United Franchise Group Executive Biography

Raymond W. Titus

Ray Titus, CEO of United Franchise Group and its affiliated companies is the son of franchise pioneer Roy Titus, founder of Minuteman Press International, Inc., who along with Ray, co-founded SIGNARAMA.

As the company’s President since 1995, Ray has led SIGNARAMA to phenomenal growth with more than 850 units in 50 countries and today serves as CEO. The SIGNARAMA Corporate Headquarters controls operations for nearly 200 employees in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia and offers support to the remaining countries around the world. The excellent global growth has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, as well as various franchise and trade organizations.

Ray has also established another successful franchise system called EmbroidMe. EmbroidMe is a full service embroidery, screen-printing, promotional products and personalized gifts franchise. It has excelled as one the fastest growing franchises (cited by Entrepreneur and Franchise Times) since 2000. Today, EmbroidMe has more than 450 stores in over 12 countries making us the largest embroidery franchise in the world. EmbroidMe has recently expanded their operations to include Australia, Northwest Europe, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Upon the success of EmbroidMe, Ray Titus took on another challenge with a new franchise called Billboard Connection. Billboard Connection is a home-based outdoor advertising franchise with more than 50 locations that specialize in selling outdoor advertising. Billboard Connection began franchising in late 2004 and already more than 50 franchisees in five countries.

The newest addition to the United Franchise Group family is FRANCHISEMART. The franchise recently opened its first location in West Palm Beach, FL. The unique concept matches those interested in owning their own business with the appropriate franchise opportunity based on their background, interest level and investment.

Because of his continued success, he feels it’s important to give back to both the franchising community and world community with knowledge and resources. Ray is affiliated with many organizations, however primarily involved with the following: Franchise Education Strategic Advisory Board at NOVA Southeastern University, the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches, President and Board of Directors of the Franchisor Association of Florida and International Franchise Association Chairman for CEO/President Forums, (South Florida).

He has spent countless hours and thousands of dollars supporting charities including those within the United Franchise Group Foundation: Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, Junior Achievement and Africa Bridge. In addition, Ray is proud to have a place on the Board of Governors at Northwood University and actively looks to get more involved.

Ray is an accomplished speaker and has delivered several keynote addresses for other franchises. Ray also has been published in a new book entitled, “Inside the Minds: Buying a Franchise,” where Ray and other industry insiders share their vast knowledge on what to look for in a viable franchise.

In 2007, Ray was awarded the President’s “E” Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce for export excellence having increased export revenue for the SIGNARAMA brand by 700% in just three years. Also, in 2007 Ray was named Ernst & Young’s Florida Entrepreneur of the Year and the 2007 Counselor International Person of the Year.

Family values are very important to Ray both at home with his wife of 17 years, Andrea, and his three boys: A.J., Austin and Andrew, and at work where he exemplifies the same loyalty and dedication. The core of his executive team has an average tenure of over 15 years with an overall average tenure of over 6 years.

We can all look forward to the continued success of the United Franchise Group as well as the many accomplishments yet to come.