The local FASTSIGNS franchise is part of a global network will more than 600 locations.

But the business has a long history before it became FASTSIGNS.

Husband and wife owners Dan and Naomi Stutzman bought the sign business in 1994.

They became the fourth owners of Al's Signs, an Erie business that began in 1940.

They kept the name for 13 years, then decided to become a FASTSIGNS franchise.

The former firehouse on West 12th Street is full of high tech equipment, allowing the company to make signs of all sizes, on all sorts of materials.

The company has 13 employees who do a wide variety of jobs. Company managers say they think the employees are really the key to the company's continued success.

General Manager Jacob Ritenour said, "Teamwork makes the dream work."

Now there there are other sign companies in the region.

But the key competition is from web-based sign makers.

But the local franchise owners feel they offer more to customers looking for top quality work.

Owner Naomi Stutzman said, "We have so much equipment and capabilities right here that you can't buy in a click of a button."

The company has grown a lot in recent years.

And owners expect that growth will continue.