Why Allegra?
Unleash Your Creative Potential with Allegra
Imagine being at the center of a dynamic, thriving brand where every day offers a new way to bring ideas to life. Owning an Allegra franchise is more than a business opportunity—it’s your chance to tap into a world of creativity and fun. From print marketing to digital solutions, Allegra empowers you to help businesses succeed while you enjoy the freedom and fulfillment of building something truly unique. If you’re ready to love what you do, this is the place.
A Franchise Model Built for Success
We know the best way to succeed is to start strong. That’s why our franchise model is designed to give you a head start by working with an existing business. Whether you evolve your current print shop or purchase an established one, you’re already a step ahead. Our unique approach means you’re not starting from scratch in a competitive industry but building on a solid foundation.
We help entrepreneurs enter the industry by acquiring and converting a business into existing print or marketing an Allegra Center.
Already own a print shop? Convert to an Allegra franchise and leverage the power of our brand to take your printing franchise to the next level.
Work with our full-time Mergers and Acquisitions team to the next generation of entrepreneurs as buyers for your print or marketing business.
A Trusted Brand with Decades of Experience
Allegra offers you the chance to join a family of business owners who benefit from one of the most respected names in the industry. The Allegra franchise network gives you instant credibility—your customers will trust and know you from day one. Our proven marketing and print franchise business model and extensive support give you the tools you need to grow, and our established partnerships with leading suppliers mean you’ll always have access to the best resources.
History of Allegra
It all started back in 1977 when we launched American Speedy Printing Centers, laying the groundwork for what would become a major player in the print industry. Over time, we grew, acquiring other well-known print brands across the U.S. and Canada. Together, under the Alliance Franchise Brand name, we started building something bigger—a network that brought together leaders in print, marketing, and signage.
As the world of business evolved, so did we. To better serve the evolving needs of consumers, Alliance Franchise Brands introduced Allegra Marketing Print Mail, a name that highlights our expertise in marketing, graphic design, web development, and, of course, printing. Along with the new name came a fresh perspective: “Think Beyond Ink” - it’s our way of saying we're here to help with the bigger picture.
Today, the network continues to grow as the Allegra Marketing Print Mail franchise concept extends from coast to coast. Many Insty-Prints, American Speedy Printing, and Kwik Kopy Printing (KKP) franchises broaden the scope of their services by converting to Allegra. Together, we help businesses thrive with creative solutions that go beyond the basics.
Franchise Leadership
Meet the Allegra Franchise team! Our group is made up of talented professionals with decades of experience in the printing industry. Get to know our leadership team and learn how they’re here to support your success.
Mike Marcantonio
Chief Executive Officer
CEO since 2011, Mike Marcantonio became an investor in the company in 2000 with others on the management team. In 2006, he expanded his role by becoming Chief Strategy Officer. His entrepreneurial spirit and success-driven attitude has been instrumental in planning the future of the company and positioning it as a driving force in the visual communications industry today. He has spearheaded growth strategies through acquisitions and corporate restructuring, paving the way for growth. Marcantonio’s franchising experience began at Domino’s Pizza, Inc. in Ann Arbor, MI where he served as Vice President of Tax.
Ramon Palmer, Jr.
Chief Operating Officer
Ray Palmer was named COO in 2023 to provide executive oversight for all Alliance Franchise Brands across the sign, print, installation, and direct mail industries. As President, CEO and Co-founder of Palmer Vohrer Enterprises, Palmer was a multi-unit Signs By Tomorrow franchise owner for more than 10 years. He served as a member and chairperson of Signs By Tomorrow’s Franchise Advisory Council on which he played a key role in developing a national website for the brand and establishing an advertising fund for franchise members. Palmer holds both an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in business from Johns Hopkins University.
Mike Cline
Chief Development Officer
With over 20 years of franchise experience in the print and sign industry, Mike Cline is a wealth of knowledge with unmatched dedication and passion. As Alliance Franchise Brands Chief Development Officer, Mike serves as a key member of the Leadership Team and is an active participant in directing strategic decisions toward the company’s overall vision and growth. He is responsible for overseeing the Franchise Development Team, promoting system growth via new Center placement and acquisition, maintaining third-party broker relationships and assisting Franchise Members with exit strategy. Having supported dozens of entrepreneurs in gaining ownership success, Mike has a deep understanding and breadth of knowledge within all facets of the industry, and truly understands the joy of creating profitable and fruitful businesses.
Jim Jehl
Mergers & Acquisitions Director
Jim Jehl began his journey with Alliance Franchise Brands as a Franchise Member in suburban Detroit, MI. He later transitioned to various roles within the Home Office team, including Regional Support Manager, VP of Operations-AFB Master Franchise where he was instrumental in developing what is now the Midwest Region, and Regional Director. Jehl also served as a Franchise Business Consultant, working hand in hand with franchisees to help them grow their businesses, maximize their profits and achieve their goals. With over 35 years of experience in the franchise industry, Jehl now serves as the Mergers & Acquisitions Director for Alliance Franchise Brands. In this role, he works closely with Franchise Members to grow their business through acquisitions and helps business owners of independent print and sign businesses looking to sell. Jehl leverages his experience to help candidates find the best path forward, whether it’s through acquisition-related growth, resale, or exit strategy planning.
Lisa Buehler
President Marketing and Visual Communications Brands
Lisa Buehler was named President Marketing and Visual Communications Brands in 2023. She is the former Vice President – Sales & Marketing as well as an owner of two franchise brands in Little Rock, Arkansas – Allegra Marketing Print Mail and Image360. The Centers have received numerous local and national awards for their achievements. She served as a member and chairperson of Allegra Marketing Print Mail’s Network Advisory Council and served as a member of Image360’s Franchise Advisory Board. Prior to these roles, Buehler worked in the hospitality industry, opening and managing restaurants for Hardee’s Food Systems and then Applebee’s. With over 30 years of experience in the print and graphics industry, Buehler brings a passion and understanding for building great client experiences.
Burke Cueny
Executive Vice President Marketing
Burke Cueny was named Executive Vice President Marketing in 2023. Cueny joined Alliance Franchise Brands in 2015 and oversees the Marketing support team, focusing on lead generation for Franchise Members and brand development. Prior to joining the company, Cueny founded and ran a marketing firm for over a decade that concentrated on building brands and growing sales for franchise companies and other multi-location businesses. His background also includes marketing leadership roles with Domino’s Pizza, Rite Aid and The Stroh Brewery Company. Cueny has an Advertising undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from Central Michigan University.
Jessica Eng
Executive Vice President Business Development
Jessica Eng is a passionate marketing, communications, and business professional who loves helping small businesses drive results – and leading and mentoring others. She has over 20 years of franchise marketing and sales experience and helps develop the company’s strategic vision and direction as a key member of the management team. As the Executive Vice President of Business Development, she leads the business development and sales support team, as well as Franchise Member communications. She understands the need to align sales and marketing with a strong focus on the customer experience, while increasing sales through strategic product diversification. Eng has her MBA in Marketing Management and loves sharing her enthusiasm for franchising, marketing, and solutions-based sales through educational speaking engagements at local and national events.
Mike Dye
Vice President Member Resources & Supplier Relations
Mike Dye manages a team that promotes the growth and profitability of Franchise Members within the Marketing & Print Division. He joined the company in 1985 and has attained positions in business education, financial management, coaching and consultation, and workflow and project management during his tenure. Dye began his Alliance Franchise Brands career as a printing instructor, later becoming Director of Training before transitioning to Regional Operations Manager. In 2016, his role expanded to Senior Regional Operations Director, assuming leadership of the Regional Support Team, finally becoming VP of Franchise Member Support and taking on supplier relations.
Stephen Hoyle
Vice President Training
As Vice President of Training, Steve Hoyle oversees new Franchise Member training programs for all the Sign & Graphics and Marketing & Print brands. Formerly, in the Sign & Graphics Division, Hoyle was the VP of Franchise Operations, Senior Director of Franchise Services and the Director of Training since 1995. Prior to that, Hoyle ran three separate company Centers beginning in 1989 when he graduated with a degree in Advertising & Design from the University of Maryland.
John Castillo
Vice President Print & Sign Operations
John Castillo began his career in the sign industry in 1994 with a sign franchise company as a corporate trainer, business consultant and owner of two Centers in Florida. He joined Signs Now in 2000 as the Regional Director for the Southwest Region. In 2014, Castillo was named Senior Regional Director overseeing the field support for the company’s Sign & Graphics Division. He was promoted to vice president in 2019 and with the merging of Alliance Franchise Brands’ two divisions in 2020, his responsibilities now span the entire network to include support of Marketing & Print Franchise Members.
Chris Miller
Senior RightStart Manager
Chris Miller is a dedicated member of the Alliance Franchise Brands team, bringing years of experience in the industry to his role as Senior RightStart Manager. Miller’s journey with the company began at the Signs By Tomorrow Owings Mills Center, where he spent four years before joining the Home Office in 2014 as a Field Support Representative. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the RightStart Manager in 2017 and then moving into his current role as SR. RightStart Manager. In this position, Miller oversees the RightStart program, which is responsible for onboarding new Franchise Members from Opening Training to Center opening and beyond for three years. His expertise and passion for the industry make him an invaluable asset to the Alliance Franchise Brands team.
Comprehensive Support to Help You Succeed
At Allegra, we believe that your success is our success. That’s why we offer unmatched brand support, from initial training to ongoing guidance in marketing, operations, and more. You’ll have access to a network of fellow owners who are just as passionate about this brand as you are. Our franchise support team is with you every step of the way, offering expertise and creative solutions to help you meet your goals.
- Training & Development: We set you up for success with world-class training and continuous development opportunities.
- Marketing Support: Stand out in your market with campaigns and strategies crafted by our marketing experts.
- Operational Guidance: Day-to-day operations run smoothly with our comprehensive resources and tools.
- Community of Franchisees: Tap into a vibrant community of peers who share your vision and creativity.
Innovation
Meets Community
What sets Allegra apart is our innovative approach combined with a real sense of community. Whether you’re working with local businesses to create impactful campaigns or connecting with other franchisees to share ideas, you’ll feel part of something bigger.
Ready to make your mark?
If you’ve been dreaming about owning a business that gives you freedom, creativity, and a solid foundation for success, Allegra is your next big move. With our experience, support, and passion for innovation, you’ll have everything you need to thrive.
Join the Allegra family and start your journey today.
