The Signarama franchise success story began in 1986 when Ray Titus set out to build a brand that could help entrepreneurs create successful businesses of their own. Forty years later, Signarama has grown into the world’s largest sign and graphics franchise and a global leader in visual communications, serving customers across the United States and around the globe.
In a recent interview with Sign Builder Illustrated, Signarama President A.J. Titus reflected on the principles that have fueled the brand’s longevity and why those lessons remain relevant for entrepreneurs today. Rather than focusing solely on the milestone itself, A.J. emphasizes the culture, innovation, and franchisee support systems that have helped Signarama thrive for four decades. As part of United Franchise Group’s family of brands, Signarama continues to demonstrate how a franchisee-first approach can drive sustainable growth across generations.
A Family-Owned Business with a Franchisee-First Mindset
One of the factors that sets Signarama apart is its unique family-owned legacy. While many franchise brands have changed ownership over the years, Signarama remains under the leadership of the Titus family.
“We have a really special group, it’s been 40 years of business and we’re still the same family who owns it 40 years later,” A.J. said. “And we have franchise owners who’ve been around almost the exact same time, 35, 20, 15 years. It’s a family.”
That long-term perspective has helped create a franchisee-first culture built on relationships, collaboration, and shared success. For Signarama, supporting franchise owners is not just about opening locations. It’s about helping business owners grow and evolve over time.
Using AI to Strengthen Human Connections
While Signarama has built its reputation on relationships, the brand continues to embrace new technologies that can help franchise owners operate more efficiently.
According to A.J., the goal of artificial intelligence is not to replace business owners but to give them more time to focus on what matters most.
“My goal is not trying to get AI to replace the franchisee,” A.J. explained. “I’m trying to get AI to free up the franchise owner to focus on the most important things in our business. And that’s building relationships, driving that revenue higher, managing your staff and your employees and building that connection there.”
By integrating AI into its technology stack, Signarama is helping franchise owners reduce administrative burdens while creating more opportunities to strengthen customer relationships, develop employees, and increase revenue.
A Support System Designed for Long-Term Growth
A.J. also highlighted the extensive support available to franchise owners throughout their business journey. New franchisees receive training in products, sales, sourcing, and operations, while experienced owners gain access to business coaching, marketing guidance, financial reviews, and growth planning.
The brand’s support network includes Profit Coaches, Business Advisors, marketing professionals, mentorship programs, P3 Peer Groups, and Masters Academy workshops where franchise owners share best practices with one another.
As A.J. explained, the goal is to help owners move beyond their current plateau and continue reaching new levels of success throughout the life of their business.
Building the Foundation for the Next 40 Years
Signarama’s vision extends far beyond its anniversary celebration. Today, the brand’s network is nearly evenly split between domestic and international markets, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most established visual communications franchise systems. As the company looks ahead, it continues to seek new master partners and opportunities to expand its global presence.
Reflecting on the company’s milestone, A.J. emphasized that Signarama’s success belongs to the entire network.
“What we’ve accomplished is very rare,” he said. “It’s not me, it’s not my dad, it’s not my grandfather. It’s ’we’ as in all of our franchise owners, all of their employees.”
For entrepreneurs, that may be the biggest lesson from the first 40 years. As Signarama enters its fifth decade, the focus remains the same: invest in people, embrace innovation, and build systems that create long-term value for franchise owners around the world
This article was originally published in Sign Builder Illustrated.