After 22 years of service in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant First Class (E-7), where he specialized in Armor Tactics, Infantry Leadership, and Tow Missile Integration, Darrin thought he had found his post-military calling in the construction industry. For 35 years, he built a steady career in construction but was inspired to switch careers after learning more about franchising.
Motivated toward entrepreneurship, Darrin was introduced to FASTSIGNS, a franchise that not only welcomed veterans like himself, but actively supported him with incentives like veteran discounts. For Darrin, it was a perfect fit. “The leadership skills you gain in the military stay with you for life,” he says, reflecting on how his years of service equipped him to lead a business.
In 2019, Darrin became the proud owner of a FASTSIGNS location in Richardson, Texas. FASTSIGNS was looking for hands-on owners like Darrin—individuals committed to rolling up their sleeves and being involved in the day-to-day operations. “Franchisors don’t want investment companies,” Darrin explains. “They want people who are going to run the company, who are going to be in it.” For Darrin, owning his own business wasn’t just a career change; it was a continuation of his lifelong commitment to leadership and service. His military experience had laid the foundation, and franchising gave him the tools to build a new chapter of success.
