Three Franchise Owners Inducted into Sign-A-Rama Hall of Fame

July 27, 2009 - PRLog -- Sign-A-Rama franchise owners Maggie and Brian Harlow, Louisville, KY, and Bob Chapa, Madison Heights, MI, were recently inducted into the franchise’s Hall of Fame during World Expo 2009 – United Franchise Group’s (UFG) annual exposition for its franchises. Sign-A-Rama is UFG’s largest franchise with more than 950 retail locations worldwide. The Harlows own Sign-A-Rama Downtown located in an historic area near Louisville’s central business district while Chapa owns three locations in the Detroit area.
“We are proud to name Bob Chapa and Brian and Maggie Harlow to the United Franchise Group Hall of Fame,” said Ray Titus, president and founder of United Franchise Group. “These three people have all led their stores to incredible financial success and have also served as team leaders and mentors within our extensive franchise system.”
According to the corporate Sign-A-Rama office, the Hall of Fame award is an opportunity to honor great team players and owners who have exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit that has contributed to the overall growth of the Sign-A-Rama brand.
“To say this is an honor is an understatement,” said Maggie Harlow. “We were truly surprised and humbled to be named among this elite group of owners who represent excellence in the industry in every possible way just six years into our business.”
Among other requirements for the Hall of Fame award, the franchise must have been in business for at least six years and reached one million dollars in sales for two consecutive years.
The Harlows opened their Sign-A-Rama location in 2003 and did over $1.2 million in sales during that first year of business – a franchise record for a new location.  Their sales last year were $1.7+ million, preceded by $1.1+ million in 2007. The Harlows have also been honored with several other corporate franchise awards including the 2008 President’s Award, Outstanding Achievement in 2006 and 2004, Mentor of the Year in 2005 and Rookie of the Year in 2004.
Chapa purchased his first Sign-A-Rama location in 2003 and later opened two additional locations in the Detroit area. His Madison Heights, MI location sales were $2 million last year and reached $1 million in 2007. Chapa was voted 2008 Franchisee of the Year for Sign-A-Rama as well as the 2007 Mentor of the Year.
“I was in the sign business many years even before buying my first Sign-A-Rama location, and I’ve seen the power behind the Sign-A-Rama brand. I am honored by this recognition and proud to be a part of the Sign-A-Rama family,” said Chapa.
“These are the owners who everyone else aspires to be, and they set an incredible example for everyone else.  Bob, Brian and Maggie are truly “the best of the best” and deserve their places in the Hall of Fame,” said Ray Titus.