Art Franchise Industry News & Announcements

Becomes First Paint and Sip Franchise To Expand Internationally
February 26, 2015 // Franchising.com // Houston, Texas – Pinot's Palette, the fastest-growing franchisor of paint and sip studios in the United States, is now expanding internationally with the signing of a master license agreement for as many as eight studios in Toronto and the Niagara Region over the next six years.
Chad M. Smith and Canadian native Joanne Christena Smith are the master franchisees and they are no strangers to Pinot's Palette, with two Pinot's Palette studios in Connecticut and New York. The husband and wife team plans to expand the international business quickly, opening their own Canadian locations as well as awarding franchise opportunities to qualified investors...

Leading Signage & Visual Graphics Franchisor Recognized by The Franchise Research Institute® for Superior Franchise System and Franchisee Satisfaction
February 23, 2015 // Franchising.com // LINCOLN, Neb. - FASTSIGNS International, Inc. - the worldwide franchisor of more than 570 FASTSIGNS® sign, graphics and visual communications centers in nine countries – has received World-Class Franchise® certification from the Franchise Research Institute® for the fourth consecutive year.
The recognition comes after an independent franchisee validation survey was conducted by the Franchise Research Institute®, in which 63 percent of all FASTSIGNS franchisees participated. The survey was designed to determine the quality of 10 key metrics crucial to franchisee success within the FASTSIGNS franchise system...

February 20, 2015 // Franchising.com // CARROLLTON, Texas - Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc., was honored as the first ever recipient of the International Franchise Association's "FAN of the Year Award" for her dedication and efforts to protect, promote and enhance the franchise industry. Monson was presented the award on Feb. 18 at the IFA's 55th annual convention.
As the inaugural recipient of the FAN of the Year award, Monson is recognized for championing franchise and small business issues locally and nationally through her work with the Franchise Action Network. An initiative of the IFA, the Franchise Action Network seeks to mobilize the franchise industry at the grassroots level to present a united front against anti-franchising forces as well as educate policymakers about the franchise business model and its positive impact on communities across the country...

Caring Transitions is America's largest resource specializing in managing relocations for seniors and busy families as well as downsizing and estate liquidations.
Carlsbad, CA (PRWEB) February 18, 2015 - Carlsbad resident Dawn Lesicko is looking forward to starting a new chapter of her life as a small business owner serving seniors and their families through her new business, Caring Transitions of Carlsbad.
Caring Transitions is America's largest resource specializing in managing relocations for seniors and busy families as well as downsizing and estate liquidations. In addition to the organizing, packing and move oversight, Caring Transitions can handle on-site and online estate sales, liquidations, and preparing homes for market...

Leading Signage & Visual Graphics Franchisor to Join Top U.S. and Canadian Photofinishing Companies at Historic Buck Rogers Photofinishing Meeting to Discuss Growth Strategies
February 17, 2015 // Franchising.com // MOBILE, Ala. – The photofinishing industry has evolved greatly over the past few decades, leaving business owners to continuously adapt to the changing technological landscape. Recognizing the valuable insight and resources that it could offer photofinishing businesses, FASTSIGNS International Inc. hopes to inspire this group to explore new routes for diversification through its sponsorship of the 2015 Buck Rogers National Photofinishers Group meeting, taking place February 22-24, 2015 in Mobile, Ala.
Held by The Buck Rogers National Photofinishers Group, The Buck Rogers Meeting is a historic and exclusive organization that was founded in the 1930s and is made up of owners, presidents and decision makers in the photofinishing industry...

February 11, 2015 // Franchising.com // CARROLLTON, Texas - FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the leader in signs, graphics and visual communications, kicked off its 30-year celebration with franchise owners and their teams in Dallas, Texas at the 2015 FASTSIGNS International Convention.
"We celebrated our 30th anniversary with a record-breaking 618 attendees at our annual convention and we recognized 94 franchisees in six countries for having sales in excess of $1 million," said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. "As we further embrace our 'More than fast. More than signs®.' brand positioning, we are proud of the accomplishments of these franchisees and excited about the future."
Convention attendees were greeted with a 30-year timeline window graphic that took them on a visual walk down memory lane with highlights of the franchisor's history...

PostNet Franchise Owner and Area Development Representative Wants 30 Atlanta PostNet Centers in 10-12 Years
ATLANTA, GA - (Marketwired - Feb 9, 2015) - PostNet is entering the Atlanta market in 2015 with a big splash. Kevin Center, 39, is opening a Neighborhood Business Center in Buckhead, and hopes to oversee the opening of 25-30 new centers in the Metro Atlanta region in the next 10-12 years.
The expansion plays on rapid growth in the metro Atlanta area, where scores of companies are relocating. In fact, several publications last year listed Atlanta among the best cities to start a business and the top city for young entrepreneurs.
PostNet provides small and medium-sized businesses help with everything from digital printing and graphic design services to website design and shipping and logistics...

First-time Entrepreneur Meshes Artistic Expression with Business Experience
Plano, Texas (PRWEB) February 03, 2015 - Twylla Bell has a strong business background under her belt, having worked in the financial industry for 30 years in auto financing and mortgage services. During that time, she continuously used painting as an outlet, exploring her artistic side with watercolors, acrylics and oil pastels. When Bell was ready to leave the corporate world behind, the wine and art franchise Bottle and Bottega caught her eye.
"After many years in management and structuring processes, I wanted the freedom of managing my own business in a fun and rewarding way," Bell said. "It was key to choose a business that had a quality product and proven performance...

Commercial Printing Industry Veteran Takes the Helm of Leading Print and Marketing Franchise
February 03, 2015 // Franchising.com // SALT LAKE CITY – AlphaGraphics, Inc., a global network of independently owned and operated Business Centers, announced today that its board of directors has named Aaron Grohs as president, effective February 15.
"Several months ago, the AlphaGraphics board set out to identify a leader with the right mix of experience and vision to take our company to the next level," said Gay Burke, executive chair of AlphaGraphics. "Aaron's knowledge of our industry is unequaled. We welcome him into the AlphaGraphics family and look forward to the impact his experience, management and leadership skills are sure to make...

PostNet Ranked 12th in 2015 Top 200 List
DENVER, CO - (Marketwired - Jan 29, 2015) - Franchise Business Review, a franchise market research firm, announced today that PostNet joins the elite list of companies earning a spot in their annual Top 200 Franchise Companies List. The list, entitled The Best of the Best, Top 200 Franchise Systems List for 2015, ranked hundreds of participating franchise companies by their overall levels of franchise owner satisfaction.
PostNet ranked 12th in its category of business services, which is one of the categories that has the highest number of franchises. The digital printing industry is expected to more than double by 2024, according to a recent report from Smithers PIRA. The digital printing, online marketing and shipping market has an expected combined value of more than $380 billion...

National Interior Decorator Offers Effective Strategies for the Silent Majority Who Experience Clutter
SOUTHBURY, CT - (Marketwired - Jan 28, 2015) - Have you ever heard the expression "too much of a good thing?" While the expression often refers to overwhelming feelings from eating too much of a delectable dessert or having close family stay at your home one day too long, it's also appropriate in a variety of other contexts - especially aspects of the décor process. For example, homeowners may find themselves idealizing the idea of storage space and seizing any opportunity for more without considering whether more storage space is really necessary.
Decor&You, one of America's leading, full-service interior decorating franchises, challenges homeowners to take a step back and evaluate the items overcrowding their storage...

Senator Leticia Van de Putte officiates the unveiling of the commemorative painting "Starry Night Over San Antone"
San Antonio, TX (PRWEB) January 27, 2015 - Pinot's Palette-Alamo Heights is pleased to announce their momentous celebration, the 2nd Anniversary Ribbon Cutting hosted by the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, February 4th from 4:00 to 5:00 PM at their studio located in The Collection Shopping Center, 7959 Broadway Ste. 402, San Antonio, 78209. Honored guest, Senator, Leticia Van de Putte, will inaugurate the reception with an official unveiling of the commemorative painting, "Starry Night Over San Antone" created by local Artist, Bianca Alvarez.
Proprietors Cristina Canales and Terry Narazaki are very pleased about cutting the ribbon to mark their second year in business...

Leading Signage & Visual Graphics Franchisor Extends Partnership with Benetrends; FASTSIGNS Now has $21 Million in Funds Available for New and Existing Franchisees
January 26, 2015 // Franchising.com // CARROLLTON, Texas – Due to continued high growth and increased demand in franchise opportunities, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. has expanded its relationship with Benetrends to provide up to $15 million in funds to start-up and expanding franchisees for new center development. Benetrends has long partnered with FASTSIGNS® as a provider of 401(k) rollover funding, or its Rainmaker Plan.
"We are proud to partner with Benetrends to provide new and existing FASTSIGNS franchisees with access to millions in capital, with an expedited SBA loan approval process and attractive terms," stated Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS...

CARROLLTON, Texas - Jan. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ - As businesses and organizations move forward in the new year, planning for upcoming events is often a priority. Whether hosting a fundraising gala, a regional sales meeting, a national convention or a sporting event, a consistent visual experience before, during and after an event is critical to its success.
"The average adult attention span is shrinking, making well-planned and consistent event visual graphics even more crucial," explains Drue Townsend, Senior VP of Marketing for FASTSIGNS International, Inc. "Utilizing distinct and attention-getting signs and graphics to create a seamless brand experience as you inform, direct and/or sell helps the audience learn about the event, get where they are going, stay safe and be engaged...

Leading Signage & Visual Graphics Franchisor Exhibits at 2015 AMSP/NAPL/NAQP Executive Leadership Summit to Share Success with Independent Owners through Company's Co-Brand Franchise Program
January 20, 2015 // Franchising.com // CARROLLTON, Texas – While the business services sector continues to see substantial growth, traditional print shop owners must be creative and proactive to further develop their business. Recognizing the challenges faced by independent owners, FASTSIGNS International Inc. - the worldwide franchisor of more than 570 FASTSIGNS® sign, graphics and visual communications centers in eight countries – offers a proven Co-Brand franchise program to provide the necessary resources that owners and entrepreneurs need to diversify and grow their businesses...

Award-Winning Paint and Sip to Continue "Rapid, Sustainable Expansion" into 2015
January 15, 2015 // Franchising.com // HOUSTON - Pinot's Palette, a fast-growing paint and sip franchise known for providing guests with an entertaining evening of art and wine, is pleased to announce that it has awarded its 100th franchise agreement. The company reached this milestone when Kathleen Walters and Michael Siman signed an agreement to open a Pinot's Palette studio in Princeton, New Jersey.
The Princeton location will be the ninth Pinot's Palette studio in New Jersey.
"We are thrilled to welcome Kathleen and Michael to the Pinot's Palette family," said Craig Ceccanti, CEO and co-founder. "The Princeton studio represents a major milestone for our company and we look forward to continuing our rapid, sustainable growth well into 2015...

Sign and Graphics Franchise Opens 30+ New Centers and Signs 45 New Agreements in North America; Signs on Master Franchisees in United Arab Emirates and North Africa
January 13, 2015 // Franchising.com // CARROLLTON, Texas – FASTSIGNS International Inc. - the worldwide franchisor of more than 570 FASTSIGNS® sign, graphics and visual communications centers in eight countries - ended 2014 with 45 new franchise agreements signed and 31 new centers opened in North America, as well as reporting record system-wide sales. Robust growth is expected to continue through 2015 on all fronts.
Company executives say several factors led to another record year in every metric, including continued traction and implementation of the company's "More Than" brand positioning and expanded products & services; significant growth in the number of outside salespeople due to the company's in-depth support and training; and high franchisee satisfaction...

Signarama to Increase Digital Marketing Focus in 2015
January 12, 2015 // Franchising.com // West Palm Beach, Florida - 2014 proved to be an auspicious year for Signarama, the franchise known worldwide for its extensive array of sign and messaging solutions. 102 new Signarama franchisees were added in 2014, a year that also saw the launch of a complete rebranding of the Signarama brand, in addition to lofty placements on a number of entrepreneurship ratings. Buoyed by 2014's successes, Signarama welcomes 2015 poised to enter new markets with renewed focus.
2014 was a year in which Signarama received a litany of accolades in recognition for its reputation as a venerated franchise. Ranked 71st overall by Entrepreneur Magazine in its 36th Annual Franchise 500® rating, the recognition cemented Signarama's position as the number one sign franchise in North America and the sixth consecutive year it appeared on the acclaimed list of world-renowned franchises...

Paint-and-Sip Concept Tops Category for the Second Year in a Row
MANDEVILLE, La. - January 08, 2015 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Painting with a Twist®, the nation's largest paint-and-sip franchise, was recently ranked the No. 1 Paint & Sip Studio as part of the 2015 Entrepreneur magazine annual Franchise 500 edition. This marks the second year in a row Painting with a Twist has earned this honor.
Throughout its 36 years in existence, the Franchise 500 has acknowledged top companies for outstanding performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the franchise system. The list has acted as a dominant competitive measure for franchisors as well as a primary research tool for individuals seeking established franchise concepts with proven systems and results...

Franchising Since 1975, Minuteman Press Marks 2015 with Sustained Expansion
January 08, 2015 // Franchising.com // Farmingdale, New York - Few companies can boast the same sustained success as Minuteman Press. Founded in 1973 and franchising since 1975, the stalwart concept that has not only endured, but thrived through decades of industry change enters its fourth decade of further growth. The business, known worldwide for its extensive printing and branding services, now additionally specializes in promotional products that have only brought more growth to the existing franchisees and the system itself.
In 2014, Minuteman Press added 31 new centers to its franchise system, in addition to many more that purchased Minuteman locations from retiring franchise owners...