Springfield, VA — For Marissa Eyon, communication isn’t just about words — it’s about visibility, connection, and impact. Now in her third year as CEO of FASTSIGNS of Springfield, Eyon leads with a people-first philosophy, offering businesses across Northern Virginia customized signage and branding solutions that help them thrive. She was a guest on the I AM CEO Podcast.
Her journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t traditional. With a career that began as an engineer and later as a director at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., Eyon combined technical expertise with an MBA from the University of Virginia. That blend of skills ignited her entrepreneurial spirit and led her to acquire FASTSIGNS in 2018.
“I just became so hungry to learn more. As long as a company was helping people and dynamic, that’s what I wanted,” Eyon shared on the I AM CEO Podcast, originally published on CBNation.com.
Building Community Through Visual Communication
At FASTSIGNS, Eyon and her team specialize in helping organizations communicate their message clearly — from simple yard signs and vehicle wraps to complex building signage requiring regulatory compliance. But what truly sets the business apart is its culture.
“We don’t treat people as transactions. It’s absolutely about community,” Eyon explained. “Our customers say we’re just so friendly and positive. We know how stressful it is to run a business, so we take some of that stress off by helping you keep growing.”
Lessons in Leadership
Eyon credits much of her leadership philosophy to habits and flexibility:
- CEO Hack: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg — reinforcing that success is built on small, consistent steps.
- CEO Nugget: Stay flexible — “The best plans rarely go as expected. Flexibility helps you ride the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.”
- CEO Defined: Responsibility — providing for the community and helping employees grow into their next chapter.
For Eyon, being a CEO is more than running a business. It’s about creating opportunities for her employees, watching them grow in their careers, and building long-lasting relationships with customers and the local community.
The Franchise Connection
FASTSIGNS is part of a well-established national franchise brand, giving local owners like Eyon a proven system to build on while still creating a personalized impact in their community. For aspiring entrepreneurs, her journey illustrates how franchising can bridge the gap between the desire to own a business and the need for support, structure, and brand recognition.
“Being a CEO is no joke — it’s tough, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” Eyon said. “If you want to try, do it. Jump in, use your support network, and make it happen.”
Connect with FASTSIGNS of Springfield
- Website: fastsigns.com/2251
- Instagram: @fastsignsofspringfieldva
- Facebook: FASTSIGNS of Springfield VA
- LinkedIn: FASTSIGNS Springfield
What’s Next?
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to run a business like Marissa’s, franchising might be the path for you. With over 500 franchise brands across dozens of industries, opportunities exist for entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.
👉 Curious about franchising opportunities? Take the free Entrepreneur Assessment at cbnation.co/assessment.
👉 Need Franchise Help? Chat with Blue Star Franchise at bluestarfranchise.com/contact.
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