FASTSIGNS® of Burlington, VT, a local sign and visual graphics company has recently opened under the direction of franchise owners, Geoff Poulin and Dan Emmons. After working together for over 20 years, Poulin and Emmons decided to go into business and open the first FASTSIGNS location in the state of Vermont.
“Not until recently had we felt that the timing was right for us to take the leap with the right financial standings and partnership for starting a new business. I’ve always been interested in wide format printing and signage and considered starting an independant sign shop,” said Geoffrey Poulin. “Having strong production skills yet little knowledge of running a small business the concept seemed daunting. Then one evening I saw the episode of Undercover Boss featuring FASTSIGNS and the CEO, Catherine Monson. I was sold on the culture, business model and leadership. I knew that this was what I needed to help me succeed with the dream of small business ownership.”
Poulin has spent over 32 years in the publication/commercial printing industry as a prepress technician focusing mainly as a color specialist and in color management. His counterpart, Dan Emmons, shares a similar background and brings over 24 years of experience working in the commercial print industry.
“After working over 24 years in various production roles within the commercial printing industry, I had a desire to make a career change. However, I love print and graphic communication and didn’t really want to leave the industry I spent more than half my life working and learning. Business ownership in the wide format digital print and sign industry was the direction I wanted to take.” said Emmons. “After months of research we decided FASTSIGNS was the answer. With nearly 700 independently owned franchises worldwide and a proven business model for success we found FASTSIGNS to be the company that would help guide us in all aspects of being a successful graphic communications business owners. We are excited about the opportunity to grow our business as we help other local businesses grow theirs.”
Graphic Designer Justin Beaudin will be joining the team as well. Also a Vermont native, Beaudin graduated from Castleton University. While in school, he worked as an intern at a vinyl sign and graphic shop. After graduation, he worked at a small format print shop for a year as a designer and prepress technician. All of this experience has prepared him for his upcoming role at FASTSIGNS® of Burlington, VT.
Wanting to service the greater Burlington and surrounding areas, the three colleagues look forward to opportunities on the horizon for this new venture.
“We are excited to be the first and likely the only FASTSIGNS Center in the Burlington, Vermont market,” said Poulin. “Both Dan and I were born and raised in Vermont. Even though we are a part of a large network through FASTSIGNS, we are a small, locally-owned business, committed to bringing the made-in-Vermont feel and sense of community that all Vermonters share.”
About FASTSIGNS®
FASTSIGNS® of Burlington, VT is a locally and independently owned and operated sign, graphics and visual communications company that provides comprehensive visual marketing solutions to customers of all sizes—across all industries—to help them attract more attention, communicate their message, sell more products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touch points including décor, events, wearables, digital signage and marketing materials. To learn more, visit fastsigns.com/burlington-vt/ or call (802) 424-9089.