Posted:13-January-2021
Signarama provides the right change of direction for Tracy and Jeremy!
With over 900 stores, Signarama is the world’s largest signs and graphics franchise. It is the most established brand in the industry and has been providing visual communications to businesses since 1986.
Before opening their Signarama store in 2009, Jeremy and Tracy were experts in very different industries – hospitality and safety equipment respectively. After several years of advancement in their careers, they both decided that they were ready for a change in direction. Jeremy was soon presented with the opportunity to purchase an existing Signarama, and the couple decided to combine their skills years of experience in opening a store as business partners.
Although Tracy had no previous experience in the signs and graphics industry, after two weeks of training at Signarama’s head office in Florida, she felt more than ready to open her store.
“The training was excellent. I was very comfortable with being able to run the business, but it was important to learn as much as I could about the industry – the products; the services; new technology; customer types; competitors; trends and potential. My time in Florida was very well spent and I left really encouraged and excited to get started.”
With her training in Florida completed, upon returning to the UK she spent a few days at a Signarama franchise in Milton Keynes, where she was able to learn first-hand from the franchise owner what being a Signarama franchisee involved. Then it was time for her and Jeremy to start hiring their team.
“We needed to bring certain skills in-house, like Graphic Design and Production. Signarama provide incredible systems and procedures, but unless you’re from the industry yourself, you need to put the right people with the right technical expertise in place.”
Eight years after opening their store, business is still thriving for Tracy and Jeremy – due in no small part, says Tracy, to the level of support Signarama provides to its franchisees.
“It’s been challenging, of course, and it’s been a steep learning curve at times, but we have the advantage of always knowing that there is support there whenever we need it. We can call on the Signarama franchise team for anything we need, whether that be for the latest industry knowledge or just simple advice on a project. We are also part of a large network of franchise owners who are more than happy to help each other out or even work together to deliver on national contracts.”
The couple have also greatly benefitted from being part of a brand with such a strong reputation as that of Signarama.
“There’s no question that being part of such a well-known global brand can open certain doors for you. Often the impression of size and national reach is very instrumental in larger clients trusting you with important and high value projects. We have some large construction companies as customers, and being based in Birmingham, we are particularly delighted to produce a lot of work for Land Rover.”
While having no previous experience in the signage industry is clearly no barrier to finding success with Signarama, Tracy says that there are certain character traits which the ideal franchisee should possess.
“You need to be lively and outgoing with the ability to get on with a wide range of customers from small local businesses to large corporates. You need to be both a team player and good leader, as you will need to manage your staff as well as remembering that you are part of a larger network that is strongest when it works together. There’s no escaping the hard work and long hours either, but I don’t think anyone expects to start a business and put their feet up.”
The hard work has clearly been rewarding for the couple. When asked if they would do it all again, Tracy says, ““No question. This was a great decision for us both!”
Interested and want to know more about Signarama?
The Signarama basic profile outlines aspects of their franchise opportunity
