FEATURED FRANCHISEES The International Franchise Association is proud to celebrate our franchisee members. See below to learn more about some of our Featured Franchisees — why they got into franchising, their unique backgrounds and how they contribute to their local communities.
DAWN BENT
Dawn Bent, Signarama Franchisee, Huntington, NY
Thirty-seven years after opening a single storefront shop with a team of four, Signarama in Huntington has grown into a bustling operation employing 27 artisans, craftspeople and welders. The team there leverages modern technology to enhance traditional sign making techniques and create high-quality signage in a fraction of the time. Dawn
Bent opened that first shop in 1988 with her father, Nick Ziccardi, later expanding the leadership team to include her brother and partner, Mike Ziccardi. She’s the longest-term franchisee in Signarama, the largest company in the United Franchise Group portfolio of brands. The shop is recognized by the City and State of New York’s Women-Owned Business Enterprise program, one of many achievements that reflect Bent’s belief in giving back by giving a hand. “I am deeply committed to coaching and mentoring new designers and others coming into the trade, particularly women,” Bent said. “Now we see women out there on trucks, doing installations and project management at all stages. I endeavor to make the pathway for women in the sign industry to be imagined and attainable.” Bent’s shop has also created a Master Academy, a comprehensive weekend course for fellow Signarama franchisees that focuses on sign fabrication. She plans to continue positioning her shop as a mentor to rising sign professionals. “As we look ahead, I would like to introduce young designers and makers to the sign industry with increased offerings at trade programs and vocational schooling,” she said