Monson Recognized for Transforming FASTSIGNS into an International Brand and Being a Champion of Franchising throughout Her Career

Carrollton, Tex. – FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today that Franchise Dictionary Magazine has named CEO Catherine Monson one of its 50 Women of Wonder (WoW) for 2020.

This prestigious WoW list recognizes inspirational female franchisors that have been nominated by readers for their remarkable impact on not only the brands they lead, but also on the franchise industry. While at the helm of FASTSIGNS, Monson has grown the company to more than 735 locations across nine countries, and the brand continues to be recognized as the leader and a disruptor in its space.

“It’s an honor to be named a Woman of Wonder, among so many inspiring established and emerging leaders in franchising,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc and International Franchise Association Chair. “I am lucky to work alongside such a strong corporate team and our incredible global network of franchisees. Their dedication to help grow and promote the FASTSIGNS brand even in the most challenging times is what has allowed us to become the international powerhouse that we are today.”

The Second Annual Women of Wonder list is featured in Franchise Dictionary Magazine’s October 2020 issue, available at https://franchisedictionarymagazine.com/october2020/. 

“Each year more and more women are making an impact in the franchise industry,” said Alesia Visconti, Publisher & CEO, Franchise Dictionary Magazine. “They are changing the landscape, implementing new initiatives and bringing groundbreaking ideas to the table. Franchise ownership changes lives and allows people to follow their dreams of business ownership. Our ‘50 Women of Wonder’ (WOW) are some of the most amazingly talented, strong and dynamic women franchisors in the franchise industry. We thank them and are thrilled to celebrate their contributions!”

About Catherine Monson
Catherine became CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. in 2009, bringing over 25 years of franchising and management experience. In 2009, she received the International Franchise Association (IFA) Bonny LeVine Award in recognition of her contributions to the growth of the franchising industry and in 2010, the Dallas Business Journal named her a top Women Industry Leader in the Dallas Metroplex. In 2012, Catherine appeared on the Emmy Award-winning series Undercover Boss to learn new ways to advance the FASTSIGNS® brand. In 2013, she was named an “Innovator and Influencer” by Sign and Digital Graphics Magazine. In 2015, she received the IFA’s first Franchise Action Network “FAN of the Year” award for her advocacy work on behalf of the franchising community. In 2016, she was selected as a Soderstrom Society Inductee for her contributions to the printing and graphic communications industry and was also honored with the 2016 Leadership Award from the Women That Soar organization. Under Monson’s leadership, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. received the 2016 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition presented by the Department of Defense to employers for their exemplary support of National Guard and Reserve members. In 2017, Monson received the Distinguished Women Award presented by Northwood University in Midland, Michigan. In 2018, she was honored by the Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI) with their Ambassador of Free Enterprise Award. Catherine has served on the Board of Directors of the IFA since 2008 and is currently Vice Chair and will become Chairwoman in February 2020. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors of Brain Balance, a franchise company with a non-drug alternative for children with behavioral challenges, and on the Board of Directors of the franchisor Big Blue Swim School, one of the nation’s fastest growing swim schools. She is a keynote speaker at many franchise industry events, as well as at many sign and visual graphics industry events.

For more videos on Catherine Monson, visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7qJckb26TTPGWl9wQJNjKA. Visit the section, “Get to Know the FASTSIGNS CEO Catherine Monson,” and click to the right.