FastSigns International Inc. (Carrollton, TX) has announced that Catherine Monson will assume the position of CEO beginning January 2, 2009. FastSigns founder and current CEO, Gary Salomon will take over as chairman of the board and will continue working with Roark Capital, the private equity firm that owns FASTSIGNS.
Monson comes to FastSigns with a background in franchising and digital printing, having worked more than 28 years with Franchise Services Inc. (owners of Sir Speedy, PIP Printing – where she served as president – Signal Graphics, MultiCopy Europe and TeamLogicIT). She is on the board of the International Franchise Assn., the Business Marketing Assn. and Pi Sigma Epsilon, a national collegiate sales and marketing fraternity.
“As I began to look at stepping back from FastSigns, it was important to have someone in my place who understands the mission of FASTSIGNS and what the brand stands for,” Gary Salomon said in a statement. “I know Catherine will continue the legacy and the culture of this great company – people and service first, always taking the high road when given an option, and working tirelessly to keep our system,the amazing system that it is.” Salomon opened his first FastSigns center in Dallas in 1985.