(GASTONIA, NC) May 2, 2023 - FASTSIGNS® of Gastonia, a locally owned and operated sign and graphics provider, is now open under franchisees Shawn and Salome Blackwood at 1409 E. Franklin Blvd in the Acklers Center.
Shawn is currently finishing his MBA, and he has an extensive background in Sales, Operations, Management and Executive Leadership. Prior to becoming a business owner, he led a division of a multinational organization. Originally from Jamaica, Shawn has lived in three different countries and six major cities. Shawn’s wife, Salome, is a native of Kenya and has her degree in Management Studies. She has worked in the Risk and Compliance space for over 15 years and has a background as a People Leader in Executive Leadership. Their family includes 5 children as well.
Shawn and Salome plan to become integrated into the community and make it their home for a long time to come.
“We now call the Carolinas home because of the weather and the people,” said Shawn Blackwood. “With Gastonia going through a revitalization phase and an influx of new businesses setting up shop within its limits, is a good indication of things to come.”
The team at FASTSIGNS also includes David Egelhoff as the Graphic Designer/Production Specialist and Jessica Moss as the Inside Sales Associate.
“We chose FASTSIGNS after a long search, because we felt that they had the most robust infrastructure and support in place of all the franchisees that we were considering,” said the Blackwoods. “We also liked the business to business model and the Monday through Friday business hours. Having younger kids, this provides us the opportunity to spend quality time with our family, so we don’t worry about missing out too much on our children’s activities and major events.”
They will be joining the Gaston Business Association. FASTSIGNS of Gastonia is open from Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
“We fundamentally believe in treating people the way we would like to be treated and plan on bringing that perspective to our business and the way we treat our customers,” shared Salome Blackwood. “Our customers can expect honesty and full transparency from us. Our goal is to earn their trust and business as we partner together.”