Sign & Graphics Franchise Rated 2013 World-Class Franchise for Excellence in Franchisee Satisfaction

CARROLLTON, TX, April 10, 2013 (Press-News.org) FASTSIGNS, the worldwide franchisor for the more than 540 FASTSIGNS sign, graphic and visual communications centers in eight countries, continually proves that open, transparent communication and thorough, ongoing training and support lead to satisfied franchise partners.

As a result of ongoing initiatives to maintain and continually improve franchisee satisfaction, FASTSIGNS was among a select group of companies to be certified as a 2013 World-Class Franchise by the Franchise Research Institute. This marks FASTSIGNS second straight year to earn the recognition for high franchisee satisfaction ratings.

"As a franchisor, our number one goal is ensuring the success of our franchisees," said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS. "Being recognized as a World-Class Franchise is a tremendous honor because it reaffirms that our franchisees are receiving the leadership, training, support and open communication they need and want from us. It's gratifying to know that our franchisees are extremely satisfied and view us as a true partner in their business."

The recognition comes after an independent survey conducted by the Franchise Research Institute, in which 70.6 percent of all FASTSIGNS franchisees participated. The survey was designed to determine the level of franchisee satisfaction within the FASTSIGNS franchise system, and asked franchise owners to rate their franchisor through a series of questions in categories such as overall quality, growth potential, support and communication.

Among the responses received from FASTSIGNS franchisees:
• 94 percent gave a positive grade to the overall quality of the franchisor.
• 97 percent responded positively to the initial training provided by the franchisor.
• 96 percent gave a positive grade to the ongoing training and support supplied by the franchisor.
• 99 percent gave a positive rating to the overall communication between home office personnel and franchisees.
• 95 percent responded positively when asked if they would recommend this franchise to a prospective franchisee.

"Franchisee satisfaction is a key ingredient in creating a sustainably successful franchise brand," says Jeff Johnson, founder and CEO of the Franchise Research Institute. "FASTSIGNS utilized unbiased, third-party validation through confidential franchisee surveys to obtain open, honest feedback. They are not afraid of transparency, and use the data gathered for the continued betterment of the company and the franchisee experience."

Of the many strategies employed by FASTSIGNS to ensure that its franchisees are satisfied and meeting their goals, the company puts emphasis on providing franchisees with ongoing training on the latest technologies, industry changes and best practices. The franchisor also hosts regional town hall meetings where franchisees have the opportunity to learn about company initiatives, ask questions and share ideas. The company also has a franchisee mentor program to guide and lend support in every business aspect to newer franchisees. In addition, FASTSIGNS assists with marketing, site selection and construction management services for new centers.

With more than 540 FASTSIGNS sign and graphics centers in eight countries, FASTSIGNS provides marketing and visual communications solutions to businesses, organizations and events of all types and sizes. FASTSIGNS offers a variety of sign and graphics solutions - including banners, building signs, digital signage, yard signs, vehicle graphics, decals, trade show exhibits and displays, point-of-purchase signs, and posters - as well as mobile websites, promotional products, interior decor, branding, printing and other marketing services.

For more information about FASTSIGNS, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or 214-346-5679) or visit http://www.fastsigns.com.

About FASTSIGNS
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the worldwide franchisor for the more than 540 FASTSIGNS sign, graphic and visual communications centers in eight countries including the US (and Puerto Rico), Canada, England, Brazil, Mexico, the Caribbean, Saudi Arabia and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE ). FASTSIGNS provides comprehensive visual communications solutions to help customers of all sizes - across all industries - meet their business objectives and increase their business visibility through the use of signs, graphics, printing, promotional products and related marketing services. FASTSIGNS was ranked number one for the third year in a row in the sign and graphic category in the 2012 Entrepreneur Magazine annual Franchise 500 . For franchise information, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or 214-346-5679) or visit http://www.fastsigns.com.

About the Franchise Research Institute :
Franchise Research Institute was founded in 2002 to study and promote franchise excellence. As a full-service research firm focused on franchising, we perform franchisee satisfaction research in the U.S. and internationally. Existing franchisees (as consumers of the franchise system) can evaluate their franchise as a business opportunity. World-Class Franchise opportunities must demonstrate that they are endorsed by their franchise owners through scientific, confidential, third-party surveys.