Signarama Launches Training Academy

Signarama, a sign and graphics franchise, announces the successful launch of its Masters’ Academy training series.

In addition, to enhance training for new franchisees, Signarama renovated its training facility in West Palm Beach, Florida, and expanded its franchise business advisor network with the appointment of Reid Trego.

Masters’ Academy

This fall, Signarama introduced a new training program called the Masters’ Academy, an application-based program consisting of five on-location workshops led by long-standing Signarama owners and designed to give existing franchisees an opportunity to learn from their peers in an immersive, collaborative atmosphere. The workshops in the inaugural series incorporated educational sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and guided practices. They included:

• Sales Mastery – Hosted by Maggie Harlow, owner, Signarama Louisville (Downtown), Kentucky
• Profit Driven Sign Shop – Hosted by Roger Robinson, owner, Signarama Dallas (North), Texas
• Five Steps to Process Efficiency – Hosted by Ric and Karen Anderson, owners, Signarama Salt Lake City, Utah
• The Fabrication Experience – Hosted by Dawn Bent and Mike Ziccardi, owners, Signarama Huntington Station, New York
• Performance Culture – Hosted by Bob Chapa, owner, Signarama Troy/Metro Detroit, Michigan

“Given the overwhelming response and positive feedback from participating franchise owners, Signarama will host the Masters’ Academy workshops again in Fall 2024, with two additional programs tentatively planned for the Spring,” says Chuck Gerardi, vice president of operations for Signarama. “The Masters’ Academy was created in response to a desire expressed by franchisees for additional educational training beyond the initial new franchisee program conducted at our training facility.”

Training facility

In support of new franchisees, Signarama made a significant investment in the redesign of its franchisee training facility to accommodate new equipment and provide more hands-on training in an expanded simulation room. Wanting to mimic the look and feel of local stores, the redesign also features a refreshed lobby and fixtures, design workspace, sign displays, and expansive production capabilities.

“The facility is state-of-the-art and a fully functioning sign shop, so our new franchisees get real, hands-on experience that will teach them how to operate the equipment and set them up for success once they open,” states Gerardi. “To further support franchisee training and programming, Signarama expanded its franchise business advisor network with the appointment of Reid Trego, a valuable addition to the team.”

Reid Trego

A franchise industry veteran, Trego brings extensive franchising experience to Signarama following more than 15 years of franchise ownership with Huntington Learning Center and Expedia Cruises. In his role, Trego will primarily focus on new store development, leading new franchise owners through their initial training programs to ensure successful onboarding, as well as provide ongoing support as an advisor for Signarama stores in the Southeast.