Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Most people go to Hollywood to find fame and fortune in theentertainment world. For commercial actor Mark Rollings, 38,starring in a big-budget action film with Arnold or Sly wasn'texactly his idea of a successful career in the city of glamour andglitz. Instead, Rollings' story of franchise success inTinseltown is a model for anyone who wants to cash in onHollywood.
The former radio station owner from St. Louis opened a Fastsignsfranchise in Studio City, California, with one dream: to providesigns to the stars. He advertised in industry publications anddirectories, then networked like a Hollywood pro. One of the firstjobs he landed was making several signs for NBC's Caroline inthe City. Another big break came via a job he did for a televisedconcert featuring KISS, The Who, Leann Rimes and the DixieChicks-when the Internet company sponsor needed two 400-square-footbanners in a week's time, he delivered.
Today, Rollings works with every studio in Hollywood. Whatadvice does he have for other franchisees with Hollyood fever?"This has to be the toughest category I've workedin," says Rollings, "but once you're in and you dealwith art directors and producers who like you and your work,you'll get repeat business."
Contact Source
- Fastsigns, franchise@att.net, www.fastsigns.com.
