FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today it will be the title sponsor of a new pilot show called "Ice Cowboys," featuring the latest extreme sport -- skijoring. Intrigued by the fast-paced sport, which entails a skier maneuvering through snow obstacles and being pulled by a horse and rider, FASTSIGNS signed on to sponsor the new pilot, which will air on Altitude TV beginning Sep. 4 (4:30 p.m. MDT) with multiple showings throughout the month and through December.
"When we were presented the opportunity to sponsor this pilot, featuring an exciting new sport in the U.S., we thought it was a perfect fit for our company," said Mark Jameson, EVP of Franchise Support and Development, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. "Our goal is to recruit bold new franchisees, who want to own and operate their own business, but also still enjoy their weekends, hobbies and other life passions.  That's what FASTSIGNS is all about."
The opportunity to sponsor Ice Cowboys was presented to FASTSIGNS by one of its own franchisees, Laurie Sigillito, the Durango, Colorado FASTSIGNS owner since 2008.  She also owns FASTFORWARD Media, a video production company, and Durango TV, and wanted to produce a popular show with broad appeal and thought Ice Cowboys was the perfect project.
"Ice Cowboys is a project I really wanted to produce with the hope that it would garner a lot of attention and interest, as well as be picked up nationally by one of the sports networks, following its airing this fall on Altitude TV," said Sigillito.  "We are thrilled that FASTSIGNS is our title sponsor. This is a great opportunity for the brand to extend its reach to the viewers in Altitude's 10-state region with the message that you can be a franchise owner and still have time to enjoy sports and more in your off-time."
Sigillito is a prime example of a franchisee who has found success in franchising while pursuing a variety of interests.  She spent nearly 25 years in the software industry before deciding she wanted to own her own business.  She picked FASTSIGNS because they utilize technology through their many digital offerings and they provide her the flexibility to pursue other interests as well.  She's very involved in the community, serving on the Small Business Develop Center's board and on the Region 9 Economic Development District board as treasurer, as well as being a member of the local chamber and Building Homes for Heroes, an organization she and her husband support in a multitude of ways.
The Ice Cowboys pilot will air for the first time at 4:30 p.m. (MDT), Sep. 4 on Altitude TV.  Subsequent airings include:  Sep. 5 at 4 p.m.; Sep. 6 at 3 p.m.; Sep. 10 at 5:30 p.m.; Sep. 12 at 10 p.m.; Sep. 13 at 3 p.m., Sep. 19 at 1:30 a.m.; Sep. 22 at 9 p.m.; Sep. 23 at 11 a.m.; Sep. 24 at 6:30 a.m.; Sep. 26 at 10 p.m. and Sep. 27 at 7 p.m.  The show may also air throughout October and November, as well as potentially December.  Altitude TV is available in a 10-state region that includes all or parts of Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, South Dakota, Wyoming and Utah.
FASTSIGNS International is recruiting franchisees throughout the U.S. with open territories available throughout the West and Midwest, as well as other regions of the country.  In addition to more than 400 U.S. and Canadian markets targeted for development, FASTSIGNS has 65+ international locations in nine countries open for continued expansion.  As part of the brand's development strategy, FASTSIGNS is also targeting co-brand and conversion opportunities whereby print shop owners can expand their services by adding FASTSIGNS to their existing business or convert their business into a thriving FASTSIGNS center.