And now for a bit of personal commentary. Some owners may wonder if that last bit is true or if it is just a nice story the franchisor is telling to keep them from rebelling. Please allow me share my observations with you. I have seen this group do the exact same thing before, and I believe the company leaders are true to their word.

I have been tracking the small commercial printing franchise segment for more than 20 years. About 18 years ago, Allegra Network was formed when it bought the American Speedy, Insty-Prints, and Zippy Print franchise systems. Those franchise owners had the exact same questions that the sign franchise owners are asking today. I can tell you that, after 18 years, there are still plenty of American Speedy and Insty-Prints operations in the Allegra Network. To my knowledge, they receive the same services and level of support as the Allegra branded operations. I’ve talked with many of those owners over the years and no one has ever indicated that they had experienced any hint of favoritism or discrimination.

While I’m editorializing, let me share one more observation I brought away from the Allegra transition. The companies that were early adopters of the then-new Allegra Network identity tended to be quite successful. I tend to think this is because owners who readily embrace change probably tend to be more progressive thinkers who are more open to implementing new business practices. But if the same pattern holds true for the Image360 brand, I believe the oncoming storm will lead to many bright tomorrows.