Meet the Team
Check out the key members of the franchise team.
Grant Archibald | CEO of Business Franchise Group
In 1998, my wife Sarah and I launched the pilot store for Speedy Signs, building the business from the ground up. Whilst the 25 years have passed quickly, I still remember the day we opened in Penrose, Auckland. Our eldest son was only a baby in our grand opening photo, and now he’s 6ft 2in and married!
I’ve experienced everything from franchise sales, marketing, financial education, business coaching and mentoring. My role focuses on strategic direction for the various brands and ensuring they are supported by our Operations Advisors. I’m also responsible for creating new marketing strategies for the brands and enhancing current marketing programmes to help owners reach their sales goals.
It is truly rewarding going on the journey with our owners from the initial excitement of owning their own business to seeing them flourish both personally and financially.
Sarah Archibald | Franchise Development Manager
It’s hard to think of a time before Speedy Signs, but prior to this great adventure, I lived and worked in Rotorua at the Sheraton and the Novotel Hotels in Sales, Conferencing and Public Relations. Grant and I, along with our 5 month old baby then moved to Auckland to start Speedy Signs in 1998, then EmbroidMe in 2006.
My roles have been many and varied, including running the pilot store for EmbroidMe, liaising with suppliers, training and supporting new owners, organising conference etc.
My primary role, however, is Franchise Development Manager, so I’m the first point of contact for prospective franchisees looking at joining the Speedy Signs brand, and responsible for the continued expansion of the network as well as facilitating ownership changes. I’m passionate about the brands we’ve built in New Zealand and in helping people make their dream of business ownership a reality.
Shane Marshall | Operations Advisor
In 2018, our family relocated from Wodonga, Australia to Whangarei.
I have a background in signwriting, and within my 20 years of experience, I also owned my own business for 7 years. When I’m not zipping around the country visiting stores, you’ll either find me out on the boat fishing or diving, or at home in Whangarei watching Aussie rules. Go Richmond!
It’s been great to be part of the growth story of Speedy Signs. The brand is very strong, and it’s an exciting time to be in the sign industry with all this new technology.
Peter Smythe | Operations Advisor
I owned and operated Speedy Signs Auckland CBD (along with my wife, Heather) for over 15 years until we sold the business in 2021. During this time, I was a mentor as well as serving on a number of franchise committees, which has given me a good understanding of the challenges of running a business in the B2B/branding industry as well as what it’s like to operate within a franchise model.
Whilst my journey owning and operating a franchised business has come to an end, I have come on board as an Operations Advisor for Business Franchise Group to help other Speedy Signs and EmbroidMe franchisees grow their business.
Morgan Jamieson | Marketing Manager
After graduating with a Bachelor of Business in marketing and accounting at Auckland University of Technology, I joined the franchise support team as Marketing Coordinator. I can certainly say I’ve had a fantastic time. No day is ever the same. There’s always something new happening, whether it’s coordinating TV & radio campaigns, posting on social media, internet advertising, e-marketing or support training, newsletters, bulletins etc.!
I love being able to help our franchisees grow their businesses and get the Speedy name out there.
Ard Zeneli | Digital Marketing Coordinator
I am a Bachelor of Commerce graduate from the University of Auckland having completed a double major in Marketing and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. My role is to provide assistance with implementing group marketing activities for Speedy Signs, including website updates and SEO, helping franchisees leverage their social media platforms and websites to create impactful marketing solutions that drive business growth.
In my spare time, I enjoy staying physically active, which involves playing basketball socially with friends and weightlifting at my local gym.
Eleanor D'Sylva | Office Manager
In the early nineties we left behind our busy lifestyles of London and Hong Kong in pursuit of greener pastures for our young family. With backgrounds in hotel management and catering we started and operated a fine dining restaurant for the next 10 years. I also have experience in recruitment and HR. I understand the complexities of owning your own business and the different aspects of operating it. I am the voice at the other end of the phone who listens and finds you a solution.
I’ve been with the group since 2013 and it’s great to be part of its huge growth. I look forward to the years ahead and feel privileged to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with all things Admin.
Matt McGregor | Consultant
In 2012, my wife (Shelley) and I purchased Speedy Signs East Tamaki and ran the business for 5 years. During this time, I sat on the Franchise Advisory Committee, grew our store to being part of the million-dollar club, and operated as the tour store for new and prospective franchisees. After we sold the business in 2017, I came on board as a consultant, and have been doing a variety of development projects for both Speedy Signs and EmbroidMe since then.
Mark Lovegrove | Business Coach
Having led small, medium and large businesses in various industries for over 20 years I launched my own consulting and coaching business in 2016. I love working with business owners and managers on setting their goals and aspirations, then acting as a sounding board, together developing strategic tasks that head towards those goals, and monitoring progress. Its been a pleasure working with a number of the Speedy Signs and EmbroidMe owners, and I look forward to assisting more owners to achieve their dreams.
Have you got what it takes to become a Speedy Signs owner-operator?
Here’s what you’ll need:
If a Speedy Signs business sounds like a good fit for you, book a call with us!
Interested? Book a call with Franchise Development Manager, Sarah Archibald.
Your Success Story Starts Here!
With our award winning framework, systems and support, our franchisees enjoy huge success which has been recognised on a national scale. Take a look at our brands and see it for yourselves.