When your background is in helping people and building connections, it turns out that running your own business isn’t such a big leap after all; when you have the right franchise behind you, that is!
In last month’s blog, we welcomed one of our newest franchisees, Alex Horseman, as he launched his new FASTSIGNS Bristol business. We’ve since welcomed him, his partner, Caitlin Mosler and his father, Chris Horseman, onto our training programme, and everything is progressing smoothly for their first few months in business.
We thought this would be a great time to learn more about them and what brought them to FASTSIGNS. After all, we’re nothing without all the wonderful people who make up our network, and every one of their stories is worth sharing!
Proving what’s possible!
Alex’s progress so far is a testament to what can be achieved in a short space of time with the right mindset, support, and a lot of hard work. In just four months of ownership, Alex is already getting to grips with the realities of his venture. Last week, Alex experienced his busiest week to date; the variety and pace of projects speak volumes.
Monday: Alex’s team were installing company logos for new tenants across a large managed office complex, earning a 5-star review.
Tuesday: Saw Alex lead his team installing signage for a care home, alongside transforming a bistro trailer with eye-catching logos and text.
Wednesday: The Bristol team were completing a full wrap for another food trailer.
Thursday: Delivering large-scale banners for both a construction company and a craft market stall, along with another 5-star review.
Friday: The team rounded off the week by erecting a new fascia for a double-fronted TaxAssist franchise.
Not bad for someone who only started trading at the end of November and was stepping into the signage industry for the first time.
No signage experience? No problem!
Alex’s experience is typical of a FASTSIGNS franchisee’s start when launching a centre. Not everyone who joins FASTSIGNS arrives with a background in print, signage or manufacturing.
Alex has spent much of his working life helping local charities and selling digital platforms to businesses. While he greatly enjoyed his previous roles, there came a point where he knew he wanted to leave corporate life behind and build something he could truly call his own. He’d always had a deep-seated desire to become his own boss and take full control of his professional destiny, but signage was something he’d never considered before; until the right conversation at just the right time inspired him to move in a new direction.
That conversation came with a unique insider’s insight into the signage industry, from none other than his uncle and cousin, Nick and Charlie Horseman. As owners of a very well-established signage supplier themselves, they suggested Alex might also be able to build his own successful business in the sector, with the help of the right franchise. Of course, once he started looking, it wasn’t long before he found FASTSIGNS!
Alex Comments, “I’ve always loved working with people and from my experience in sales, I know how foundational building a relationship with customers can be. With recommendations from family members about the signage industry, I knew I could marry the two. Joining FASTSIGNS is the start of that journey.”
Business confidence to take the leap
After looking at a range of opportunities, FASTSIGNS was the one that felt different. It wasn’t just the scale of the brand, though that mattered; it was the people behind it. As someone who’s had considerable business experience, Alex very quickly saw the advantages of franchising compared to starting from nothing and having to navigate a new industry for himself. Knowing he’d have professional resources, cutting-edge technology and expert assistance at his fingertips at every stage of his business journey gave him the confidence he needed to make the leap.
However, the appeal wasn’t just about tapping into a proven business model. It was also about the sense of community and connection that comes with it, not just within the network itself, but in terms of relationships he believed he could build in the local area. An idea which appealed to Alex, as he’d already worked closely with charities and community projects in his hometown of Bristol.
His first impressions of FASTSIGNS proved to be correct, in more ways than one! Just as we do with everyone who joins us, we made sure Alex, Caitlin and Chris felt like part of the family from day one. We’ve worked hard to support them through training, which has given them all the skills and confidence to make their FASTSIGNS business a success.
Alex comments: “So far, the training in America, centre build and operational learning has all gone to plan!” We attended our first FASTSIGNS UK and International conventions – we loved them both! The UK one was all about building our connections with the network, while the international event opened my eyes to the scale of the FASTSIGNS business and opportunity.”
Becoming part of the FASTSIGNS family
We’ve also connected them with a dedicated business consultant to guide them through those all-important first few months, whilst being mentored by the award-winning team at FASTSIGNS Crawley, from whom they’ll get advice and guidance, as franchisees who love and thrive in their business. Despite being independent business owners, our franchisees are genuinely happy to help, share advice and troubleshoot challenges together. They understand how much stronger we are when we work together. It’s this sense of community within FASTSIGNS that means a great deal to someone whose life and career have always revolved around helping other people.
For Alex, it wasn’t just a nice bonus on top of everything else the franchise could offer; it was the deal breaker that made his decision to join FASTSIGNS feel right.
Focused on the future
Alex and Caitlin now look forward to building a thriving and profitable business, but their ambitions go further than the bottom line. They’re genuinely excited about establishing a lasting presence within the Bristol community, an area Alex knows well and cares about deeply. He’s particularly focused on building the right team and surrounding himself with a group of people who share their commitment to pulling together and delivering great work to their clients.
“We’re so excited to see where the next 12 months will take us! We’re already proactively marketing to key segments in Bristol, handling client projects and taking our learned knowledge and putting it into practice, comments Alex.”
One thing is for sure for Alex, Caitlin, Chris and the FASTSIGNS Bristol team the only way is up. We couldn’t be more pleased to have them join the FASTSIGNS family. And it seems like the feeling’s mutual: “I couldn’t recommend it more highly!” Alex exclaimed!
Could you fit within the FASTSIGNS community?
If so, FASTSIGNS can help you fulfil your dream of owning your own business. One where people and profit are equally important. Let’s find out. Get in touch.
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