Fastsigns International CEO and leadership

Catherine Monson was named CEO and President of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. in 2008. She brought a strong background in management and business leadership, as well more than 25 years of franchising and digital printing experience.

Known for her motivational and accountability-led management style, Catherine believes in consistent communication and a two-way relationship with franchisees. It is with great passion that she leads the more than 660 franchised FASTSIGNS® worldwide, as well as to the 100+ employees that comprise the FASTSIGNS International corporate team.

Since joining FASTSIGNS, Catherine has been on a mission to advance the brand from that of just a sign and banner provider to a visual ideas and comprehensive solutions provider for all kinds of businesses and brands. Many got to see her commitment to FASTSIGNS when she appeared on the two-time Emmy Award-nominated reality series, “Undercover Boss”, in May of 2012. The show follows high-level corporate executives as they slip anonymously into the rank-and-file of their own company to examine the inner workings of their organization.

A strong advocate for small business enterprise and franchising, Catherine also spends much of her time and energy serving on the Board of Directors for the International Franchise Association (IFA), the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchises worldwide. Through her service with the IFA, Catherine works to help further the IFA’s mission of protecting and promoting franchising through government relations, public relations and educational programs.

Franchise and retail executive with broad experience in all aspects of franchising including: management, marketing, merchandising, sales & development, real estate, supply chain, operations, franchise law, technology, and intellectual property.

I enjoy leading technology-enabled middle market growth stage companies. While I have spent most of my career managing finance for NASDAQ-listed public companies, I enjoy the operational focus and environment that exists within private equity backed and venture-backed technology and services companies. My most recent experience includes B2B visual communications market leader FASTSIGNS, healthcare payer services for FAIRPAY Solutions and healthcare benefits administration for Healthaxis, and my other technology-related background includes enterprise and off-the-shelf software, storage area network switches, and semiconductors.

My key skills and achievements include financial planning and analysis, financial reporting, selecting and working with investment bankers, sell side due diligence, acquisitions, mergers, software revenue recognition, process improvement, credit facilities, divestitures, and international accounting.

As I reflect on the many connections that have helped me to achieve my goals, I look for ways to connect others for their mutual benefit. Similarly, I enjoyed and benefited from the opportunity to represent the Private Equity Growth Capital Council in Washington DC in discussions with staffers from our Congressional representatives from Texas.

ron_herbert@yahoo.com

972.567.2731

Jennifer Herskind is a Chief Marketing Officer at Fastsigns International. She has worked as Chief Marketing Officer at SMOOTHIE KING FRANCHISES INC. Jennifer works or has worked at Pizza Hut.

EBITDA driven executive with 20 years progressive experience in retail, digital presence, SaaS, and franchising.

Catherine Monson was named CEO and President of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. in 2008. She brought a strong background in management and business leadership, as well more than 25 years of franchising and digital printing experience.

Known for her motivational and accountability-led management style, Catherine believes in consistent communication and a two-way relationship with franchisees. It is with great passion that she leads the more than 660 franchised FASTSIGNS® worldwide, as well as to the 100+ employees that comprise the FASTSIGNS International corporate team.

Since joining FASTSIGNS, Catherine has been on a mission to advance the brand from that of just a sign and banner provider to a visual ideas and comprehensive solutions provider for all kinds of businesses and brands. Many got to see her commitment to FASTSIGNS when she appeared on the two-time Emmy Award-nominated reality series, “Undercover Boss”, in May of 2012. The show follows high-level corporate executives as they slip anonymously into the rank-and-file of their own company to examine the inner workings of their organization.

A strong advocate for small business enterprise and franchising, Catherine also spends much of her time and energy serving on the Board of Directors for the International Franchise Association (IFA), the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchises worldwide. Through her service with the IFA, Catherine works to help further the IFA’s mission of protecting and promoting franchising through government relations, public relations and educational programs.

Franchise and retail executive with broad experience in all aspects of franchising including: management, marketing, merchandising, sales & development, real estate, supply chain, operations, franchise law, technology, and intellectual property.

EBITDA driven executive with 20 years progressive experience in retail, digital presence, SaaS, and franchising.