Meet the Team
Meet the Team Behind Business Franchise Group
Grant Archibald | Founder & Managing Director
In 1998, my wife Sarah and I launched the pilot store for Speedy Signs, building the business from the ground up. Whilst 28 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.
James Archibald | Franchise Development Manager
I work across franchise sales & development, helping prospective franchisees explore business ownership opportunities within the Business Franchise Group network.
My role focuses on guiding prospects through the full franchise enquiry process, from initial conversations through to discovery, due diligence, resale opportunities, and new franchise development. This includes helping people understand the business model, the owner’s role, the support available, and whether the opportunity is the right fit for their skills, goals, and financial position.
My background is in sales, management, and business development. I aim to have honest, commercially grounded conversations with prospective franchisees so they can make informed decisions about business ownership. Having seen the network evolve over many years, and the success of franchise owners across the country, I have a strong belief in the model and a genuine commitment to supporting the people behind it.
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.
Aaron Hills | Operations Advisor
With 38 years in the signage industry, I bring extensive expertise across all areas of the business — from sign-making and sales through to project management.
Being involved since the very beginning and playing a pivotal role in the startup of our franchise network, along with the development of systems and training of our franchise locations. I’m passionate about helping business owners and their teams grow their businesses, improve their operations, and achieve long-term success.
Morgan Jamieson | Marketing Manager
After completing a Bachelor of Business in Marketing and Accounting at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), I joined the franchise support team. My role is dynamic, with no two days the same - one moment, I’m coordinating nationwide TV and radio campaigns, and the next, I’m creating EDMs, managing digital advertising, or delivering training sessions.
I'm passionate about supporting our franchisees to grow their businesses and increasing the visibility of the Speedy Signs brand across New Zealand.
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.
Sarah Archibald | Events 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 Fully Promoted (formerly EmbroidMe) in 2006.
My roles have been many and varied, including running the pilot store for Fully Promoted, liaising with suppliers, franchise development, training and supporting new owners etc.
My current role is organising our annual conference and other events as required.
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 own a Speedy Signs franchise?
Here’s what you’ll need:
Ready to join the Speedy Signs family? Let's talk!
Book a call with James Archibald, our Franchise Development Manager, to discuss current Speedy Signs opportunities and whether the business could be the right fit for your goals, skills and financial position.
Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch to answer your questions and talk through your options.
Your Success Story Starts Here!
With our award-winning framework, systems and support, Speedy Signs has been recognised on a national scale as a trusted franchise network. Take a look at our brands and see it for yourselves.