Signarama Celebrates 40 Years with Record SARCON, New Innovations and Global Momentum

Milestone year showcases brand evolution, employee engagement and franchisee growth initiatives

Signarama®, the world's leading sign and graphics franchise, is celebrating its 40th anniversary following a strong and strategic 2025 marked by continued domestic and international growth. The milestone year was further energized by the brand's annual convention, SARCON, which drew a record number of franchise owners and employees from around the world.

Held in Orlando, Florida earlier this month, SARCON 2026 saw its highest attendance to date, driven in large part by increased participation from employees across the system, reflecting Signarama's growing emphasis on team development and operational excellence at every level. The event served as a powerful platform to celebrate achievements, share innovations, and align the system around a forward-looking vision. It also presented an opportunity to support UFG Cares, United Franchise Group's nonprofit that provides ongoing community assistance and emergency relief support. Through donations, Signarama raised a total of $26,000.

A highlight of this year's convention was the debut of Signarama's 40th anniversary documentary, showcasing the brand's evolution, entrepreneurial roots, and the people who have shaped its success over four decades. The event also spotlighted new AI-driven advancements designed to help franchisees enhance efficiency, improve customer experience, and unlock new revenue opportunities.

Additionally, at its annual awards dinner and gala, Signarama introduced the Ray Titus Legacy Award, which not only recognizes a long-standing franchisee, past or present, that's exemplified the brand's core values, but pays tribute to the impact Ray Titus, founder and CEO of Signarama and United Franchise Group, continues to have on the brand and its franchise owners. The evening also included a special recognition – the honorary induction of JJ Prendamano into the Signarama Hall of Fame. Prendamano was a foundational leader, mentor, and former General Manager at United Franchise Group, who dedicated more than 20 years to shaping the organization's culture and championing franchisee success. Award recipients also included:

• Ray Titus Legacy Award: Mike Ziccardi & Dawn Tiritter-Bent – Huntington Station, NY
• Rookie of the Year: Shane Hayes – Anderson, SC
• Team Players
  • Kevin McCord – Lawrenceburg, IN & Florence, KY
  • Maggie & Brian Harlow – Louisville (Downtown), KY
  • Craig & Paula Bowlin – Conroe (Woodlands North), TX
  • Glen Danielson – La Crosse, WI
  • Beth & Mike Powers – Novi & Flint, MI
• Most Improved
  • Jeff & Vicki Johnson – Spring Hill, FL
  • Ethan & Jane Polto – Willow Grove, PA
• Clay Coleman Community Impact Award: Kelly & Matt Mattingly – San Antonio NW & DT, TX
• JJ Prendamano Mentor of the Year Award
  • Spencer Coleman – Wasatch Bach, UT
  • Zern & Dani Vess – Springfield, MO
• Bill Schwalje Humanitarian of the Year Award: Casey Valiant – Evansville, IN
• President's Award: Matt Vaughn – Columbia West, SC
• Most Valuable Player: Bob Chapa – Troy, MI
• Hall of Fame
  • JJ Prendamano (Honorary Inductee)
  • Richard Le Sourne and Charlene Gunta – Montpellier, France
  • Don Klumbach – Sugarland, TX
  • Kathy Evert – Ankeny, IA
  • Caig & Jean Lemke – Glen Burnie, MD

"Celebrating 40 years is about more than longevity, it's about relevance, adaptability, and the strength of our franchise community around the world," said A.J. Titus, President of Signarama. "SARCON this year was a powerful reflection of that strength. From record attendance to the level of engagement and innovation we saw, it reinforced that our greatest asset is our people. As we look ahead, our focus remains on fueling business growth for franchisees and strengthening the connection across our global network."

Throughout 2025, Signarama continued to expand its global footprint, reinforcing its position as a truly international brand with a growing presence across key markets. With franchise locations spanning dozens of countries, the brand's international system remained a vital driver of overall growth, underscoring the scalability and resilience of the Signarama model across diverse markets and economies.

Signarama also continued to prioritize the success of its franchisees through ongoing investment in education, operational support, and systemwide collaboration – hallmarks that have defined the brand for 40 years.

In 2026, Signarama's strategy will further its commitment to a franchisee-first vision. The brand plans to roll out new business-building tools and resources throughout the year aimed at driving revenue opportunities, improving operational performance, and helping franchisees capitalize on both local and national demand. Signarama will also continue to invest in initiatives that foster connection, peer learning, and brand engagement, building on the momentum generated at SARCON and reinforcing a unified culture across its global system.

As Signarama marks 40 years of leadership in the sign and graphics industry, the brand remains committed to honoring its entrepreneurial roots while equipping franchisees with the support and innovation needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

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