News & Press Room

FASTSIGNS® Management Bios

CATHERINE MONSON

Chief Executive Officer, CFE*

Catherine was named CEO of FASTSIGNS® in December 2008, bringing with her a strong background in franchising and digital printing. In addition to her previous role as President of PIP Printing, she worked within Sir Speedy and MultiCopy Europe, serving in operations, franchise development, sales, training and marketing communications. A graduate of Pepperdine University,with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Monson currently serves on the board of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and on the National Educational Foundation Board of Trustees for Pi Sigma Epsilon, the national sales and marketing fraternity for college and university students.

GARTH ALLISON

UK Managing Director

Garth joined FASTSIGNS International in March 2004 and prior to this ran a highly successful FASTSIGNS Centre in Sheffield for 9 years; the Sheffield centre continues to thrive under the leadership of his son Paul. Garth has over 30 years sales and sales management experience and has responsibility for expanding and supporting the FASTSIGNS network in the UK. He has also served as a board member of the CMF (Central Marketing Fund) and FAC (Franchise Advisory Committee) representing all franchise partners in the UK.

MIKE NITTOLO

Chief Financial Officer

With an extensive career in accounting and financial management, Nittolo utilises his accounting and financial management experience to serve the FASTSIGNS® network. Prior to joining FASTSIGNS International, Inc., Nittolo held top management roles at Roark Capital Group, Quick-to-Fix Foods, H&M Foods and Focus Brands, the franchisor of brands such as Carvel, Cinnabon, Schlotszkys, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Auntie Anne’s. As CFO of FASTSIGNS, Nittolo manages and provides direction for accounting, financial reporting, legal administration, and human resources and benefits. He also oversees the franchise system’s financial benchmarking and business intelligence initiatives.

DRUE TOWNSEND

Senior VP of Marketing

With an extensive business-to-business marketing and advertising background, Drue has held positions in both advertising agencies and corporations. She has over 25 years of experience as a marketing and advertising professional in the franchise, restaurant, hospitality, sign and telecommunications industries. As the Senior VP of Marketing, Drue is charged with developing strategy and directing the marketing initiatives for the FASTSIGNS® system, serving as a liaison to the franchisee advertising councils in various countries, and managing the corporate marketing team on a day-to-day basis. She holds a BBA in Marketing from Texas A&M University.

MARK JAMESON

Senior Vice President, Franchise Support & Development

An experienced franchise and retail executive, Mark leads the FASTSIGNS® Franchise Development team in all aspects, from "lead to lights on", which includes franchise sales, real estate and development services. His role continues once centres are open by overseeing training and operations support for the entire franchise system. Prior to joining FASTSIGNS, Mark served as the VP of Franchise Development for franchise-owned brands at CCA Global Partners, including ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings. His extensive franchise background includes experience in franchise relations and operations, training and company store operations, marketing and merchandising, sales and development, real estate, franchise law, technology and intellectual property.

GARY FELTHAM

Senior VP of Business Development and Vendor Relations

Gary joined FASTSIGNS in 2010 to take the National Accounts programme to new levels of success. He also oversees vendor programmes and relations, as well as the technical support team. With a strong background in business development within the sign and graphic markets, his extensive experience includes sales efforts for Gerber Scientific in the international market and Océ Display Graphics in the North American market. In between his careers with Océ and Gerber, Gary opened a successful independent sign shop in California, which he eventually sold to return to the corporate world.

* Designates an individual as a Certified Franchise Executive, which is awarded by the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives upon completion of programme requirements.