Interview with Multigenerational Sport Clips Franchisees

Al and AJ Rodriguez, a father-son duo of multigenerational franchise owners with a combined total of 35 locations in Pennsylvania and Ohio, are a living testament to the Sport Clips proven business model. Sport Clips is proud to provide a system that allows franchise owners of any background to find a thriving path in business ownership. Keep reading to learn more about Al and AJ’s journey, and why Sport Clips could be the franchise opportunity for you.

What made you choose Sport Clips?

Al: I selected Sport Clips because the business model fit what I was looking for: work ‘on’ the business, not ‘in’ the business. I don’t cut hair, nor do I grow it very well. I needed to continue working my ‘day job’ for a couple more years. Also, I felt that Sport Clips filled a need, as full-service salons weren’t desirable for men and boys, and barber shops were disappearing.

Sport Clips’ values resonated with me as well—‘do what’s right, do your best, and treat others the way they want to be treated.’ I lived these values at my ‘day job’ but some people there didn’t share these values. I also liked the fact that Sport Clips is focused on delivering an ‘experience’ for our clients, and not a low-price provider. It’s also a recurring business, in that if you do a good job, clients will continue to return. There is little inventory, and it’s internet and recession proof.

Why did you decide to join your family in the franchise business?

AJ: Our values as a company and the opportunity it provided to work hard and be rewarded for that hard work. Nothing is given in our company, and everything is earned. Timing also played a large role, as my father was looking to retire from his day job at the same time I was graduating from college.

How has being a family of business owners impacted your career path?

Al: I started working at 12 years old and had a successful career in sales and management. When I decided to become a franchisee and open Sport Clips stores, my prior experiences helped me to get off to a good start. At first, it was difficult managing a ‘day job,’ starting a franchise business, and being there for my family, raising two kids. Being a Sport Clips Team Leader has allowed me the opportunity to bring my family into the business. With my son being in the business and running the day-to-day, I now have the gift of time and spend it where I want. I love the business and still work a lot, but I’m also able to enjoy traveling and volunteering.

AJ: I was ambitious in my own entrepreneurial endeavors and grew to appreciate all that my parents had accomplished in business. I really admired them and chose to join the business after having run my own. They were and continue to be an inspiration to what I hope to become.

What impact has franchising had on your life?

AJ: Franchising has changed dramatically in the 20 years we’ve been engaged with it. In the early 2000s, it was one of the outliers. Now, it is one of the biggest industries supplying a large portion of domestic jobs. Franchising allows us to follow a proven playbook that allows for growth and jobs in our regions we choose to serve. Our lifestyle is largely based on the impact we can make in the communities we do business. I’m proud that we’ve built a business that gives us freedom of time and a stable financial environment.

What do you enjoy most about being multigenerational franchise owners?

Al: I get tremendous satisfaction watching my son learn and grow. I’m truly blessed to get to work with him every day. We’ve been working together for over 10 years, and we’ve had our challenges, but I wouldn’t change a thing. A significant component to our success as multi-unit franchise owners is the culture that we have built as local franchisees. We share our values by demonstrating them every day. Legacy is real, and knowing that my son is involved in the business and shares the same values gives me hope that my legacy will continue.

AJ: Leaving a legacy is important to both my father and myself, and we have aspirations to build something bigger than both of us. Lots of people depend on us now, and we want to build something that’s self-sufficient and dependable.

What are you most proud of in your experience with Sport Clips?

AJ: As a company, we’ve added two new brands and over 30 locations in the last eight years. It has been very rewarding watching roles develop and people do more than they ever thought they could. We’ve grown from around 60 to over 350 employees. It has been really fun watching the growth of the companies over the period of time we’ve been doing this.

Personally, I’ve been able to develop my knowledge, skills, and connections tenfold since joining the business. Being a part of a franchise system allows you to network with like-minded peers dealing with similar issues and aspirations. Many of them will be lifelong friends.

What makes you most excited about your future with Sport Clips?

AJ: This brand is a perennial Top 50 franchise system, and there’s a lot of exciting things to look forward to. Sport Clips just had its 30 year anniversary, and I think the future looks bright. We’re on our way to 50+ Sport Clips locations and want to continue the growth alongside our Franchisor.

Join the Sport Clips Franchise Family Today

If you too aspire to create a legacy that you can pass to future generations, now is a great time to invest in a Sport Clips franchise. We invite you to explore our research pages here for more information about the benefits of franchising with us. When you’re ready to start a conversation with our franchise team about your business aspirations, fill out our inquiry form here and we’ll get in touch with you soon. We look forward to learning more about you!

Excellence Convenes at the Sport Clips Franchisee Huddle

In the world of franchising, few events capture the essence of a brand’s culture and mission, like the Sport Clips Franchisee Huddle. This annual gathering, often referred to as our “national convention,” serves as a vibrant hub of education, motivation, and celebration. Over 3,000 attendees, including franchise owners, store managers, vendors, stylists, and support team members, gathered in the heart of Ft. Worth, Texas, to partake in this awesome event.

The Sport Clips Franchisee Huddle is much more than just another industry conference. It’s a vibrant celebration of our brand’s culture and a powerful catalyst for growth. The primary goals of the Huddle are to educate, motivate, and celebrate the entire Sport Clips franchise system.

The Purpose and Goals of the Sport Clips Franchisee Huddle

Education takes center stage at the Franchisee Huddle. Franchisees and their store managers receive valuable training and insights that empower them to enhance their business operations. From classroom sessions to in-person training, the Huddle covers a wide range of topics crucial for longevity, including marketing strategies, customer service excellence, and industry trends. The event provides attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to excel in their roles and drive the performance of their stores.

Motivation is another key component of the Huddle. Inspirational speakers take the stage to ignite the passion and determination of franchisees and their teams. High-energy stage haircutting competitions showcase the incredible talent within the Sport Clips network, inspiring attendees to aim higher and push the boundaries of their capabilities.

Celebration forms the core of the Huddle experience. It’s an opportunity for the Sport Clips community to recognize and applaud the hard work and achievements of franchisees and their teams at the store level. Hundreds of awards are presented at the Huddle, honoring excellence in various aspects of the business. Notable awards include the prestigious “Heart of a Champion” award and the coveted Logan Trophy.

Noteworthy Events and Activities

The Sport Clips Franchisee Huddle offers a wide array of events and activities that make it a truly unforgettable experience. Here are some highlights:

• Supplier Fair: The opening show kicks off the Huddle with a bang. In 2023, it was designed with a lively tailgate theme, setting the tone for a fun and engaging event. The fair allows attendees to connect with suppliers and explore the latest products and services that can enhance their salons.
• The Pro in You: In 2023, Sport Clips launched a stylist campaign called “The Pro in You.” This initiative highlights our commitment to supporting stylists. The Pro Village at the supplier fair showcases various support programs and resources available to stylists, reinforcing Sport Clips’ dedication to the professional development of its team members.
• “The Look” Haircutting Competition: This competition is a platform for stylists to showcase their incredible talent. Stylists from five regions in the United States and one from Canada compete in a high-stakes showdown. The winning haircut becomes “the look” for the following year and is featured in posters displayed in every Sport Clips salon, making it an iconic style for the brand.

• Awards Gala: The pinnacle of celebration at the Huddle is the grand awards gala. Attendees dress to impress and come together for an evening of recognition and revelry. It’s a time to acknowledge outstanding achievements, share inspiring stories, and celebrate the spirit of the Sport Clips community.

Benefits for Current and Future Sport Clips Franchise Owners

The Sport Clips Franchisee Huddle offers a plethora of benefits to both existing and prospective franchise owners. For current franchisees, the event provides access to invaluable education, motivational insights, and recognition of their hard work. It’s a moment to recharge, learn, and connect with fellow franchisees.

For future Sport Clips franchise owners, the Huddle is a glimpse into the vibrant and supportive community they could join. It showcases our focus on diversity and inclusion, highlighting the many opportunities available to individuals from all backgrounds. Aspiring entrepreneurs can witness firsthand the culture of teamwork that defines Sport Clips, and gain inspiration for their own entrepreneurial journey.

Feedback and Stories from Franchise Owners

Franchisees love the Sport Clips Franchisee Huddle. For them, it’s an affirmation of their hard work and dedication to the brand. Managers in particular leave the Huddle feeling even more inspired and motivated to excel in their roles. The event provides a platform for networking and connecting with fellow team leaders, creating opportunities for collaboration and shared excellence.

One noteworthy aspect of the 2023 Huddle was the “next generation/second generation” event, which showcased Sport Clips as a generational business. This event demonstrated that with the right mentorship and guidance, Sport Clips can be passed down from one generation to the next, reinforcing our brand’s enduring legacy.

Join the Sport Clips Franchise Family

The Sport Clips Franchisee Huddle is more than just an event, it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, diversity, and inclusivity. It’s a celebration of the Sport Clips culture, where hard work is recognized, and achievements are celebrated. For existing franchisees, it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. For aspiring franchise owners, it’s a window into the world of Sport Clips, where the satisfaction of our franchisees is paramount. Learn more about our values and the benefits of franchising with Sport Clips by visiting our research pages here.

If you’re an entrepreneur seeking a franchise opportunity that combines a vibrant community, comprehensive support, and a commitment to diversity, Sport Clips is the ideal choice. Fill out our inquiry form here to start a conversation with our franchise team about your business goals. Join the Sport Clips family and become a part of a thriving community where your aspirations are celebrated, and your development is our priority. Invest in a brand that believes in you, educates you, motivates you, and celebrates you—join Sport Clips today.