Alliance Franchise Brands celebrates 50 years

Every big business starts as a single idea coming to life. This week, a franchisor with nearly 500 locations across the U.S. and Canada is pausing to recognize where they began the journey.

Alliance Franchise Brands, a leading franchisor of marketing, print, and visual communications companies, is celebrating 50 years of the brand that started it all for them, American Speedy Printing.

“Reaching 50 years is a significant milestone, especially in an industry that has evolved as much as ours has,” said Mike Marcantonio, CEO of Alliance Franchise Brands. “This anniversary reflects the dedication of our Franchise Members who have built this network one community at a time. As we look ahead, our focus is on continuing to support our Franchise Members with the tools, resources and innovation they need to grow and succeed. The next 50 years will be defined by how we evolve alongside them and continue delivering value to the businesses and communities they serve.”

American Speedy Printing first launched in Southfield, MI in 1976 and began franchising the next year. Throughout the 1980s, the brand grew from a regional name in the Midwest to a network of hundreds of independently owned and operated locations across the country.

Over the years, American Speedy Printing has proven to be ahead of the curve in key ways. They adapted smoothly to the transition toward digital printing and strategically acquired other print brands to strengthen their positioning and offerings as a franchisor. That was the genesis of Alliance Franchise Brands, which now includes a Marketing & Print Group of four brands, a Sign & Graphics Group of three brands, and a Sign Installation Group with a single brand.

American Speedy Printing is actually one of three franchise names in the Alliance portfolio celebrating landmark anniversaries this year. Allegra Marketing Print Mail turns 30 in 2026, while Signs By Tomorrow will mark 40 years in business later this year.