Franchisee of the Month

Chuck Drileck and Steph Basile-Drileck

by Jill Abrahamsen

Stephanie Basile-Drileck and her husband Chuck did their due diligence before finally investing in a FASTSIGNS® business. The San Antonio couple looked at opportunities in every area of franchising—from food to fitness—and then weighed the pros and cons to each industry. Finally, they decided that drawing on their advertising and marketing backgrounds was the way to go.

“While we didn’t know anything about creating or installing signs, we did know how to help people market their businesses. Our advertising experience helps us help our customers. Collaborating comes naturally for both of us,” Chuck says. The couple ultimately chose FASTSIGNS above other brands because of franchisees’ comments about the company. “FASTSIGNS gave us a list of all their current store owners, not just the ones they wanted us to talk to,” Stephanie says. “Across the board, everyone we spoke to had great things to say.”

For Chuck and Stephanie, the process of looking and deciding took a couple of years. “This was a big investment for us and we wanted to make the right choice,” Chuck explains. “The FASTSIGNS brand is very strong and has a great reputation.”

Once the couple signed the agreement, the corporate team guided them through every step. “The support is amazing,” Stephanie says. “There are more than 120 people working in the corporate office to guarantee our success. That’s a great feeling.”

Besides wanting to invest in a solid business, another musthave for the Drilecks was a franchise that let them contribute to their community. “We get to do that with FASTSIGNS. We never turn down an opportunity to help people,” Stephanie says. They work regularly with the Petco Foundation and the Fisher House, providing signage for events and helping raise money. “It feels good to give back,” she adds.

The Drilecks love that they can customize the business to their market and to their strengths as business owners. “We can add on services as we wish, but don’t have to offer everything FASTSIGNS produces,” Chuck says. “We are able to scale the business at our own pace.” In fact, the Drilecks plan to open another location and will bring their daughter on board to help. The Drilecks are thrilled with their decision to go with FASTSIGNS. “We get great joy from what we’re doing now. I only wish we had done this 20 years ago,” Chuck says.

For more information, visit www.fastsigns.com or call 214-346-5679.

Chuck and Stephanie Drileck use their FASTSIGNS business to raise money for local charities such as the Petco Foundation and Veterans Affairs’ Fisher House.

The growing team is preparing to open a second location.

The Drilecks donate signage to community events.