Franchising is about perfecting systems

between the franchiser and their franchisees

Carrollton, Texas: This week's story began on the back of a paper napkin around a discussion over breakfast. You can hear them, "We can do this! What we are waiting for? We're not getting any younger." They applied new technologies before anyone else did. Then they were early adopters of the web (and it's now the backbone of their business). This is a story about how high tech meets high touch.

This story begins in 1985 when Gary Salomon saw how a computer was being used to make high-quality signs in hours instead of days. He jumped at the opportunity to build a business offering this service internationally. Today his company, FastSigns, is America’s leading sign company with over 500 locations worldwide.

Gary has been honored time and again for their work in the franchise industry. First, he received the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award and then went on to be recognized by his peers:
? 2005 Franchise Update magazine’s annual STAR
? 2000 Entrepreneur International magazine's Top 200
? 1999 Entrepreneur magazine's #1 Sign Franchise

The first thing we learn from Gary is that you do not have to invent a product to own it. When Gary first saw the technology he is using today, he struck a deal with the inventor; he learned how to use it; and with vision and sweat equity, he now dominates his marketplace.  More...

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