Do you already run a successful business but want to expand your offering? Not sure how? Joining forces with FASTSIGNS could be the answer!
For many, joining the FASTSIGNS franchise network is their first time working in signage, as well as their first time running a business for themselves. However, some of our franchisees already run a business in the industry, or a very similar sector, and chose to co-brand with FASTSIGNS, to enhance their existing operations and create new opportunities for growth.
Which is exactly what led Lee Simpson from St. Albans to join our family of franchise owners. He already ran a well-established photographic reproduction company, but firmly believed he and his team were capable of more. “I wanted to extend our portfolio of products and services; I felt like our offering was niche and needed to expand our customer base. By adding FASTSIGNS to my already profitable business, I was in a strong position to adapt my business and share in the skills, expertise and equipment FASTSIGNS has within their global brand. It’s proven to be a great synergy. I can rely on the support they provide.
Like Lee, by co-branding with FASTSIGNS, it’s easy to diversify into new and expanded product lines and services, whilst retaining your original business identity.
It’s been quite the journey…
Lee chose to partner with our franchise because he appreciated the support provided by the established UK support team, combined with a great business model, as well as recognising the opportunity to boost his business reputation in his local area. However, as he prepared to launch his new signage business, he was forced to face a major challenge no one could prepare for: COVID struck in March 2020, just before he was due to start his training! Rather than slowing his new venture down, Lee chose to focus on establishing his FASTSIGNS centre, believing this would be a great time to learn the business.
Normally, new franchisees would attend intensive training at the FASTSIGNS HQ in Dallas, Texas. Fortunately, our decades of experience meant the FASTSIGNS training team quickly adapted, reducing the potential delay for Lee starting his new FASTSIGNS business. Not only was he able to do his training, but by the time he’d completed it, the wider network was already back at work helping the nation get to grips with operating in what we were calling ‘the new normal.’ Whilst Lee’s business didn’t get the traditional start, he got straight into producing sneeze screens, floor graphics and temporary signage. Lee comments, “whilst it wasn’t the expected start, it was a great one to have because straight away I could see how vital this business would be, regardless of the economic landscape.”
As demand for signage increased significantly, businesses and public bodies needed innovative signage solutions more than ever before. Thanks to our training programme, his sheer determination and resilience, Lee successfully worked the model, turning global adversity into an opportunity, benefiting businesses by creating the right look and feel for their customers to gain confidence.
Proven to be a move he’s never regretted
Since Lee’s centre opened in 2020, the business has gone from strength to strength. During their first few years of operation, Lee and the St Albans team provided a range of flexible solutions to businesses adapting to life after the pandemic. He initially focused on schools and healthcare providers who were most in need of clear new signage – both externally and internally, earning his centre a 100% customer satisfaction rating. As more usual trading times returned, FASTSIGNS St Albans started winning large-scale contracts with corporations and public institutions; most recently working with McLaren Hatfield to elevate their Showroom by integrating the 2024 Constructors’ Championship branding.
To further grow his business, Lee has worked on developing the infrastructure of his team. To date, Lee’s team in the FASTSIGNS business has grown to 5 members. Key hires have been an apprentice sign maker, who Lee has trained up and two sales professionals whose role is to actively find and close new business. Today, Lee’s customer portfolio is made up of repeat custom businesses from diverse sectors, whilst he focuses his sales professionals on attracting new ones. “No two days are the same and no two projects are the same. That is what keeps this business exciting.”
The benefit to your business of co-branding
Co-branding your business with FASTSIGNS isn’t about relinquishing what you’ve built. As Lee has discovered, it’s about being empowered to achieve more. By utilising the power of our global brand for yourself, you’ll enjoy:
- Being part of a network of like-minded business owners
- Reduced royalties in your first year
- State-of-the-art training and support by our expert team
- Being paired with a FASTSIGNS franchisee mentor
- Preferential rates with trusted suppliers
- Access to national and local marketing
Giving something back to his local community
Lee’s experiences have reinforced his desire to help others. For him, business is about more than just profit, it’s about playing a central role in society, giving people jobs and doing all he can to support others. “Owning a profitable business with FASTSIGNS, has allowed me to give back in practical ways. For example, a couple of years after starting, I could create and donate signage – interior and exterior – to a local charity, YouthTalk. This left them free to invest the money they’d have spent on signage, into delivering their services and helping teenagers who can’t otherwise afford counselling.”
The idea of using your FASTSIGNS franchise to create opportunities so others excel can take on many guises. Another initiative Lee has undertaken was realised in early 2023, when he took on an apprentice, Charlie Gordon. Lee began his career as an apprentice himself, so he recognises the importance of giving others the right kind of hand-up in life! “I believe if we help young people stay in education, they’ll have a brighter future. But not everyone is cut out for college or university. We all need support in life; if I can help just one person, then I’ll do whatever it takes.”
It’s exciting to think what the next 5, 10, or even 20 years might hold for the FASTSIGNS St. Albans, as they keep building their reputation and exceeding their customers’ expectations for visionary signage. Lee hopes to build on the synergy he’s created between his original business and the possibilities available through FASTSIGNS, developing innovative solutions, to help customers make their statements with impactful designs and installations.
What are your business aspirations?
If you’re running a business and feel like you’ve hit a bit of a barrier, it doesn’t have to mean you stay where you are. By co-branding with FASTSIGNS, you can accept your own business hand-up and start to realise your own aspirations in the same way as Lee has done. Turn your non-productive square footage into revenue-generating space with our guidance. It’s a win-win for you and your customers
Why not speak to us about whether we could be compatible with each other?