Fastsigns has ambitious plans for growth

Fastsigns CEO Catherine Monson shares how she will lead the signage company to even more success.

Since Catherine Monson joined Fastsigns as CEO over 10 years ago, she has spearheaded the franchise’s growth from 510 to over 730 stores. When she got on board in 2009, she replaced the founder Gary Solomon.

With there now being over 130 people in the company, the total network sales exceeded $540 million and corporate revenue reached $35 million.

As well as growing in terms of its global presence, Fastsigns has evolved with the industry and has expanded the products that it offers. It now provides vehicle graphics, digital signage, materials for trade show booths and more.

But there’s no sign of Monson and her ambitious world domination plans slowing down any time soon. She said:

"I want to take the company to 1,000 locations, then I want to take it to 1,200, and then I want to take it [to] 1,500.

“I'm never really satisfied. That's my drive and my impatience, I suppose."

But there are two major obstacles in the way: technology and the economy.

“There's no question there will be a recession. The only question is when. And then the next question is how long and deep is that recession."

However, Fastsigns is in a better position to survive an economic downturn than back in 2008. Her next plan of action is building on the brand’s market share and customer base. Digital signage is big on the agenda.

"You see digital billboards as you drive up and down Dallas freeways today, which, five years ago, you didn't see,” Monson said. "Then you make the leap that [you] could have digital signage inside or outside [your] location."

However, this doesn’t mean that traditional, static graphics aren’t going to be in the picture.

"There’s been a lot of displacing technologies that have changed (things).

"But if we think about signage and visual graphics, any rganisation or business still needs to be seen from the road. That's not going to go away."

If you’d jump at the opportunity to operate your own Fastsigns business in the UK, you’re in luck. The brand is currently offering franchising opportunities with Point Franchise. Click here to find out more.