Known for her motivational and accountability-led management style, Catherine Monson believes in consistent communication and a two-way relationship with franchisees. She has a strong background in management and business leadership that brings 30 years of franchising and management experience to her leadership role, which spans multiple brands.
As the CEO, Catherine leads Propelled Brands, a multi-unit franchisor that includes FASTSIGNS, NerdsToGo, MY SALON Suite, and Salon Plaza, with extreme passion.
Below are highlights of the interview:
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace.
My childhood wasn’t perfect. I grew up with an abusive alcoholic mom and had to deal with all that affected me. I came to understand in my early 20s that I had a decision to make: I could either be a victim or a victor. I could wallow in the “woe is me” victimhood of not having a fantastic childhood. Or I could decide to take personal responsibility for my life, my choices, and my happiness by choosing to be a victor. I chose to be a victor.
In my reading, studies, and with the mentoring I received, I came to understand that there are 5 characteristics of all highly successful people. The best news: these characteristics are all learned skills. Those five common characteristics are a positive mental attitude; goal-directed behavior; self-motivation; a sense of urgency; and never stopping learning. I decided to live by these characteristics, working to improve on at least one of them every day.
If I wake up on the wrong side of the bed, I know it’s up to me to get myself in the right frame of mind with a positive mindset. I do something every day to achieve my goals. I work hard to keep learning and to build upon my skill set.
Tell us the inception story of Propelled Brands.
I have been CEO of FASTSIGNS International since 2009. After taking the company through a second private equity transaction in 2019, with our new financial sponsors, we began to build a best-in-class, multi-brand franchisor platform company. In 2020, we announced the formation of Propelled Brands, which includes FASTSIGNS®;
NerdsToGo®, an emerging IT services franchise brand acquired in September 2020; and Suite Management Franchising, LLC, the parent company of MY SALON Suite® and Salon Plaza®, acquired in June 2021.
Our philosophy of franchise support is to improve franchise profitability, increase average unit sales, increase the value of the brand, successfully sell and open franchises, and increase franchisee satisfaction.
We are actively looking for additional quality B2B and franchise brands to add to the Propelled Brands family of brands.
What has been your biggest learning experience since becoming a CEO?
Providing inspiring, motivating leadership is key to a company’s success. Creating and maintaining a positive culture and hiring the best people is imperative. It is also important to give your team all the resources they need to excel.
I am a strong advocate for small business enterprises and franchising, which is why I spend so much of my time and energy serving on the Board of Directors for the International Franchise Association (IFA), the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. I am now serving as the Immediate Past Chair of the IFA after serving as the Chair of the IFA from February 2020 to 2022.
What is the best way to build a great team?
Building a great team starts with selecting great employees and giving them the training tools and resources they need to excel and grow, all within a great positive culture. Culture needs to be created, nurtured, and maintained by the leader of the organization.
Website: www.fastsigns.com
