Maria, Christina and Alex Papastamatis on one of their adventures.
New franchisee Alex Papastamatis is bringing custom apparel options to the Plantation-Davie community with Big Frog, focusing on quality, service and local impact.
Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More is bringing its personalized apparel services to Plantation, Florida. The new store, owned by Alex Papastamatis, is set to provide high-quality, custom-designed products while fostering strong community ties.
“I’ve been in corporate America for a long time, and I was ready to leap into business ownership. I had been wanting to go into business for myself for a while,” Papastamatis said. “As for the custom apparel industry, I worked in marketing roles for Norwegian Cruise Line and Comcast Advertising, where I frequently purchased promotional items and branded clothing. I was familiar with the purchasing side and understood the importance of branded apparel, especially in the B2B space.”
Papastamatis considered multiple franchise opportunities before selecting Big Frog. “I worked with a franchise consultant, filled out a questionnaire and received a list of franchises that aligned with my goals, skills and lifestyle wants. Big Frog was one of my top three choices,” he said. “A big factor was that it’s a fun product to sell. As I researched the company, listened to testimonials and participated in Big Frog’s informational calls, I appreciated the company’s culture. It still has a small, family-business feel.”
The franchise model and support system also stood out. “I spoke with four franchisees, and every one of them was more than happy to share their experiences. That level of openness was important to me,” Papastamatis said. “I also felt that the leadership, particularly CEO Tina Bacon-DeFrece, truly cares about franchisees’ success. During the Meet the Team Day, I got the impression that they’re focused not just on growing as a company but on ensuring each location is profitable.”
Plantation and Davie are familiar territory for Papastamatis. “We moved here from New Jersey in ’79. So I pretty much grew up in the Plantation-Davie area,” he said. “I went to Tropical Elementary School and then American Heritage High School, which is down the street from where I’m at right now in the area that I’m looking at.”
The location of the store is a key factor for success. “Awareness is key. I want people to know that we’re here. That’s why location is so important — I want to be in a high-traffic area, possibly near a Publix, OrangeTheory, or busy restaurant, where people are frequently visiting,” Papastamatis said. “From a marketing perspective, I’ll be leveraging social media, direct mail and outreach through the chamber of commerce.”
Community engagement will be a priority for the new Big Frog location. “I plan to get involved with local chambers of commerce as soon as I have a location finalized. There are so many nonprofit organizations and festivals in the area that I want to support,” Papastamatis said. “One of Big Frog’s great features is the ability to create an online store for schools and community groups that can also function as a fundraiser.”
The store will offer customers an in-person experience that differentiates it from online retailers. “One thing that sets us apart from online competitors is quality and service. Customers will be able to come in, see and feel the products and work with a graphic designer to create something they’re proud of,” Papastamatis said. “Having a local, hands-on experience makes a big difference.”
With preparations underway, Papastamatis looks forward to building a strong presence in the Plantation community. “I want to be a pillar of the community, a place where people can bring their ideas to life,” he said. “Whether it’s branding for a business, apparel for a local event or fundraising for a nonprofit, we’re here to help.”
ABOUT BIG FROG CUSTOM T-SHIRTS & MORE:
Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Dunedin, Florida, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts and More, Inc. is an international franchise system with over 75 independently owned and operated stores serving consumers and businesses across the U.S. and Canada. Big Frog specializes in direct-to-garment printing (DTG) and is a one-stop shop for all custom apparel decorating techniques, as well as branded promotional products. Big Frog offers free design help, no minimums, no art/setup fees, and fast turnaround. Find a store at BIGFROG.COM, U.S. franchise opportunities at BIGFROGFRANCHISE.COM, Canadian franchise opportunities at BIGFROG.CA, and Big Frog on YouTube.
