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Scaling with Purpose: When Passion Meets Operational Excellence

Author: FASTSIGNS®

An image of Jolie and Jordan together.

Jolie and Jordan Cypert, 2025 Rock Stars in the Multi-Unit Owner category, have been proud FASTSIGNS franchisees since 2015. With four locations across Central Texas, including North Austin, West Austin, Leander, Cedar Park, and their newest in Georgetown, the Cyperts have built a thriving operation rooted in creativity, service, and scalability. Drawn to FASTSIGNS for its professional, B2B model and strong franchisor support, the couple hit the ground running by purchasing three established centers right out of the gate. With their sights set on continued growth, they’re showing what’s possible when passion meets operational excellence.

During your research, what made your franchise brand stand out?

When researching our next business venture, FASTSIGNS stood out for several key reasons. We were particularly drawn to the B2B nature of the business, which offered a professional environment with significant growth potential. Additionally, the creative aspect of the signage industry appealed to us, allowing for both innovation and artistic expression. Through our interviews with various brands, it became clear that FASTSIGNS was a top-notch choice. The brand’s strong reputation and established presence in the signage industry were complemented by its proven business model and comprehensive support system. FASTSIGNS’ objectives for success were closely aligned with those of its franchisees, ensuring mutual growth and prosperity. The first-class support provided by the franchisor, along with favorable testimonials from existing franchisees, reinforced our confidence in joining the FASTSIGNS family.

How did your franchisor help you to prepare for and launch your business?

The support from FASTSIGNS was invaluable in helping us hit the ground running as we purchased an ongoing business. FASTSIGNS provided extensive training both at their corporate headquarters and by allowing us to shadow at another FASTSIGNS location, which gave us practical insights into day-to-day operations. Once we took over our locations, the corporate team was by our side, offering hands-on guidance to help us learn the ropes. Their mentorship and support during these initial stages were crucial in ensuring a smooth transition and setting us up for success. Additionally, the marketing and technology support they provided helped us quickly establish and maintain a strong brand presence.

What advice would you give to potential franchisees considering your brand?

For potential franchisees considering FASTSIGNS, I highly recommend leaning into the training and resources provided by the franchisor. Take the time to learn everything you can about the business and the industry; this knowledge will be invaluable as you grow your franchise. Building a strong, customer-focused team that embodies the brand values is essential for laying a solid foundation for success. Additionally, being proactive in engaging with the FASTSIGNS community is crucial. The shared knowledge and experience within the network are priceless resources that can help guide you through challenges and inspire new ideas.

Name three key things that empower your success.

  1. Operational Excellence: Developing strong systems and processes is fundamental to our success. By adhering to best practices and continuously seeking ways to improve efficiency and service quality, we ensure our operations run smoothly and exceed our customers’ expectations.
     
  2. Relationship Building: Cultivating strong relationships with clients and the local community is essential. This focus on relationship-building fosters trust and encourages repeat business, creating a loyal customer base that supports our long-term success.
     
  3. Adaptability and Innovation: Staying open to new trends and technologies and adapting our business strategies to meet changing market demands has been crucial. This flexibility allows us to remain competitive and capitalize on emerging opportunities within the industry.

When you first became a franchisee, did you plan to purchase more than one territory?
Yes, we initially purchased three FASTSIGNS ongoing locations because we wanted to operate at a multi-unit level right from the start. We were determined to avoid getting caught in a single-owner-operator mindset and knew that developing the skills required to manage multiple units was essential. Owning multiple locations presents unique challenges compared to owning just one, and we were eager to embrace these opportunities for growth and broaden our business acumen from the very beginning.

What are the most significant differences between owning one versus multiple territories?
Owning multiple FASTSIGNS territories brings both challenges and rewards. The scale of operations increases, necessitating more robust management and communication systems. By nature, when you own more than one location, you cannot be in each center all the time. This requires you to build and rely on a strong team, as well as create clear processes and systems to ensure that everyone is on the same page and aligned with the business goals. Strong leadership and effective delegation become essential skills. On the positive side, owning multiple locations allows for greater market reach and the opportunity to leverage collective resources for increased efficiency and cost savings. Furthermore, it provides a broader customer base and enhances brand presence within the community.