Emily Staples moved to Arizona from St. Louis, MO, over 28 years ago. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Upon moving to Arizona, she worked for Intel Corporation and Marvell Semiconductor Inc. as a Product Engineer for a combined 19 years. She decided in 2017 to leave Corporate America and become a business owner and open FASTSIGNS of Gilbert, AZ at the beginning of 2018. In the 8 years since FASTSIGNS of Gilbert opened, its sales have grown by 350%. She attributes this growth not only to the 2022 expansion from 1300 sq. ft to over 2400 sq. ft but also to her involvement in the Gilbert Chamber and Gilbert Community.
As a business owner, one of the first and best things she did was join the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, she was awarded the Chamber Volunteer of the Year award for her dedication and service to the Gilbert Chamber. In 2020, she was asked to join the Gilbert Chamber Board of Directors and quickly moved into an Executive Committee role. This year, she accepted the position as the Gilbert Chamber Board and East Valley Chamber of Commerce Chairperson. While serving as the chair of each respective board, she is also a member of the Public Policy Committee, participates in Ribbon Cuttings, Women Empowered, Gilbert Leadership, and is a Bowling for Good Sponsor. She recently represented the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce on Arizona Midday on Channel 12 as a strong advocate and believer in the benefits of businesses joining the Gilbert Chamber.
Emily has been married to her husband, Major, for 23 years, and they have one daughter, Sydney, who is 19 years old and a senior in high school. In her spare time, she enjoys bowling, crafting, and relaxing. She also enjoys watching and attending sporting events such as basketball and football.
What made you decide to look into purchasing a franchise?
After almost 20 years in corporate America, I was ready for a second career. I did graphic design and printing on the side for my church and friends. I also knew someone who sold promotional products, and she got out of the business, and I took over.
When researching franchises, what criteria mattered to you most? How did your franchise meet that criteria?
I wanted to own something only open 5 days a week from 9-5 pm. I didn’t want to get into the food industry. I wanted something I was familiar with. Something with flexibility and at some point it runs itself. Plus, franchisor support was important.
Financing can be an obstacle and/or intimidating factor for aspiring entrepreneurs. How did you find financing options to purchase your franchise?
I had cash, and I borrowed funding from my 401K.
Which of your prior skills and experiences do you use in operating your business today?
Time management
Organizational management
Employee management
Technical skills
When doing your research, which questions did you ask the franchisees?
How much time is involved? Do they work in the business? Does FASTSIGNS corporate help you along the way? Would they do it again if given the opportunity?
Which questions did you ask the franchisor?
I asked them things like, When do most stores begin to make money? How much time does it take to get up and running?
What were your first 90 days like as a franchisee?
It was stressful as I was learning and trying to get business.
At what point did you feel like you “got the hang of it” and settled in as a business owner?
After the first year.
How does the franchisor support and encourage your success?
All the above plus the yearly conventions, board groups, and business consulting.
What are you most proud of and why?
Being an African-American female and a business owner for almost 10 years. Increasing sales and making money to put back into the business.
What advice would you give to potential franchise owners?
Hang in there. The first few years are tough. I had just opened and then had to maneuver through COVID. It took a while, but finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel.
The FASTSIGNS Franchise Opportunity:
FASTSIGNS is the leading sign and visual communications franchise in North America, operating over 775 independently owned locations across seven countries. Serving businesses across industries with offerings ranging from traditional signage to digital displays, promotional products, and printing services.
The franchise operates in the $29 billion sign and graphics industry. Franchisees benefit from one of the industry’s highest franchisee-to-corporate support ratios, with over 120 corporate employees serving the network.
Each year, FASTSIGNS uses the FBR franchisee satisfaction survey to gain unbiased insights into their franchisees, and they have ranked highly on our unbiased awards lists for many years, including:
- Top 200 Franchise 2026
- Top Business Services Franchises
- Most Profitable Franchises
- Top Franchises For Veterans
Interested in Becoming a FASTSIGNS Franchise Owner?
FASTSIGNS offers special incentives, including 50% off franchise fees for veterans and first responders, 24/7 online education through FASTSIGNS University, and comprehensive training and ongoing support focused on four objectives: franchise growth, franchise profitability, brand growth, and franchisee satisfaction.
To learn more about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity and get more information, call (888) 285-5935 or visit fsfastsigns.com.
