CEO's Message
Proven Concept and Systems
Hello my name is Stuart Erskine, CEO of Magnetsigns. In 1996 I had a nice steady job as a salesperson with a large agricultural company in Western Canada. The company and staff treated me well, there was opportunity to advance my career and my compensation package was reasonable. Even though I really enjoyed the stability and the work, when I tried to match up my potential career path with my dreams, things just didn't fit.
I looked around at the other long-term employees, and could see my path to retirement. My wife and I would raise a family, own a home and a car, have an annual holiday and some retirement savings. I'm not saying this is bad, but my dreams involved a lot more.
I noticed many other people with big dreams owned their own business. After looking at a variety of businesses, I saw my first Magnetsign. My immediate thought was, "What an amazing idea. I wish I had thought of that." Finally, a fresh new product for the mature outdoor advertising and sign industry. I was impressed.
At the time, the Magnetsigns business already had about 30 franchises across Canada. I could see a Magnetsigns franchise was a great fit for our family. We could see the potential for a high-impact, cost-effective advertising business in our community. The franchise would allow us to start with limited capital and grow over time. We could work from home and operate the business around our full-time jobs and family, which would significantly reduce our financial risk. The concept seemed simple and we liked the idea of having a franchisor and fellow franchisees to help us with our first business venture. In 1997 my wife Mary and I bought a Magnetsigns franchise in Camrose, Alberta, Canada. The response to the Magnetsigns was amazing. We put up more than 50 Magnetsigns in four months. Many of these customers still rent Magnetsigns today. The franchise allowed us to meet many other people in our community. We were well respected for having such a novel and innovative business.
My passion for Magnetsigns and success in our own franchise, convinced me to become the franchisor. The part of the business I enjoy the most is hearing the many success stories about our customers and franchisees. I often hear stories such as a failing business owner who rented a sign for a closing down sale, had their best month ever, kept the sign, and now has a thriving business because customers now know where they are and what they offer. I hear about schools using our signs to reach their enrolment goal, events that where sold out, successful product launches by major companies and communities or charities' using signs for fundraising. Our customers' success stories becomes our franchise success stories.
Many small and most major businesses and organizations across Canada use Magnetsigns. This trend is now starting in the United States as our franchise network expands. Most of our sign rentals are generated by people seeing a Magnetsign and calling our franchisees to rent one, or by referrals from happy rental customers.
At Magnetsigns, we enjoy working with passionate entrepreneurs. Our role is to provide great products, proven business systems and a great head office and franchise team to support your goals and fulfill your dreams. Your role is to implement the Magnetsigns systems, provide real tangible value to your customers and support the Magnetsigns brand.
We appreciate your interest in Magnetsigns and invite you to explore this magnetsigns.com website and contact our Franchising Team to learn more.
Sincerely,
Stuart Erskine, CEO
Magnetsigns Group
Vision
To build the Magnetsigns network that is capable of placing a quality changeable message sign at any location in North America.