Testimonies

Lionel GUENNOU franchisee in Quimper (France) since March 2014:

• Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Lionel Guennou, I am 38 years old and I was born in Quimper.
With commercial and graphic design studies, I have some experience in the “Print” sectors in the broadest sense of the term. From international press to printing, I have a wide experience in this sector.

• When did you open your PANO Sign’Service agency?

I opened my Pano Sign’Service agency in March 2014 in Quimper, Brittany, in the Finistère region in order to strengthen the presence of the national network in Brittany.

• Why did you decide to move from employee to entrepreneur?

I spent 7 years in one of 4 PANO Sign’Service “pilot” agencies in Bordeaux as a manager. I have also provided professional training to almost 50 new franchisees in the Pano Sign’Service network in France and abroad.
I was therefore able to gain experience in managing a sales outlet and thus ensure the success of the Pano Sign’Service network.

• Why open a PANO Sign’Service agency rather than creating an independent company?

I think that nowadays, it is important to be part of a network because it reassures customers.
In addition, the Pano Sign’Service Major Accounts Department allows us to work with large national companies that would be inaccessible for local independent businesses.

• How did it the start-up of your agency go?

The start-up of the activity has been rather positive. Web referencing is important in order to generate contacts without doing any prospecting in the field.
My knowledge of national products and suppliers is a plus for me!

• Who are your customers?

I meet the signage and non-media visual communication needs of craftsmen, traders and companies.

• What do you consider the ideal profile of a PANO Sign’Service franchisee?

For me, the ideal profile is a practical person who has I.T. knowledge and experience.
They must also enjoy business relations because negotiation is important in our work if we are to create and build customer loyalty.

• What advice would you give to a future PANO Sign’Service franchisee?

In three words, I’d say: Responsiveness, Service & Quality

Damien TISON franchisee in Arras (France) since September 2009

• Can you introduce yourself (age, your background in a few words)?

I am 31 years old, a landscape designer by training, I worked for 6 years as a communications officer in a cosmetics company before being hired for 1 year by a sign maker.

I really liked the job in all its aspects, so I decided to set up in this field of activity, in my research I discovered the PANO Sign’Service network. 

• Why did you choose this brand and how did you hear about it ?

I found the concept very reassuring for a young business creator: a turnkey shop, predefined resale prices adapted to my location, internal training, a Major Accounts department, negotiated prices with my suppliers, launch advertising,…

• What support was given by the network head during the implementation of your project?

Research and validation of my premises, technical training, assistance with the installation of my shop, start-up stock, support from the bank.

• How did the start-up of your agency go?

Very well, the launch happened very quickly. In the second year I hired a fitter and in the third year I hired a part-time graphic designer and am currently in the process of making him full time.

• What does the network do for you on a daily basis?

Because it is a well-known name in the signage filed, I am called upon for installation services, and there are also the Major Accounts department and negotiated prices with suppliers.

• Who are your customers?

Most of them are retailers and artisans around Arras.

• What do you consider the ideal profile of a PANO Sign’Service franchisee ?

Being responsive, conscientious, clever, listening to their customers.

Brice BADIN franchisee in Clermont Ferrand (France) since May 2013

• Can you introduce yourself (age, your background in a few words)?

I am 24 years old. I studied management and I worked at Bouygues Telecom for 5 years.

• Why did you choose this brand and how did you find out about it?

I found out about it through specialised franchise websites. I was immediately attracted by the diversity of the products we could offer and the manual aspect. And of course the fact that I could benefit from the brand’s reputation at the start, I think that saved me an average of 2 to 3 years. And in terms of credibility, it also helps a lot. There are projects that I would not have obtained if there had not been a PANO Sign’service logo on my shop sign …

• What support was given by the network head during the implementation of your project?

Everything that was promised was done but after that you have to work to put together your customer portfolio.

• Did you have any experience in this area? If not, did the training you undertook meet all the expectations you had for starting your business?

No, I had no experience in this field except for the business part. The training allowed me to find out about all the aspects of the job.

• What does the network do for you on a daily basis ?

Many things. As I said before, credibility, a selection of suppliers with negotiated prices.

I am fortunate to have a mentor in the network who is there a lot for me; I can call him from 1 to 10 times a day and he always answers me, passing on his experience and solutions.

Many companies are familiar with the network and call on me just for installing the adhesive stickers because I am PANO Sign’Service franchisee. If I didn’t belong to the network I wouldn’t get these requests.

• Who are your customers?

Retailers, craftsmen … The customers are very diverse, that’s what makes this such enjoyable work. Every customer is unique as is their request.

•  What do you consider the ideal profile of a PANO Sign’Service franchisee ?

You don’t need to come from this business area. In my opinion you just have to believe in the network and in yourself. Above all, don’t think that just because you are a part of PANO Sign’Service that’s enough to put together a customer base. You must have an active commercial strategy.

• What advice would you give to a future PANO Sign’Service franchisee ?

Be well prepared, be motivated and have family and friends with you. The support of the network is an important help for the start-up.