Coast Guard Veteran Charts New Course with Signage Franchise
Specialized Focus, Scalability and Franchisor Support Made True Install Sign & Graphics the Ideal Business Opportunity for Vet
A day spent digging holes might not be for everyone, but it was life-changing for Stephen Veda (pictured above). Retired from active service with the U.S. Coast Guard after a 20-year career, Veda had been considering starting his own business. He had earned advanced degrees in business management and information technology, and had a project management professional (PMP) certification. Veda was ready to move forward. He just needed the right business. That’s when a friend who owns a True Install Sign & Graphics franchise asked him to lend a hand with a job.
“While working with him, he explained the business model for the signage franchise, which is to augment the print and sign shops’ services with their installations,” Veda says. “The rest is history. I signed the franchise documents in December of 2024 and I have not looked back.” In January 2024, Veda opened his True Install franchise in Warren, Mich., which serves the Detroit area.
True Install Sign & Graphics only does installations, a key differentiator in the booming sign industry, which has a market size projected to increase by 4.3% to $57.6 billion by 2035. Because of True Install’s niche focus, the brand doesn’t compete with companies that produce signs and graphics, but rather complements their services by providing installations or extra help for their in-house installers, as well as specialized skill sets their in-house teams might lack. Partnering with companies that manufacture signage provides opportunities for recurring business and revenue for franchisees, too.
Parent company Alliance Franchise Brands, which has more than 45 years of experience in print, sign and graphics communications services industries across North America, established True Install to meet the demand for professional installation services, particularly as signage and graphics applications have become increasingly complex and require a host of specialized installation skill sets. True Install professionals are certified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and trained and experienced in installing all types of visuals including vinyl-based, exterior and interior applications, and more.
True Install’s Appeal
Veda says he appreciates the ongoing training and support for franchise owners, enabling them to maintain expertise in a variety of installation techniques and provide a greater degree of professionalism. True Install’s initial three-week training provides instruction on graphics and mechanical installation techniques, business operations and safety, as well as sales and marketing strategies. In-market training is conducted during the business launch phase, with continuous support and training also provided for all facets of the True Install model through the duration of franchise ownership.
“Alliance Franchise Brands has a staff of individuals with 45-plus years of experience. Even if there is something that I may not know how to install, I know I have the capability to fall back and lean on the Alliance Brand for that information,” says Veda, who is currently focused on expanding his operations. “Having that network of people behind you is key because it allows you to avoid some of those potholes and to expand and develop your area of business.”
Veda says the variety of work the signage franchise offers keeps things interesting. “There are many avenues within this business as far as projects are concerned. One day you could be wrapping a car, another day you could be doing pin mounts in acrylic, another day you could be putting up vinyl on drywall, and working on monument signs three days later.”
An additional and very important benefit, Veda says, is the work-life balance the signage franchise offers. “As an owner, you can schedule the jobs around your needs. It has been positive experience overall, as I am able to spend more time with my family.”
Advantages for Veterans
Veda (above with family), who specialized in emergency management search and rescue primarily within the Coast Guard’s Great Lakes District, says veterans are well-suited for franchise ownership, and particularly with True Install. “As a True Install owner, you will often need to solve problems, work with your hands, manage teams, and project-manage sign installations,” he says, citing skills and experiences similar to those required in the military.
Alliance Franchise Brands actively seeks military veterans as franchise partners, offering a 50% discount on the initial franchise fee for veterans and first responders.
About Alliance Franchise Brands
Alliance Franchise Brands has more than 45 years of experience in print, sign and graphics communications services industries across North America. Alliance Franchise Brands include Allegra Marketing Print Mail, Image360, RSVP Direct Mail Advertising, True Install, Signs by Tomorrow, Signs Now, KKP, Insty-Prints and American Speedy Printing.