CARROLLTON, Texas - FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today that it opened 17 centers across the U.S., Canada, and England in the first half of 2017 and signed 16 franchise agreements to develop additional new, co-branded, and conversion locations in the coming months and expect to finalize several Master Franchise agreements.
 
Due to the ongoing worldwide need for visual communications and digital signage technology, and an extremely successful 2016, the company expects to open a projected 45 locations in 2017. Markets with planned FASTSIGNS center openings include Sacramento, Detroit, Phoenix, Winnipeg, and Calgary.
 
“We are thrilled to be diving into the second half of the year with such a strong start to 2017,” said Mark Jameson, EVP of Franchise Support and Development, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in the past six months, welcoming over two dozen franchisees from locations all over the world into our network. As we continue to strengthen our presence in key markets across multiple countries, we are seeking franchisees interested in co-brand and conversion franchise opportunities, where independent print and sign shop owners can expand their existing business or convert their business to FASTSIGNS.”
 
Suki Khansarinia is a first-time franchisee that has begun to convert her existing sign and visual communications business into a FASTSIGNS location. Located within Los Angeles County, Suki Khansarinia will open the first FASTSIGNS location in Pomona, California, in the coming months.
 
“I absolutely loved the patience and guidance the entire FASTSIGNS team provided throughout the entire process of deciding which franchise opportunity to invest in,” said Suki Khansarinia. “While choosing a new business venture is never easy, I required a lot of information and time before making the best decision for my family. Every person who stepped in to answer my questions made me feel comfortable and provided honest answers based on their personal experiences. I never felt pressured. The exceptional franchise support that FASTSIGNS offers to their network of franchisees helped them stand apart from our other options and we truly look forward to joining the FASTSIGNS family.”
 
For any existing business looking to expand into this fast-paced market, FASTSIGNS gives the added support and training needed to make the process smooth. Whether an existing print-based business or a photography studio, FASTSIGNS’ co-brand centers receive the same assistance as any new franchisee, with the added bonus of being able to exclude established revenue streams, outside of the FASTSIGNS core business offering, from future royalty payments. Both the co-brand franchise opportunity and conversion can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.
 
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. was ranked number 1 in the Business Services/Signs category for 2017 and 95 overall in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Acknowledged by entrepreneurs and franchisors as a top competitive tool of measurement, the Franchise 500® recognizes FASTSIGNS for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate and brand power. FASTSIGNS also has been recognized for its franchisee satisfaction by being named a World Class Franchise by the Franchise Research Institute for five consecutive years and ranking number one in franchisee satisfaction by Franchise Business Review in 2016 and was recently named to Franchise Business Review’s “ innovative franchise brands list.