FASTSIGNS Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$92,669 - $377,334
Franchise Fee
$24,875
Min Cash Required
$35,000
Total US Locations
705
Business Summary
FASTSIGNS Centers help businesses create and manage a wide range of visual communication products. This includes designing, producing, installing, and repairing various types of signs (electrical and non-electrical), graphics, banners, vehicle wraps, and trade show displays. FASTSIGNS also offers digital printing services, advertising and promotional products, electronic signage, and graphic design for logos and websites, along with marketing services and complementary visual communication solutions.
Corporate History
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. was incorporated in Texas on April 30, 1986. The company has operated under various names including American Fastsigns, Inc. and FASTSIGNS®, changing its corporate name to FASTSIGNS International, Inc. in 2000. Since its incorporation, FASTSIGNS has developed and franchised a comprehensive system for visual communications businesses. In March 2019, it became an indirect subsidiary of Fastsigns Holdings Inc. (now Propelled Brands Holdings, Inc.) after a merger involving private equity firms. FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of Propelled Brands Franchising, LLC.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$92,669 - $377,334
Franchise Fee (Low)
$24,875
Franchise Fee (High)
$49,750
Minimum Cash Required
$35,000
Minimum Net Worth
$300,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$105,124
Equipment Costs (High)
$218,737
Working Capital
$45,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is operating profitably with positive net income and strong cash flow from its operating activities. As of December 31, 2024, the company reported total current assets of $14,490,546 and total current liabilities of $30,908,331, indicating negative working capital. However, the independent auditors issued an unqualified opinion on the consolidated financial statements without raising substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern. In 2024, the company also received significant capital advances from its parent company.
Financing Details
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. does not offer direct or indirect financing for new full-service FASTSIGNS Centers, nor does it guarantee notes, leases, or obligations. However, for qualified Conversion and Co-Brand Franchisees, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. may offer direct financing for a portion of the initial franchise fee. If a franchisee pays $15,000 of the initial fee, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. will finance the remaining $34,750 through a Promissory Note. This note is repayable over 36 months at 0% interest, with monthly installments of $965.28 if the full amount is financed. Payments begin 30 days after the center opens. The note must be personally guaranteed by the franchisee's principals, but no other security interest is required. Prepayment is allowed without penalty.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
705
Franchised Units
705
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
1,400
Franchising Since
1986
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
Yes
Litigation Count
2
Litigation Summary
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. has two litigation cases to report. The first is an ongoing arbitration filed on August 29, 2024, against a former franchisee, Hassan Brothers LLC, and its principals. FASTSIGNS alleges fraud and breach of the franchise agreement for operating a competing business and stealing clients. The former franchisee has filed counterclaims alleging unlawful termination, "industrial espionage," and discrimination, seeking $300,000 in damages. This matter is currently in discovery with a final hearing scheduled for June 10, 2025. The second case is a shareholders' derivative suit, Lincolnshire Police Pension Fund, et al. v. Taylor, et al., filed in June 2020. This suit was against Floor & Decor and its officers/directors, including John Roth and Brad Brutocao, who are also directors of FASTSIGNS. The suit alleged breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment. A motion to dismiss was denied in December 2023, and the parties settled amicably on September 19, 2024, with co-defendants paying $8,000,000. John Roth and Brad Brutocao denied wrongdoing and used D&O insurance.
Bankruptcy History
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. has bankruptcy history related to its key personnel and an executive's former employer. Doug Hall, FASTSIGNS' Vice President of Marketing, filed for personal Chapter 7 bankruptcy in January 2016, which was discharged in September 2016. Additionally, TGI Friday's Inc., where Jennifer Rote (FASTSIGNS' General Counsel) previously worked, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024. Jennifer Rote left TGI Friday's Inc. before this filing. This case is currently pending.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. franchisees must provide timely notice of their intent to renew. They need to maintain possession of their center's premises or secure an approved substitute location. They are required to repair and update their equipment and premises to meet the then-current standards. Franchisees must have no outstanding defaults, pay a renewal fee, and sign the current form of the Franchise Agreement, which may include materially different terms. They also need to comply with current qualification and training requirements and sign a general release if permitted by law.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. provides extensive support to its franchisees both before and after opening. Before opening, FASTSIGNS helps with site selection, provides initial design and construction drawings, offers initial training for up to three people (including the managing principal, graphic designer, and visual communications specialist) free of charge, and grants access to its online learning management system and electronic Operations Manuals. FASTSIGNS also assists with ordering initial equipment and inventory and supports initial local marketing efforts through the Fastsigns National Advertising Council, Inc. After opening, FASTSIGNS provides ongoing support through a Business Consultant who offers on-site or virtual training and supervision. Franchisees receive advisory assistance for managing and operating their centers via written materials, phone, and electronic communication. FASTSIGNS offers additional training programs and encourages attendance at annual conventions. The company provides information on approved suppliers and conducts regular center inspections. For technology, FASTSIGNS mandates the use of specific computer hardware and software, including CoreBridge Management System and QuickBooks Online, and a managed firewall for PCI compliance. Marketing support includes national and local advertising through the Fastsigns National Advertising Council, Inc., required local digital advertising, virtual sales assistant customer prospecting email campaigns, and management of the franchisee's listing on the FASTSIGNS website.
Initial Training Hours
130
Training Location
Corporate offices in Carrollton, Texas, with some online/virtual and in-center training.
Ongoing Support
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. provides ongoing support through various channels. This includes advisory assistance for managing and operating the center via written materials, toll-free phone service, electronic communication, and at the franchisor's office or the center itself. FASTSIGNS International, Inc. also makes additional training programs available, such as annual conventions, vehicle wrap classes, and sales management training, for which a fee may be charged. Franchisees are encouraged to attend meetings, seminars, and remote training sessions. The franchisor conducts center inspections and evaluations and provides information on recommended suppliers. Additionally, ongoing support extends to marketing, with requirements for local digital advertising, virtual sales assistant customer prospecting email campaigns, and adherence to social media policies.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. seeks franchisees who are qualified to develop and operate visual communication businesses. For the first six months of operation, the franchisee or their Managing Principal (who must have at least a 25% ownership interest) is required to devote full-time, hands-on attention to the day-to-day operations. After this initial period, a full-time Key Management Employee can take over the day-to-day supervision, although the Managing Principal is still ultimately responsible. Franchisees are also required to hire a full-time outside sales professional within 120 days of opening and maintain this role for the entire term of the agreement. The business primarily targets other businesses, suggesting a need for business-to-business acumen. Multi-unit development rights are offered to qualified franchisees, indicating a preference for individuals with the capacity for growth.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
Hands-On
Territory Type
Protected
Staff Count
4
Territory Size Requirements
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. defines its franchise territories as a specific geographic area around the center. For a single FASTSIGNS Center, the territory must encompass an area sufficient to include a minimum of 4,000 businesses. If the number of businesses in a territory increases by at least 20%, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. may redefine the territory and grant another franchise, but the re-assigned territory must still contain at least 4,000 businesses.
Staffing Notes
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. has specific staffing requirements. The franchisee or their Managing Principal (holding at least a 25% ownership interest) must actively supervise and dedicate full-time, hands-on attention to the center's daily operations for the first six months. After this period, a full-time Key Management Employee can be designated to manage the day-to-day operations. Franchisees must also designate a graphic designer and a visual communications specialist, both of whom are required to complete the initial training program. Additionally, within 120 days of opening, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. requires the franchisee to hire and continuously employ a full-time outside sales professional, who must attend specific Sales Boot Camp training. All personnel who access confidential information are required to sign confidentiality and non-compete agreements. While FASTSIGNS International, Inc. provides staffing level recommendations and qualification criteria, the franchisee retains sole responsibility for employee selection, compensation, hours, and working conditions.