Plymouth, Mich. – Allegra Network announced today that it has signed its first two agreements through the company's innovative AdvantageTM Program.
 
Providing print and sign companies with a new path to improved operating efficiencies, higher earnings and a stronger marketing position within their respective industries, Allegra Network's Advantage Program offers the opportunity to become franchise members through the company's Allegra Marketing • Print • Mail and Signs Now brands.
 
Eugene and Paula Montanez of ZAP Printing in Corona, Calif. are the first business owners to become  Allegra Marketing • Print • Mail franchise members through the Allegra Advantage Program, and co-owners Tom Beaver, Olivia Warner and Bill Collins of Indiana Stamp in Ft. Wayne, Ind. are the first owners to join through the Signs Now Advantage Program.
 
"Joining Allegra Network allows us to expand our company by adding on a sign and graphics division," said Tom. "We've been in business since 1946, so we've seen how the industry has changed and know that becoming a part of the Signs Now Advantage Program will give us the expertise and resources we need for continued growth."
 
Allegra Network recently launched the Allegra Advantage and Signs Now Advantage Programs to help companies retain complete control of their operations, while taking full advantage of all of the benefits of belonging to an industry leading organization. This powerful combination helps members rapidly adjust to the structural changes happening in both the printing and sign industries, and position their companies for immediate and long-term success.
 
"We recognize that for many independent print and sign shop owners, the challenges of the changing industry could be very difficult for them to handle on their own," said Carl Gerhardt, president and CEO of Allegra Network, LLC. "Owners have a steep hill to climb when it comes to customers and prospects viewing them as all-purpose graphic communication consultants, rather than simply printing or sign professionals. Having a $300 million organization behind them with top-shelf resources can make all the difference."
 
In business since 1976, the Montanez's joined the program to boost their sales and increase profitability. They will soon convert their business to the Allegra Marketing • Print • Mail brand. As Advantage program members, the Montanez's will now be able to take advantage of: insight from the company's partnership with Profit Mastery, acquisition expertise, access to the Marketing Resource Center, effective turnkey direct & web-based marketing, support system including more than 50 industry-leading support programs, and resale and exit strategy programs.
 
"The printing industry is continuously changing," said Eugene. "Whether it's new printing technologies or the industry-wide transition to marketing communication service providers, printing business owners have to be knowledgeable on the ever-changing landscape. Joining Allegra through the Advantage Program gives us the opportunity to focus on growing our business with the support of an entire franchise system to guide us with everything from buying decisions on new equipment to best practices and more."
 
The Advantage program is the next evolution for Allegra Network, the 500-unit worldwide marketing, print and graphic communications franchisor of the brands Allegra, American Speedy Printing Center, Insty-Prints and Signs Now. It comes following the company's success with its MatchMaker program (more than 40 deals), its proven history in acquisitions (more than 215 deals) and its unique position in the printing and signs industry. Ideal candidates for the Advantage programs are independent print or sign shop owners with up to 25 employees and operations of $1 million in sales.
 
"We find that printing and sign professionals would like to hear about our franchise options. Some are not ready to sell and are looking for a support team to help them grow. Meanwhile, we find that some print and sign shop owners would like to improve their profitability and sales to be able to sell in the near future, once they have incorporated our new marketing strategy into their business," added Gerhardt.
 
For further information on the Allegra Advantage and Signs Now Advantage programs, visit www.allegrafranchise.com and www.signsnowfranchise.com. To learn more about the Montanez's Allegra Marketing • Print • Mail in Corona, visit www.allegracorona.com.