Propelled Brands Taps Jim Howe as FASTSIGNS President

Franchise news - HireWire - Jim Howe, FASTSIGNS

Howe Joined the Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchise in 2011

FASTSIGNS, a sign, graphics and visual communications franchise under the Propelled Brands umbrella, has named Jim Howe president. Howe’s tenure with Propelled Brands dates back to 2011, when he joined FASTSIGNS as vice president of franchise support. He transitioned from that position into the role of president of NerdsToGo, a computer repair and tech support services company also owned by Propelled Brands, where he served until recently returning to FASTSIGNS.

“Coming back to FASTSIGNS is like coming home with renewed zeal. I’ve received an overwhelming amount of support from our franchise network and the corporate team,” Howe said. “I am truly humbled and just feel so grateful for this opportunity to lead this incredible brand. We’re in the business of supporting our franchisees, and at the end of the day, that is my passion. I look forward to the incredible things the FASTSIGNS network will accomplish together in 2025 and beyond.”

Howe, who has more than 30 years of experience in franchising, said the opportunity to work with Propelled Brands CEO Catherine Monson and CDO Mark Jameson was the most appealing aspect of joining the brand in 2011. “Over 11 years with FASTSIGNS, I learned so much, put processes and programs in place, formalized our outside sales program and even added a second event while also managing our annual convention.”

Franchise news - HireWire - Jim Howe, FASTSIGNS body
Jim Howe is the new president of FASTSIGNS.

Monson said Howe’s strategic vision and expertise in franchising make him the ideal person to take the helm at FASTSIGNS. “I’ve witnessed Jim’s positive impact firsthand across the Propelled Brands network for over a decade, and I’m honored to appoint him to this role,” Monson said.

A Franchising Family

In addition to leading FASTSIGNS, Howe owns and operates a Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming franchise in Dallas with his wife of 30 years, Shelley, and their son, Trevor.

“My role as a franchisee and franchisor has given me a full perspective in franchising and how to serve other entrepreneurs,” Howe said. “I am truly passionate about and understand franchising, which includes the importance of effective systems, possessing a deep focus on franchisee profitability and working to build strong relationships with franchisees through open, two-way communication.”

About FASTSIGNS

Exterior of a FASTSIGNS franchise location

Founded by Gary Salomon and Bob Schanbaum in 1985, FASTSIGNS has established itself as a leader in the custom signs and visual solutions industry. The Texas-based company has grown to more than 785 independently owned and operated centers across the U.S., Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Grand Cayman, Malta and the Dominican Republic. In Australia, the company operates as SIGNWAVE.

About Propelled Brands

Propelled Brands is a multi-brand platform company dedicated to accelerating the growth of service-oriented businesses. FASTSIGNS, MY SALON Suite, Camp Bow Wow and NerdsToGo make up the company’s portfolio. 

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Haley Cafarella

Haley Cafarella is a passionate journalist and writer for IFPG. In her role as content manager, she creates original articles for FranchiseWire and Franchise Consultant Magazine. Her specialties include educational articles about buying a franchise and franchise consulting. She also reports on franchise professionals who were recently promoted or hired through FranchiseWire’s popular HireWire series.

Haley has contributed to a variety of regional publications, including
Quo Vadis, New Brunswick Today, and the Trenton Monitor. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Rutgers University.

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