FASTSIGNS utilizing technology for sign and graphic solutions

DURANGO, Colo. – In May 2008, Laurie Sigillito discovered she needed a new job. The high tech firm, for which she’d worked in business development for 13 years, had been acquired, and her position was a casualty.

Sign making had never been on her radar, but today, nearly a year later, she is the force behind a new sign and graphics company now open in Downtown Durango. – FASTSIGNS.

“I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do,” said Sigillito, who didn’t see joining her husband Jon in his already successful business – Durango Party Rental – as a viable option for increasing household income. “I was talking to a friend last August, and explaining that I needed to open a business or something, and she suggested the sign industry.”

Though Sigillito had no experience (either in the sign business or graphic design), she did her homework and discovered FASTSIGNS, a franchise company, established as a needs-based, business-to-business marketing solutions provider. The key was (and is) the computer technology. THAT, Sigillito understood.

“I think what sets us apart is our technology,” she said of FASTSIGNS. “You can do any kind of look, art. We can print photos. A photo can be printed on here (a large, vinyl banner) very clearly, which is something no one else can do. People don’t even realize the capabilities.”

But they’re finding out relatively quickly. FASTSIGNS, occupying the roughly 1800 square feet of space vacated by Domino’s Pizza at 1139 Main Ave., has had steady business since opening its doors on April 9.

Some success can be attributed to the parent company, originally formed in 1985, and now with more than 550 franchise operations throughout the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom. Hands-on training of Sigillito and her two employees, graphic designer Kevin Dawson and marketing and advertising professional John Schraub was substantial, as was initial guidance in marketing and store set-up. But equal credit needs to go to Sigillito who not only researched the industry prior to finding FASTSIGNS, but also completed the Small Business Development Center’s “Leading Edge” program, which includes penning a comprehensive business plan.

Sigillito first explored acquisition of an existing sign company, and, indeed, during her due diligence, learned the “process” of sign-making. But when an agreement couldn’t be made, she went directly to FASTSIGNS to open her own franchise shop.

“I decided that there was enough business in this town,” she said, noting that FASTSIGNS parent corporation hadn’t yet considered the Durango area large enough for an operation. “They hadn’t opened up this territory because they would like to have their owners have at least 4,000 businesses (in their service area). Durango just made it, but hadn’t been on their radar.”

Sigillito’s conscientious planning also helped her secure a location. The large computerized machines that can print banners up to 54 inches wide (on materials that can be 150 feet in length), plus the contiguous space requirements of the franchise, limited her options. Friend Laurel (Turner) Waller mentioned that a tenant (Domino’s) in her father’s building was moving out.

“I never thought I could afford it,” said Sigillito of the Main Avenue address, but when other locations didn’t pan out, she met with Rod Turner, showed him her business plan and explained what she could afford. According to Sigillito, he respected her drive and sense of responsibility, and agreed to support her.

FASTSIGNS is a full-service operation, offering consultation, design, production, file transfer and delivery on all types of signs – the operative phrase being “all types.”

“What I was surprised about, when I started looking at signs, was just how many signs are out there,” said Sigillito.

FASTSIGNS can produce roughly any size sign on virtually any surface or material, including vinyl, wood, windows, walls or vehicles. The technology allows letters and images to actually be printed on the vinyl, as opposed to the accepted practice of “cutting out” vinyl lettering and applying it to a banner. FASTSIGNS results are not only cleaner and done quickly, they also last longer.

In addition to obvious applications, such as across-the-street banners, Sigillito is now able to handle needed signage for real estate firms, which require sturdy, weather-resistant signage that contains a consistent logo, but varies with an agent’s name and contact information. The requirements have necessitated that they go out of town for the product, but now can spend the money at home.

To visually enhance Downtown, Bob Kunkel, Downtown Durango’s business and promotions specialist, has been eyeing FASTSIGNS’ capability for empty storefront window displays, or wraps of buildings or construction fencing during a building remodel or reconstruction. Through FASTSIGNS, any image can be adhered to most any surface, including vehicles, for the “moving” billboard option for businesses.

“We have a variety of different substrates,” said Sigillito. “We can print on the vinyl, or we can print on adhesive vinyl that can be applied to a different substrate like foam core, aluminum, primed wood.”

FASTSIGNS has already utilized the aluminum for signage in stadiums and fields. For example, the aluminum stands straight in center field, and withstands the elements much better than the traditional vinyl banner. Plus FASTSIGNS can, depending on the design and material requirements, turn around finished products within days.

“This business is really designed to help other Durango businesses be able to promote their services and products,” said Sigillito. “We really have a seasonality here, so how can you inexpensively create your market and brand yourself over and over again, and make it simpler and more effective.”

For further information on FASTSIGNS’ services, or to order a sign on line, visit www.fastsigns.com/560. The shop is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment on Saturday, 970.247.8000.