Art Franchise Industry News & Announcements

This Time, 'Boss' Sends Employee Undercover on Special Episode Airing Friday, March 7
DENVER - March 5, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - PostNet CEO Steve Greenbaum will return to CBS's Emmy Award-winning "Undercover Boss" for a second look inside the company he co-founded 20 years ago - only this time he is sending an employee undercover in a first for the hit series. The special episode will unfold Friday, March 7 (8-9 p.m., EST/PST) on the CBS Television Network.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=23978
"Going undercover allowed me to see firsthand how the decisions made at the executive level directly impact our customers, franchisees and staff," said Greenbaum. "One thing was clear after my experience: PostNet represents a tight-knit family of franchisees and staff who work tirelessly to power small businesses across the country...

Signage & Visual Graphics Franchise Aims to Extend California Footprint to 95 Locations in the Next Five Years; Growth with New Centers in Irving, La Jolla, Lake Forest, Long Beach, Palo Alto, and Petaluma
March 03, 2014 // Franchising.com // CARROLLTON, Texas – With business services projected to be the top growth sector in the franchise industry in 2014*, one leading business-to-business franchise is blasting out of the gate with increased expansion plans and substantial development in one of its top domestic growth markets.
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. - the worldwide franchisor for the more than 545 FASTSIGNS® sign, graphic and visual communications centers - has announced plans to increase its California presence with 7-10 new locations a year for the next five years...

Leading Paint & Sip Studio to Open at The District at Tustin Legacy Promenade
Tustin, California (PRWEB) February 27, 2014 - Pinot's Palette, a national Paint and Sip franchise known for providing guests with an entertaining evening of art and wine, announced today it will open a studio in Tustin next month. The new studio, located at 2479 Park Avenue, Tustin, CA 92782, is scheduled to open March 15, 2014 and will be the latest studio launch for Pinot's Palette as the company expands nationwide.
Franchisee Scott Lockerd, a Houston native, will open the new location in Promenade section of The District.
"We expect Tustin to be a very successful market for Pinot's Palette. The feedback from the local community has been incredibly positive and we're excited to invest in this community," said Craig Ceccanti, chief executive officer, Pinot's Palette...

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Feb. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Signs and graphics provider FASTSIGNS® of Columbus – Northwest won the 2013 Comprehensive Customer Solutions Award at FASTSIGNS annual convention for the outstanding visual communications they provided Wendy's corporate headquarters and rebranding initiative.
"After several years of flat growth in same store sales, Wendy's was looking to rebrand their entire image," said Clay Baker, owner at FASTSIGNS of Columbus – Northwest. "Wendy's has been a customer since 1990, and having ended their merger with the Arby's Group in Atlanta in 2012, the corporation moved back to Columbus and we were excited to be a part of rebranding their headquarters."
Working with Wendy's facility management and architectural firm, the team at FASTSIGNS came up with ideas to bring the building designs to life with fresh, modern graphics that reflect the brand in both the interior and exterior signage...

Local Signarama Locations Provide Services Worldwide While Rebranding Effort Coordinated Through Signarama in Framingham, Mass.
February 21, 2014 // Franchising.com // Framingham, Mass. – Signarama, the world's largest sign franchise, completed a worldwide rebranding initiative on Feb. 12, 2014 for Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO), a world leader in serving science, with revenues of $17 billion and 50,000 employees in 50 countries. The rebranding initiative involved nearly 50 Thermo Fisher facilities in 16 countries and 32 Signarama sign shops.
Signarama is the world's largest sign franchise. The business provides comprehensive sign and graphic services to consumers and commercial customers—from digital, neon, LED and pylon signs to vehicle wraps, banners and monument signs...

Sign and Graphics Franchise Signs First Eight of 16 Locations to Open in Canada Over the Next Few Years; Exhibits at 2014 CFA's The Franchise Show to Educate Potential Partners
February 19, 2014 // Franchising.com // CARROLLTON, Texas - On the heels of its banner year for sales and growth in 2013, FASTSIGNS, the worldwide franchisor for the more than 545 FASTSIGNS® sign, graphic and visual communications centers in eight countries, will be launching extended expansion efforts in Canada.
As part of the strategy, the franchise will be exhibiting at Booth No. 315 at the Canadian Franchise Association's The Franchise Show, Feb. 22 and 23 in Toronto. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with FASTSIGNS representatives, to discuss the franchise buying process and learn more about the company's proven business model, high franchise partner satisfaction rankings, and special financing program for military veterans...

February 18, 2014 // Franchising.com // CARROLLTON, Texas - FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of more than 550 locations worldwide, recently held its annual convention in Anaheim, Calif. This year, a record-breaking 79 FASTSIGNS centers were recognized for exceeding $1 million in annual sales, including 71 locations in the U.S., four in Canada, three in Australia and one in the United Kingdom.
"Our annual convention is always an exciting time to celebrate the FASTSIGNS network's accomplishments. We also use this time together to share best practices and learn from each other," said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. "This year, we had record attendance including 15 franchisees who opened within the last year, and four co-brand owners who recently opened a FASTSIGNS location within their existing print business...

Annual List Highlights Brands With High Franchisee Satisfaction
DENVER, CO - (Marketwired - Feb 5, 2014) - The PostNet printing franchise has been named to Franchise Business Review's Top Franchises 2014 list, which highlights franchise systems that enjoy high franchisee satisfaction.
PostNet has been a fixture on the list since Franchise Business Review debuted it nine years ago.
"We work hard to build a great opportunity and provide the tools and relationships to build a strong business, and it's great to get confirmation that our efforts are paying off in happiness and success for our franchisees," says PostNet CEO and co-founder Steve Greenbaum.
Franchise Business Review, a market research firm that helps guide people through the franchise buying process, generates its annual list by surveying thousands of franchisees nationwide and asking them to rate their franchise system across 33 benchmarks such as training and support, the quality of the leadership, operations and product development, general satisfaction, business lifestyle, and the overall enjoyment of running the business...

Neighborhood Business Center Franchise Hosts Sweepstakes to Award Small Businesses With Every Door Direct Mail(R) Campaigns
DENVER - Feb. 4, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - PostNet loves small businesses -- so much so, the printing, shipping and design franchise wants to help five small businesses gain up to 5,000 new customers as part of its "We Love Small Business" sweepstakes.
From February 1 to March 15, small businesses can enter for their chance to win by visiting www.PostNet.com/WeLoveSmallBiz and filling out a brief form. At the end of the entry period, PostNet will randomly select five winners to receive 5,000-piece Every Door Direct Mail(R) (EDDM) campaigns, providing design consultation, color printing services and carrier route selection...

January 30, 2014 // Franchising.com // Anaheim, California – FASTSIGNS® International, Inc., franchisor of 550 FASTSIGNS® locations worldwide has announced a new initiative with Visual Magnetics® and their unique magnetic-receptive graphic system used for creating environmental graphics, décor and merchandising.
The Visual Magnetics Graphic System® uses a magnetic receptive micro-iron™ based primer called ActiveWall®, a flexible roll or sheet magnet backer called InvisiLock® and magnetic receptive print media called MagnaMedia® to provide a versatile solution for graphics and décor. MagnaMedia is a premium eco-friendly solution made from recycled post-consumer synthetics, sustainable natural fabrics or FSC/GREENguard Gold certified cellulose based media...

Inaugural List Rates Best Franchises for Single-Unit or First-Time Buyers
DENVER, CO - (Marketwired - Jan 28, 2014) - PostNet has made Franchise Gator's inaugural Franchise 100 list, a ranking of the top 100 franchise systems that are both currently expanding and considered to be strong buys for potential franchise buyers.
Headquartered in Denver, PostNet has more than 300 locations in the United States and more than 700 worldwide. Franchise Gator is a leading online destination for those seeking to invest in a franchise opportunity.
PostNet was ranked No. 14 on the list, ahead of such well-known franchises as Anytime Fitness, Fantastic Sam's and Meineke. Franchise Gator released the rankings for Nos. 11-100 and will release its top 10 picks leading up to the International Franchise Association convention in New Orleans Feb...

Leader in Performance-Based Music Education Recognized among the Franchise Elite 
BURR BRIDGE, IL - January 23, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ - School of Rock, the leader in performance-based music education, was recently ranked in Entrepreneur magazine's 2013 Franchise 500 for the fourth straight year. Recognized by entrepreneurs and franchisors as a top competitive tool of measurement, the Franchise 500 places School of Rock at No. 216 for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate, and system size.
"School of Rock is the leading worldwide brand for performance-based music education and we are generating excitement in every community in which we operate," said Chris Catalano, CEO of School of Rock...

CARROLLTON, Texas - Jan. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Visual communications franchisor FASTSIGNS International, Inc. has become one of only two key providers in the U.S. and Canada authorized to sell Modulex products.
Founded by the Lego Group, Modulex creates distinctive wayfinding signage systems that are durable and elegant, meet current ISO 9001 standards, and have flexible and interchangeable designs to enhance an organization's or facility's branding. Ideal for both interior and exterior directional signs, the Modulex line is often specified by architects and designers, and includes building directories and wall, desk and door signs.
"Modulex is the premium wayfinding solution provider. By partnering with Modulex, FASTSIGNS centers provide their clients even broader access to innovative and high quality solutions," said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc...

COLUMBIA, Md. - January 16, 2014 - In 2013 Signs Now again partnered with the Electronic Document Scholarship Foundation (EDSF), an international, non-profit organization dedicated to the document management and communications industries, to administer five new scholarships totaling $10,000 for the 2013 academic year. The scholarships will support students who are preparing for careers in the printing and document communications industries.
The awards were established as part of a recognition program to honor Signs Now franchise members for outstanding achievements. Bernard Haun, vice president of marketing and communications, Signs Now, said, “We are proud to recognize some of the leaders in our franchise network for their efforts in the industry and also for their dedication to their communities...

Widen DAM System to Help Franchise Distribute Marketing Assets to Over 550 Worldwide Locations
MADISON, W - (Marketwired - Jan 16, 2014) - FASTSIGNS® International, Inc., the worldwide franchisor of FASTSIGNS sign, graphics and visual communication companies, has selected the Widen Media Collective to organize and distribute digital marketing assets for more than 550 global locations. The new digital asset management (DAM) system will provide FASTSIGNS with the tools, flexibility and scalability to improve the cataloging and use of digital assets for sales, marketing and décor initiatives.
Founded in Dallas, Texas in 1985, FASTSIGNS has grown from a single location to a global leader in visual communication solutions...

Printing Franchise Has Been Named a Top Franchise Opportunity for 21 Consecutive Years
DENVER, CO - (Marketwired - Jan 14, 2014) - The PostNet printing franchise has been named to Entrepreneur magazine's annual Franchise 500 list of top franchise opportunities for the 21st year in a row.
Entrepreneur's list serves as a comprehensive guide to business opportunities; PostNet, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2013, has earned a spot on the list every year since it was founded.
The franchise - which combines digital printing, marketing services and shipping at its Neighborhood Business Centers in the United States and throughout the world - has a simple mission: To make it easier for America's small businesses to grow by solving their marketing, branding and logistical challenges...

MANDEVILLE, La. - Jan. 13, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Painting with a Twist, the largest paint-and-sip franchise in the U.S., recently was ranked the top Paint and Sip franchise as part of the 2014 Entrepreneur magazine annual Franchise 500 edition.
Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 is the world's first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking based on objective, quantifiable measures of success. The most important factors include financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system. Painting with a Twist's rank, number one in its category and 276th overall, reinforces its strength as the leader and pioneer of the fast growing paint and sip category.
"It's quite an honor and a testament to the growth of our franchise system to receive this exclusive recognition," said Cathy Deano, Co-Founder of Painting with a Twist...

Diversified Growth Strategy, Franchisee Satisfaction, Industry Awards Set Stage for Success in 2014
January 08, 2014 // Franchising.com // CARROLLTON, Texas – While the number 13 is usually considered unlucky, 2013 was another year in a series of strong growth for FASTSIGNS International Inc., the worldwide franchisor for more than 545 FASTSIGNS® sign, graphic and visual communications centers. Besides exceeding goals for opening new centers, signing franchise agreements here and overseas, and completing a third consecutive year of positive sales performance, FASTSIGNS was recognized with multiple honors in both the sign and graphics and franchising industries.
"By all standards, 2013 was a banner year for FASTSIGNS," said CEO Catherine Monson...

Texas A&M University Alumna Noor Himani To Open Leading Paint & Sip Studio In College Station - Making Her the Youngest Franchisee in Pinot's Palette History.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Jan. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ - Pinot's Palette, a national Paint and Sip franchise known for providing guests with an entertaining experience of art and wine, announced today it will open a studio in College Station, Texas on January 24, 2014. The new studio is located at 1800 Texas Ave. S in the Park Plaza Center at the heart of the city's bustling retail corridor and is just minutes away from Texas A&M University.
A perfect and unique addition to the College Station community, Pinot's Palette has been bringing fine art to cities nationwide in a fun and accessible way...

Fast-Growing Paint and Sip Celebrates 2013 Expansions; 2014 Award
HOUSTON - Jan. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Pinot's Palette, a national Paint and Sip franchise known for providing guests with an entertaining evening of art and wine, is pleased to announce that it has earned a spot on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2014 Franchise 500 list.
"We were thrilled to learn that Pinot's Palette is on this year's Franchise 500 list," says Pinot's Palette co-founder and president Charles Willis. "Our company has enjoyed a very successful 2013, and I can't think of a better way to kick off 2014 than with this honor."
To compile the list, Entrepreneur Magazine evaluates and rates franchises based on several criteria, such as financial strength and stability; startup cost; size; and growth rate...