ for Bernie — check it out!
“What do your signs say about you?” That is a question that we at FASTSIGNS® often ask. Too many times a business’s signs say the wrong thing, or don’t say enough, about the products or services offered.
Recently, FASTSIGNS® provided sign and graphic makeovers to several small businesses. In the case of a California floor retailer that received one of these sign makeovers from FASTSIGNS of Culver City, their current signs simply weren’t working hard enough.
Prior to their new signs and graphics, the staff at Carpets Direct were used to hearing patrons say, “I didn’t even know you were here—have you been at this location long?” Now, according to owner Max Doheny, they are noticing more customers coming in and clients are more informed about what Carpets Direct offers.
The sign makeover consisted of vivid, attention-getting window graphics applied to the store-front windows. Not only do the new graphics more accurately portray the modern, fresh image of the retailer, but they outline the different flooring services offered. Now when passersby look at the windows of Carpets Direct, it is crystal clear what services and products are offered.
Carpets Direct Before
Carpets Direct After
Stay tuned for future posts that will feature other businesses that received sign makeovers from FASTSIGNS®.
Jessica Ennis, the 23-year-old heptathlete from Sheffield, recently won Britain’s first-ever World Championship heptathlon gold medal at the 12th IAAF World Championships Athletics, held in Berlin.
The entire city of Sheffield proudly welcomed her home with celebration. Joining in, FASTSIGNS of Sheffield made sure to hang special banners in Jessica’s honor. From a local highway bridge, to the outside of the Sheffield sign and graphic center, the colorful banners sport a photo of Jessica in victory, and congratulating her success.
“Jessica’s achievements mean a lot to the people of Sheffield,” explained Paul Allison, owner of the FASTSIGNS in Sheffield. “We wanted to give her a warm welcome home on behalf of the whole community.”
As many of you probably know, Conan O’Brien moved to California to take over for Jay Leno as the new host of the Tonight Show. As the ‘new kid on the block’ at Universal Studios, Conan and the Tonight Show crew decided to hit the streets and meet their neighbors. It just so happens that FASTSIGNS of Studio City was on their route so Conan dropped in and ordered a funny banner!
P.S. That is our very own Bryan Eshelbrenner, owner of the Studio City FASTSIGNS, in the plaid shirt, standing next to Conan. Way to go Bryan!
In an effort to help Michigan businesses with their online marketing efforts, Michigan-based Oneupweb decided to hit the road for 5 days. In their “One for the Road” tour, Oneupweb traveled to businesses throughout the state and provided free consultation and advice.
Their means of transportation, as well as where they laid their heads during the 5 day tour, was a 1970’s motor home.
Enter FASTSIGNS® of Traverse City and this vintage motor home was transformed into a rolling billboard for the “One for the Road” tour. How? The team at the FASTSIGNS center wrapped the exterior of the motor home with some attention-getting graphics. According to Interstate Advertising Corp, advertising on a vehicle can generate over 600 visual impressions for every mile driven!
Great job Oneupweb for reaching out and supporting local businesses and great job to FASTSIGNS of Traverse City for helping make the trip a little more impactful.
