The Background: A Purpose-Driven Second Career 

Having met at school, Tunde and Laide Sodipo spent decades building successful corporate careers, Tunde in senior accountancy, with the Nigerian National Oil Company and Laide as an experienced bookkeeper and multi-business owner. 

When voluntary early retirement presented itself in their mid-fifties, they were not looking to slow down completely. Instead, they sought a collaborative, active business venture to build together, one that would keep them engaged, commercially fulfilled and physically active well into their sixties. 

Investing in FASTSIGNS Northampton was an easy decision. The brand immediately stood out for its transparent communication, comprehensive digital learning architecture and supportive franchisee peer network. 

Tunde & Laide’s Journey: Rapid Ramp-Up & Operational Mastery

Overcoming the Industry Learning Curve

Entering an unfamiliar sector presented an exciting opportunity. Before officially opening, Tunde and Laide attended the FASTSIGNS UK National Convention, gaining immediate operational insights and building strong peer relationships across the network. 

Guided by the UK Support Team, they quickly mastered local sales outreach and team leadership. Today, FASTSIGNS Northampton relies on a structured, high-performing team: 

• Graphic Designer & Production Specialist: A standout team member who earned the prestigious network-wide Employee of the Year Award during their first year of operation. 

• Commercial Sales Professionals: Dedicated account managers driving new business acquisition, with active recruitment underway to double sales capacity. 

• Network Supply Chain Partners: Collaborative relationships with preferred suppliers that enable the centre to fulfil complex, large-scale structural fabrications. 

Winning High-Value Corporate Contracts

Launching in Spring 2022, Tunde and Laide delivered a masterclass in executing the FASTSIGNS® business model: 

• 2023 Performance: Delivered a staggering 329% increase in annual sales. 

• 2024 & 2025 Performance: Maintained aggressive growth, expanding revenues by 70% year-on-year. 

• 2026 Trajectory: On track to expand sales by a further 26%. 

Alongside financial growth, they maintained a perfect 100% Net Promoter Score (NPS) for customer satisfaction. Their portfolio features high-value regional and national accounts, including: 

• Major Logistics Infrastructure: Delivered a comprehensive multi-site signage package for ID Logistics’ headquarters, including a massive 20-metre exterior architectural installation that converted into an ongoing account. 

• Nationwide Rebrands: Managed complete end-to-end logistics and sign replacement across 5 nationwide locations for MSI Reproductive Clinics. 

• Commercial Fleet Graphics: Branded vehicle fleets for regional community organisations, healthcare providers, and local churches. 

Leaning on the Network When It Mattered Most 

The true value of a franchise network is proven during times of personal crisis. 

When a family emergency required Tunde and Laide to return unexpectedly to Nigeria, they didn’t have to pause their business. The FASTSIGNS UK Support Team and their local centre staff stepped in seamlessly, managing daily operations and keeping client projects moving, while Tunde and Laide attended to their family. 

“If we had been in business entirely on our own as independent owners, we could never have responded to our family’s needs in the way we did. The network support was there when it mattered most.” 

— Tunde Sodipo, Franchisee, FASTSIGNS® Northampton 

Pride in Purpose & Client Impact

For Tunde and Laide, commercial success goes hand-in-hand with daily fulfilment. When asked about his favourite aspect of running FASTSIGNS Northampton, Tunde points directly to seeing the immediate impact on a customer’s business. 

“The support base FASTSIGNS provides, combined with the incredible opportunities to learn and grow, was deeply attractive to us. Once you understand the business model and put your heart into leading your team, world-class help is there every step of the way.” 

— Tunde & Laide Sodipo, Franchisees, FASTSIGNS® Northampton 

Hear more about Laide and Tunde’s experience in this video: Tunde & Laide Sodipo’s FASTSIGNS Franchisee Journey | FASTSIGNS®