Carrollton, TX—FastSigns International, franchisor of sign, graphics and visual communications franchise FastSigns, signed an agreement with new franchisee and photo industry leader Gabrielle Mullinax.
Mullinax will add a co-branded FastSigns center to her existing photo retail shop, Fullerton Photographics. Located at 908 North Harbor Boulevard in Fullerton, California, the FastSigns center will be completed this fall. It will mark nearly 40 co-brand centers for FastSigns. The company also has franchised centers in more than 615 locations in nine countries.
“As a proven innovator in the photo industry, Gaby is a welcomed addition to the FastSigns family. We know she will provide a ‘more than’ experience to every customer who walks through her doors,” said Mark Jameson. Jameson is executive vice president of Franchise Support and Development, FastSigns International, Inc. “The addition of this latest co-brand center in California further deepens FastSigns’ development commitment to take our co-brand concept into new markets across the country. We are looking to provide comprehensive visual communications services from coast to coast.”
Mullinax began her photo industry career in the early 1990s. She was a stay-at-home mom and professional photographer. As a frequent customer of Fullerton Photographics, she came upon the opportunity to purchase the company in December 1999. After taking ownership, she converted the business from analog to digital. She was consequently able to integrate new products and services to achieve greater revenue. As a result, she developed a new photo retail business model.
“As a woman business owner, I’ve found a true partner in FastSigns who will help expand my existing business by providing our new and current clients the ability to stay on the cutting-edge of the sign, graphics and visual communications industry,” said Mullinax. “For businesses looking for ways to expand their current portfolio and increase their revenue in today’s fast-paced market, FastSigns offers an opportunity, including training and support, that is first class in service and made the decision process easy for me.”
Fullerton Photographics provides products and photography services customized to create endless possibilities using the modern photograph. Over the last two decades, Mullinax has become a proven photo industry leader, most recently serving as a past president of Photo Marketing Association International, after having served as PMAI’s first woman president. She was also the first-ever chairwoman of the Buck Rogers National Photofinishers Group and a member of Independent Photo Imagers.
FastSigns Co-Brand Program
FastSigns has continued to grow through the company’s co-brand and also conversion programs. With franchisees coming from the print and photofinishing industries, the co-brand program accounted for 20% of the franchise agreements signed in 2015. This represents a significant increase from prior years.
FastSigns co-brand program launched in 2012. It offers independent business operators with print and photo-related services the opportunity to add the FastSigns brand while continuing to own and operate their existing business. This program includes a full-suite of sign and visual graphic solutions. FastSigns helps finance the franchise fee with as little as $15,000 down to begin the co-brand or conversion process. fastsigns.com
