Signs By Tomorrow (Columbia, MD) has appointed Maryland native Ramon “Ray” L. Palmer as new president effective Monday, November 29, 2010.
As president, CEO and co-founder of Palmer Vohrer Enterprises, Palmer has been involved with Signs By Tomorrow for the past 10 years as a franchisee, having owned and operated four of the national chain’s Maryland locations. Palmer also served as a member and chairperson of Signs By Tomorrow’s Franchise Advisory Council, on which he played a key role in developing the firm’s national website and establishing a franchisee advertising fund.
Palmer succeeds Joseph McGuinness, who has held the position of president since founding the company in 1986. McGuinness will stay on as chairman of the board and founder for Signs By Tomorrow USA, assisting with the leadership transition and focusing on franchise sales.
McGuinness said, “With his excellent educational and corporate background and firsthand experience as a franchisee, Ray is a natural choice to succeed me as president. Having lived the role of a franchisee and as an actively involved key team member, Ray has invaluable experience that positions him to take Signs By Tomorrow into the future and stand ready to serve the next generation as we prepare to celebrate our 25th anniversary next year.”
Palmer foresees strong growth: “My history as a multi-store owner and consultant to the franchisor provides a unique perspective on our customer needs, which drives the growth of our great company. Continued focus on franchisee relationships, increased brand synergy and technological advancements will fuel our future market strategy and strengthen the technical expertise we now enjoy in our industry. I am proud to lead and continue to grow our strong network of franchisees.”
Prior to founding Palmer Vohrer Enterprises in 2001, Palmer worked for other area businesses over his 27-year career, including Cambridge Positioning Systems, Advanced Wireless Technologies, Communications Electronics, Genesis Data Systems and AAI Corporation.
Palmer holds an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in business from the Johns Hopkins University. He currently resides in Phoenix, MD, where he is a member of the board of directors for the Baltimore Area Council of Boy Scouts of America.