by UFG | Jul 27, 2012 | News
TALLAHASSEE, FL (July 26, 2012) – SIGNARAMA, the world’s largest sign franchise, announces a new store at 2915 East Park Avenue, under the ownership of local residents Logan Lane and Mike Tucker.
Lane and Tucker own an all-inclusive sign, graphic design and embroidery company called, SignDesign Promotionals, Inc. They were presented with the opportunity to open a SIGNARAMA franchise and decided it was the right opportunity for their business.
“We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to advance the business we built from the ground up by joining the world’s largest full-service sign business,” said Lane. “The community can be assured that we will remain true to our founding principles, which have always been personalized attention, superior products, expedient service and competitive pricing.”
“The state-of-the-art technology utilized by the SIGNARAMA organization will maximize our efficiency and productivity allowing us to reach even more customers,” said Tucker. He added that as they continue to grow and serve more commercial and individual clients, they hope to create more local jobs in the areas of sales, design and production.
SIGNARAMA store hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Walk-in inquiries are welcome and off site appointments can be arranged.
On Wednesday, August 8, 2012, an open house event is planned for the community to visit the facility and learn more about the products and services provided by SIGNARAMA, including banners, indoor and outdoor signs, magnetic decals, graphic design, lettering and vehicle wraps, among a broad range of additional services.
Approaching 900 stores in more than 50 countries, SIGNARAMA uses cutting-edge industry software programs to provide a full range of comprehensive sign and graphic services to both the private and commercial segments of the business community.
For more information on SIGNARAMA in Tallahassee, email info@signaramatally.com, visit www.signaramatally.com, or contact Lane or Tucker at 850-656-3200. For franchising information, please call 800-465-0362 or visit www.signarama.com.
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by UFG | Jul 23, 2012 | News
Worldwide Sign Franchise to Participate in Various Initiatives to Help Families in Need of Better Homes
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—July 23, 2012- SIGNARAMA, a full-service sign business, today announced a $250,000 partnership with Habitat for Humanity to help build and rehabilitate affordable homes across the United States and around the world. Through financial support, in-kind donations and hands-on building projects, SIGNARAMA will help advance Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build homes, communities and hope.
“We are very excited to partner with Habitat for Humanity and help families in need realize their dreams of homeownership,” said “JT” Jim Tatem, president of SIGNARAMA. “As the world’s largest signage franchise, serving our communities has been a long-standing tradition at SIGNARAMA, not only because it makes good business sense, but more importantly, because it’s the right thing to do for our customers and those living in the areas we serve.”
As part of the commitment, SIGNARAMA employees and franchise operators will volunteer in regional team builds throughout the course of the year and participate in marketing efforts to raise funds for Habitat’s work. In addition, SIGNARAMA corporate and local operators will also donate materials and signs in support of various Habitat for Humanity initiatives, including wrapping 14 Nissan Frontier trucks across the country to increase consumer awareness.
“In order to serve more families in more communities faster, we rely on creative partnerships like SIGNARAMA’S,” said Kymberly Wolff, senior vice president, Development, Habitat for Humanity International. “We’re grateful for their support, which will mobilize volunteers and resources, while raising awareness of Habitat’s vital work in communities across the country.”
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that has helped to build over 500,000 decent, affordable houses and served 2.5 million people worldwide.
About SIGNARAMA (SAR)
SIGNARAMA is part of a successful system of business-to-business franchise brands and development services under the United Franchise Group. As part of the $30-billion-plus worldwide sign market, SIGNARAMA has been at the forefront of the sign industry for more than two decades providing cost effective advertising and branding solutions for companies to increase recognition. Approaching 900 locations in more than 50 countries, SIGNARAMA uses cutting-edge industry software programs to provide a full range of comprehensive sign and graphic services to both the private and commercial segments of the business community. For franchising information, please call (800) 465-0362 or visit www.signarama.com.
About the United Franchise Group (UFG)
United Franchise Group, the Global Leader for Entrepreneurs, is a $500-million franchising expert with 30 years of experience and 1,400 franchise locations in over 50 countries. Brands include SIGNARAMA, EmbroidMe, SuperGreen Solutions and Transworld Business Advisors. Information on franchising opportunities is available at 800-286-8671 (U.S.) or 001-561-640-5570 (international).
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 500,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us at www.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat’s blog community at www.habitat.org/blog.
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by UFG | Jun 25, 2012 | News
World’s Largest Sign Franchise to Participate in Various Events Educating Veterans on Franchising
WEST PALM BEACH, FL—June 25, 2012- SIGNARAMA, the world’s largest full-service sign business, announced today it has partnered with the International Franchise Association (IFA), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to host the New Opportunities Workshop (NOW) to educate veterans on franchising and small business opportunities.
The workshop will be held on Thursday, June 28 at 9 a.m. at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
During the workshop, a free online Veterans Franchise Toolkit and a new Mentor Network will be launched designed to connect veterans to business leaders and jobs. Speaking at the workshop will include SIGNARAMA president, “JT” Jim Tatem along with SIGNARAMA franchisee and veteran, Robert M. “Buzz Saw” DeGroff.
DeGroff became a SIGNARAMA franchisee in February 2012 with the help of the VetFran program, an IFA initiative that helps returning veterans access franchise opportunities. Prior to becoming a business owner, DeGroff served in the United States Army from 1983 until 2011, most recently holding the title of Special Operations Command Sergeant Major.
“We are thrilled to be able to participate in events such as the New Opportunities Workshop in support of our veterans and military,” said “JT” Jim Tatem, President of SIGNARAMA. “At SIGNARAMA we are committed to helping our veterans transition back into civilian life, find career opportunities, including business ownership, and achieve success like our veteran franchisee Robert M. DeGroff has had.”
In addition to SIGNARAMA’s participation in the New Opportunities Workshop, it will also participate in several job fairs aimed to hiring veterans including the Veteran Open House taking place on June 26-28 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Detroit Hall of Cobo Center in Detroit, Mich. and the Recruit Military Veteran Job Fair on June 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
As Independence Day approaches, and with unemployment rates for some groups of veterans hovering at more than18 percent, franchising can provide an ideal career path for returning veterans to become leaders in the civilian economy. Recently SIGNARAMA announced an initiative that supports returning military members seeking to start a SIGNARAMA franchise. As part of the program, the company is offering significant discounts, as much as 50%, to veterans wanting to open their own business. SIGNARAMA is also waiving the franchise fee for one qualified U.S. military veteran, making it easier for them to start their own business. The savings is estimated at up to $40,000.
SIGNARAMA is part of a successful system of business-to-business franchise brands and development services under the United Franchise Group. As part of the $30-billion-plus worldwide sign market, SIGNARAMA has been at the forefront of the sign industry for more than two decades providing cost effective advertising and branding solutions for companies to increase recognition. Growth continues to be a focus for SIGNARAMA, both domestically and internationally. Currently the company boasts almost 900 locations in more than 50 countries including Albania, Colombia and Australia.
Each and every SIGNARAMA store features trained specialists that understand the unique advertising and marketing needs of today’s constantly evolving market and can offer impactful solutions from digital signage to vehicle wraps, banners, and monument, neon, LED and pylon signs.
About SIGNARAMA (SAR)
Approaching 900 locations in more than 50 countries, SIGNARAMA uses cutting-edge industry software programs to provide a full range of comprehensive sign and graphic services to both the private and commercial segments of the business community. For franchising information, please call (800) 465-0362 or visit www.signarama.com.
About the United Franchise Group (UFG)
United Franchise Group, the Global Leader for Entrepreneurs, is a $500-million franchising expert with 30 years of experience and 1,400 franchise locations in over 50 countries. Brands include SIGNARAMA, EmbroidMe, Super Green Solutions and Transworld Business Advisors. Information on franchising opportunities is available at 800-286-8671 (U.S.) or 001-561-640-5570 (international).
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by UFG | Jun 25, 2012 | News
Baxter Brings Successful Track Record of Brand Leadership and Strategic Planning
West Palm Beach, FL (June 25, 2012) – United Franchise Group (UFG), the global leader for entrepreneurs, announced today the hire and appointment of David M. Baxter as Chief Operations Officer. In this new position, Baxter will be responsible for establishing and executing strategic planning for the brand as well as developing systems to ensure world-class operational infrastructure.
Prior to joining UFG, Baxter brings with him more than 30 years of experience in operations, sales and acquisitions, from start-up companies to multi-million dollar enterprises. He is also a former business owner with proven successes in creating opportunities for revenue and corporate growth.
“After an extensive national search for a strategic and business-minded candidate that would match our corporate goals and culture, we are thrilled to announce the addition of David M. Baxter to the United Franchise Group team,” said Ray Titus, chief executive officer of United Franchise Group. “David has extensive management experience, which will be an excellent complement to our strong brand leadership and overall growth of the brand.”
In addition to his role in strategic planning, Baxter will also be instrumental in coaching staff in achieving their goals and will serve as a thought partner with brand presidents and executives regarding business opportunities and acquisitions. UFG is made up of industry-leading franchise brands including SIGNARAMA, the world’s largest full-service sign business; EmbroidMe, the world’s largest embroidery franchise; TransWorld Business Advisors, a business brokerage and franchise development services firm; and SuperGreen Solutions, a premium one-stop shop for all energy efficient needs.
About the United Franchise Group (UFG)
United Franchise Group, the Global Leader for Entrepreneurs, is a $500-million franchising expert with 30 years of experience and 1,400 franchise locations in over 50 countries. Brands include SIGNARAMA, EmbroidMe, Super Green Solutions and Transworld Business Advisors. Information on franchising opportunities is available at 800-286-8671 (U.S.) or 001-561-640-5570 (international).
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![Franchisor Programs Offer Great Incentives for Prospective Veteran Franchisees]()
by UFG | Jun 20, 2012 | News
By Annie Barbarika, Tu-Anh Dang-Tran and Rob Bond
Below are the results of the third annual survey that we have done regarding programs for our veterans and it is exhilarating to report the increased level of enthusiasm and support on the part of the franchising community. An ever increasing number of franchisors are aggressively trying to recruit veterans through the creative Franchising use of various incentives and by taking full advantage of veteran role models already within their franchise system. It is encouraging to note not only the increasing percentage of veterans that either own a franchise or manage company-owned stores, but also how many veterans are among the management ranks of the franchisor system itself.
The website www.Franchises4Vets.com lists approximately 400 franchise programs. all of which are anxious to recruit veterans. We suggest that you take the lime to go to the website and review those companies that provide a level of interest to you. By clicking on the link at the bottom of most of the profiles, you will be taken to a more expansive site (www.WorldFranchising.com) which provides more in·depth information on particular companies. For the most part, the incentive programs outlined on the veterans’ website reflect a reduction in the franchise fee, which can range from a few thousand dollars to over $40,000. Several of the more impressive programs are noted below:
By comparison, there are numerous household-name franchises that may not offer steep discounts in their franchise fee, but which have been-around for a long time and have a demonstrated ability to fully support their franchisees throughout their career. 7-Eieven. for instance, provides savings of up to $35,000, as well financing of up to 65% of the investment. Little Caesars has a highly focused program specifically for disabled veterans: they offer up to a $55,000 reduction in the total initial investment. Liberty Tax will finance their entire franchise fee over four years and requires no money down. Snap-On Tools offers a $20,000 discount on the initial investment of $80,000. 25% of RadioShack’s senior management has a military background. Fantastic Sams offers various incentives worth up to 45% off the initial license fee of $25,000.
It should be noted that a prospective franchisee should not place an over-riding premium on the short-term savings of the front-end investment. One should look primarily at the product or service being offered and the franchiser’s ability to deliver on its promises to fully train and support the franchisee over the long term. Saving even $50,000 today by investing in a marginally competitive franchise that has no staying power would be a terrible mistake. Remember that franchising is a long-term investment that requires the utmost in due diligence. The single most important variable. has proven to be the happiness of existing franchisees within their system. Therefore, you should call as many of them as possible. To the extent that a franchise has military veterans in its system, you should take full advantage of your common experience and get their insights. Two franchisers on the site have an exceptionally high percentage of veterans Pet Butler has 32% of its 94 franchisees and WIN Home Inspection has 25% of its 168 franchisees. So remember to do your homework!
