Art Franchise Industry News & Announcements

April 08, 2014 // Franchising.com // SANTA ROSA, Calif. - Fernando and Erica Maldonado, owners of Signs Now Santa Rosa, recently received one of the top sales awards presented during the 2014 Alliance Franchise Brands Convention in Nashville, Tenn.
Their sign and graphics company received the First Star Award which is presented to franchisees who exceed a milestone in annual sales for the first time.
"Fernando and Erica consistently rank among our top performers. They are a valuable asset to our company and other Signs Now centers across the country," remarked Alliance Franchise Brands President Ray Palmer.
About Signs Now
The center’s service base includes business solutions for window graphics, ADA signage, way-finding systems, dimensional letters, directional systems, architectural signage and other visual communications tools...

PostNet in Minneapolis to Become First Franchise to Offer New Technology as Part of Pilot Program
April 08, 2014 // Franchising.com // DENVER - PostNet, the nation's first Neighborhood Business Center, announces it will offer 3D printing services at its new Minneapolis center, which opens April 9, as part of a pilot program to evaluate the emerging technology's applications for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
"For more than 20 years, PostNet has continuously evolved as new technology emerged so we could better serve our customers and power small businesses," said Brian Spindel, co-founder of PostNet. "We are eager to evaluate 3D printing at our new Minneapolis center to understand how the technology can boost the bottom line of not only our franchise partners, but also small businesses across the country...

The Beauty Basics of DecoratingNational Interior Decorator Looks to the Wardrobe for Inspiration in Designing the Perfect Space That Reflects Personal Style
SOUTHBURY, CT - (Marketwired - Mar 31, 2014) - In many ways, designing a space is a lot like picking out the essential elements of a wardrobe. Decor&You, one of America's leading, full-service interior decorating franchises, knows that both fashion and design reflect personal style, and for each it is essential to have staple key elements that define your look.
"Decorating a space can feel overwhelming and a bit scary because many people feel like they have to conceptualize the entire design, down to the coasters," said Karen Powell, founder and CEO of Decor&You. "Instead of feeling overwhelmed, think of decorating like you think of getting dressed -- one element at a time...

Franchise Business Review Posts Recent Pinot's Palette Above Average Survey Findings Online
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - March 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Pinot's Palette, a national franchise that's part art studio/part wine bar, scores high in franchisee satisfaction, according to a recent survey conducted by independent research firm Franchise Business Review.
The survey asked franchisees questions related to training and support, system communication, franchisor/franchisee relations, financial opportunity, business lifestyle, and overall satisfaction with their business. Eighty-eight percent of Pinot's Palette franchisees participated in the Franchise Business Review satisfaction survey. The full results are available at www.FranchiseBusinessReview...

Paint and Sip Franchise Enters Four New States, Further Expands Reach Across U.S.
MANDEVILLE, La. - March 19, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - With a presence in nearly half the nation, Painting with a Twist, the first-ever Paint and Sip franchise, is claiming new territory in Tempe, Ariz.; Huntington Beach, Calif.; Ashburn, Va. and East Longmeadow, Mass.
Painting with a Twist of Tempe, Ariz., (Franchisees: Jeremy and Shernell Mays), and Painting with a Twist of Huntington Beach, Calif., (Franchisee: Sheri Kavoosi), celebrated grand openings in March 2014. Painting with a Twist of East Longmeadow, Mass. (Franchisee: David Smith) is scheduled to open April 3. Culminating the recent growth spurt is the planned opening of Painting with a Twist of Ashburn, Va...

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...