A.J. Titus Recognized by South Florida Business Journal

A.J. Titus Recognized by South Florida Business Journal

President of Signarama Among Top Young Leaders in South Florida

Forty of the region’s most entrepreneurial and influential young leaders from Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties were honored for their outstanding success and contributions to the community at the South Florida Business Journal’s annual “40 Under 40” recognition luncheon on August 3 at Jungle Island on Watson Island in Miami. Among the honorees was A.J. Titus, president of West Palm Beach-based Signarama, the world’s largest signage company, and a brand member of United Franchise Group (UFG). Named president less than a year ago, Titus succeeded Jim Tatem who held the position for 10 years and is now president of UFG. Titus is a third-generation family president, following in the footsteps of his father Ray, and grandfather Roy, co-founders of Signarama, a company with 800 locations in 60 countries—including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The honoree literally grew up in the family business, gaining in-depth knowledge as well as a close perspective of the brand’s needs and the needs of franchisees it serves around the world. With the “ground-up” knowledge of operations, Titus is attracting franchisees that are young, driven, and possess the entrepreneurial spirit—men and women that want to create scalable, profitable businesses. “This is a remarkable group of talented honorees, and to be chosen with them for recognition by the South Florida Business Journal is a distinct honor,” said Titus. “Each person chosen is a reflection of what I would call a new wave of entrepreneurs, as they each bring a diverse set of skills and knowledge to the ever-evolving marketplace.” Signarama, the world’s largest sign company, offers branding and messaging solutions as well as comprehensive sign and graphic services ranging from business and digital signs to vehicle wraps. The company also provides advertising and marketing services for customers to achieve optimal exposure. “I learned about every phase of the company’s operations, from selling signs to marketing and advertising,” remarked Titus. “By attending trade shows and conventions over the years, I really gained a true understanding of customer service needs, and what it takes to maintain our brand as an industry leader.” Those selected for the “40 Under 40” award were vetted from hundreds of nominations, and names of the honorees were unveiled in installments beginning June 22. The award luncheon took place in the Treetops Ballroom at Jungle Island on Watson Island in Miami on Friday, August 3.

A.J. Titus Recognized by South Florida Business Journal

United Franchise Group Receives Coveted Presidential Award for Exports

UFG is the Recipient of Coveted “E” Award Honored For Export Opportunities

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – May 21, 2018 – It was announced today by U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, that United Franchise Group, a South Florida-based company with more than 1,600 franchises in over 80 countries, is the recipient of the coveted President’s “E” Award for Exports. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition that any United States entity can receive for its significant contributions to the expansion of U.S. exports.

“United Franchise Group has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion, and the ‘E’ Awards Committee was very impressed with United Franchise Group’s sales of U.S. franchises in 17 foreign markets. The company’s development of export opportunities for its vendors was also particularly notable. United Franchise Group’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs,” said Secretary Ross in a congratulatory letter to the company announcing its selection.

The United Franchise Group is home to a variety of internationally recognized brands throughout the world. It is well recognized as a company that offers entrepreneurs solid business opportunities, provides them with excellent resources, and continually displays unprecedented leadership to help franchisees achieve their goals.

“We are extremely proud and honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Ray Titus, Chief Executive Officer. “Exporting is a very important and vital part of our sales, and buyers and consumers in foreign markets want quality products made in the United States. We have a passion to help people build and grow their own business, both domestically and internationally.”

In 2006, United Franchise Group’s Signarama brand, the world’s largest sign franchise, with 800 locations, became the first ever franchise to be recognized with the prestigious “E” Award.

In total, Secretary Ross honored 43 U.S. companies and organizations from across the country with the President’s “E” Award for their roles in strengthening the U.S. economy by sharing American ingenuity outside of our borders.

Companies are nominated for the “E” Awards through the U.S. Commercial Service, part of the Department’s International Trade Administration. With offices across the United States and in embassies and consulates around the world, The International Trade Administration lends its expertise at every stage of the exporting process by promoting and facilitating exports and investment into the United States; administering Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties orders; and removing, reducing, or preventing foreign trade barriers.

U.S. exports totaled $2.33 trillion in 2017, accounting for 12 percent of U.S. gross domestic product. Exports supported an estimated 10.7 million jobs nationwide in 2016, according to the most recent statistics from the International Trade Administration.

About the “E” Awards

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America’s exporters. A criterion for the award is based on four years of successive export growth in one or more international markets. For more information about the “E” Awards and the benefits of exporting, visit www.export.gov.

About United Franchise Group

“The Global Leader for Entrepreneurs.” United Franchise Group is a group of affiliated companies and brands. Led by CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group is home to a variety of internationally recognized brands including Signarama, Fully Promoted, Experimax, Jon Smith Subs, Venture X, Accurate Franchising, SuperGreen Solutions, Transworld Business Advisors and The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. With over three decades in the franchising industry and more than 1600 franchisees throughout the world, United Franchise Group offers unprecedented leadership and solid business opportunities for entrepreneurs. Visit www.UnitedFranchiseGroup.com for franchising opportunities.

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United Franchise Group Revenue Growth Recognized with Inclusion in SFBJ’s Fast 50

West Palm Beach, Fla. – August 12, 2017— The United Franchise Group (UFG), comprised of variety of award-winning brands and franchise development services, is pleased to announce its selection as one of the 2017 South Florida Business Journal’s (SFBJ) 2017 Fast 50 winners. The award recognizes the 50 fastest-growing private companies in South Florida, ranked by revenue growth percentage over the last 1-2 years. The awards ceremony honoring companies included on the list will take place Thursday, August 17 at Jungle Island in Miami.

Headquartered in West Palm Beach, UFG’s franchise brands include some of the world’s largest industry-leading names. The franchise concepts initially specialized in personalized business services including signs, promotional apparel & products, sustainability solutions and business brokerage. The company has experienced tremendous growth with its Experimax brand, with more than 100 locations already open. The company’s most recent brand acquisition expanded its business to include the food industry with the addition of sandwich restaurant Jon Smith Subs to its menu of brands late last year. The company has also added a shared workspace concept and a CPA-based tax preparation business.

“We’re extremely pleased to be included on this list,” said UFG CEO Ray Titus. “We have continued to expand our franchise offerings and business development services through organic growth, strategic acquisitions and joint ventures, assisting with business expansion and international growth activities. This recognition is a welcome validation of our continued success.”

UFG has been in the franchising industry for 30 years, has over 1,400 franchisees, and conducts business in more than 80 countries. The company has established master license partnerships in more than 50 countries, and assists other franchise companies from the point of conception to international expansion and also includes a franchise real estate brand. UFG’s Florida headquarters offers a superior state-of-the-art training facility, where new franchisees start their journey into business ownership.

About United Franchise Group

Led by CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group is home to a variety of internationally recognized brands including Signarama, Fully Promoted, Experimax, Jon Smith Subs, Venture X, SuperGreen Solutions, Transworld Business Advisors and Paramount Tax.  With over three decades in the franchising industry and more than 1400 franchisees throughout the world, United Franchise Group offers unprecedented leadership and solid business opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Signarama Breaks U.S. Sales Record with 60 New Franchise Agreements in the First Half of 2017

Signarama, the world’s leading sign franchise and the first in over 50 countries reports record breaking U.S. sales with just six months into the year.

Just last year, Signarama set the precedent with more than 60 new franchise agreements. Signarama is re-writing the record books once again in half the time, shattering last year’s cap of 60 new franchisees.

The premium brand and leading full-service sign innovator projects more than 110 new franchise owners across North America by the end of 2017. Signarama is expected to almost double its number of new franchise owners from last year. With only four months left to finish the year, Signarama is steadily on its way towards its projection.

With a proven track record involving over 900 stores worldwide, Signarama is continuously increasing its franchise owners while booming franchisee level sales growth.

“As we dive into the year with tremendous results and progress, there is no better time than now to own a sign and graphics business. Why not join the largest family of sign industry leaders, during this extraordinary time of growth?” said AJ Titus, EVP of Signarama.

“Executives credit the brand’s ongoing coaching and training, and its strong support system through proven marketing, technology and business development efforts for its success in growing its franchise base,” notes Jim Tatem, president of Signarama.

A.J. Titus Recognized by South Florida Business Journal

VentureX San Antonio TX Featured in Local Community News

A co-working space— a kind of office environment shared by freelancers and businesses alike — has debuted in Stone Oak, providing a creative community for varied patrons.

Venture X, 18911 Hardy Oak Blvd., held a celebration May 25 to herald the opening of its initial location in Texas, and the second nationally.

While co-working sites are no longer unique in North Central, this Stone Oak building may house one of the first on the far North Side, officials said.

The communal space caters to entrepreneurs, ranging from telecommuters to independent contractors representing a wide business spectrum. The environment creates synergy and reduces the isolation experienced by many freelancers, patrons said.

“What’s really important to us is building that sense of community, an environment that helps promote collaboration between businesses, our members, and gives them that open space that they’re looking for but still maintains that professional edge,” said Michelle Solis, manager of Venture X.

With co-working spaces gaining popularity nationwide, Venture X is a hybrid of traditional executive-office suites and shared working areas, according to Solis.

Source: Local Community News