Celebrating Women Leadership with Kristen Bush, Houston Area Head Coach

As Women’s History Month unfolds, Sport Clips proudly shines a spotlight on Kristen Bush, a woman of determination and resilience who has carved her path as a leader. With a career spanning 13 years at Sport Clips, Kristen currently holds the title of Head Coach for the Houston Area, overseeing a network of 91 locations. Her journey is one of inspiration, showcasing the transformative power of passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment.

Climbing the Ladder

Kristen’s journey with Sport Clips began when she was introduced to the company by a friend. As a mother seeking work-life balance and financial stability, Kristen seized the opportunity to join Sport Clips, despite having no prior experience in men’s haircutting. She quickly immersed herself in training and development, working her way up from a stylist to manager to her current role as Head Area Coach.

Reflecting on her career path, Kristen shares, “I knew from the first time I saw an Area Coach in my store that that was the path I wanted to pursue.” With determination and support from her team, Kristen rose through the ranks, inspired by the passion and positive attitude of her mentors. She emphasizes the importance of effective communication, standardized processes, and regular training sessions in effectively managing operations across multiple locations.

Unique Experiences for Growth

As a woman in a leadership role within Sport Clips, Kristen has encountered numerous opportunities for growth and development. She credits Sport Clips for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive. “I believe my role as a female leader in the franchising industry contributes to empowering women by serving as a visible representation of what is possible,” she says. “By leading with integrity, resilience, and compassion, I hope to inspire other women to pursue their ambitions fearlessly and break down barriers in their own careers.”

Despite the demanding nature of her role, Kristen prioritizes work-life balance, recognizing the importance of being present for her family. She manages her time effectively, delegates tasks when necessary, and sets boundaries to ensure she can fulfill her professional responsibilities while cherishing quality time with her children. Kristen also emphasizes the importance of self-care, actively attending therapy sessions provided through Sport Clips’ Support Linc program, which has been instrumental in maintaining her well-being.

When asked about her advice for other women aspiring to advance their careers in the franchising industry, Kristen emphasizes the importance of determination, mentorship, and networking. She encourages women to believe in themselves, take risks, and pursue opportunities aligned with their passions and goals.

Working with the Community

Kristen and her team actively engage with the local community through various initiatives, including charity events and partnerships with local organizations. Recently, they successfully organized a blanket drive, collecting and donating over 100 blankets to Women Connection Inc., a nonprofit organization addressing homelessness among women and children in Houston. Kristen believes that community involvement plays a pivotal role in the growth of Sport Clips stores, strengthening their connection to the community and fostering goodwill.

Looking ahead, Kristen’s goals include further expanding the reach and impact of Sport Clips stores in Houston: “I am committed to driving growth and innovation within the company while remaining true to our core values and commitment to customer satisfaction. I envision continuing to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs and preferences of our customers, while also investing in the professional development and success of our team members. I hope to continue to grow within the company, and I look forward to opportunities that come my way.”

Join the Family

Sport Clips is proud to spotlight one of our own women leaders as we celebrate women this Women’s History Month. Kristen Bush is an example to women everywhere of what is possible with determination and passion. If you’re interested in joining a franchise system that values authenticity, community, and growth, Sport Clips may be the opportunity for you. Learn more about our business model, how we support franchise owners, and the team that will guide you along the way by visiting our research pages here.

If you’re ready to join the incredible community of Sport Clips, we invite you to fill out our inquiry form here. We look forward to learning more about you and how we can help you achieve your business goals.

A Sport Clips Canadian Franchise Pioneer

In franchising, there are bold trailblazers who venture into uncharted territories, introducing innovative concepts to new markets. Meet one such visionary – Leigh Wright, a distinguished Sport Clips franchise owner with 11 years of experience in the business. His journey epitomizes resilience, determination, and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, as he played a pivotal role in bringing the iconic Sport Clips brand to the Canadian landscape.

New Market, New Opportunity

With over a decade of experience as a Sport Clips franchise owner, Wright has played a pivotal role in introducing the iconic brand to the Canadian market. “After retiring from the corporate world, I wanted to continue to be engaged in the business world, but wanted something that matched my desire for a more balanced lifestyle,” shares Wright. “I saw that Sport Clips was entering Canada and believed that the concept would do well here.”

As one of the first Canadian Sport Clips franchise owners, Wright embarked on a journey filled with excitement and uncertainty. “There was a shared sense of excitement around bringing this concept to a new market,” he recalls. “However, there was also a level of uncertainty, as there were many well-established chains here. Would we be able to earn the trust of enough clients to make our businesses succeed?”

In the face of these challenges, collaboration and support played a crucial role in navigating the uncharted waters of franchising in Canada. “From day one, we felt welcome within the larger Sport Clips family,” he reflected. “Everyone was helpful and as committed to our success as we were. Even though we only had one table at our first Huddle, seeing the Canadian and US flags together and hearing both Anthems was incredible.”

Building a Legacy

Over the years, Wright has witnessed the evolution of Sport Clips in Canada, adapting to the unique nuances of the market while staying true to Sport Clips’ core values and business model. “Fundamentally, there are very few differences in our business between Canada and the US,” he explained. “We have learned to focus on a small number of details and prioritize weekly in-person meetings with store managers.”

Throughout his tenure, Wright has witnessed the power of collaboration firsthand. “Many of us from that first group of Team Leaders are still involved, and we share thoughts regularly,” he remarked. “Sharing wins and losses, hearing about local marketing initiatives, or just to talk something through, has been a key part of our experience.” This collaborative spirit has not only strengthened his bond with fellow franchisees, but has also contributed to their continued growth in the Canadian market.

Growing through Supportive Collaboration

Wright remains grateful for the unwavering support he received from the Canadian franchise team. “I am still very grateful for the outsized level of support we received, and continue to receive, in supporting the success of our Canadian stores,” he emphasized. From navigating the initial challenges of establishing a foothold in a new market to celebrating milestones and triumphs, the Sport Clips family has been there every step of the way, exemplifying the power of unity and collaboration in franchising.

Reflecting on their journey, Wright takes pride in the growth achieved over the years. “I am still energized by our business and am grateful to have had a degree of success with all my stores,” he expressed. “But I am most proud of the quality of the managers and the teams we have built, and hope to share continued success with them.”

Become a Franchise Owner with Sport Clips

Aspiring franchise owners looking to follow in his footsteps are offered invaluable advice grounded in years of experience and wisdom. “Our concept is still strong, but success requires focusing on a small number of details,” he advises. “As a Team Leader, you need to be engaged with your manager and your business. Marketing is important, but all the marketing in the world will not make up for team members who do not have the ability to make that client want to return.”

Leigh Wright’s journey with Sport Clips serves as a testament to the power of resilience, collaboration, and unwavering dedication. If you are an aspiring franchise owner looking to own your own Sport Clips franchise locations, the possibilities are endless. Learn more about our business model, how we support franchise owners, and the cost to franchise with Sport Clips in Canada here.

To start a conversation with our franchise team about joining the Sport Clips franchise family in Canada today, we invite you to fill out our inquiry form here. We look forward to learning more about your story and if Sport Clips is the right fit for you!

Leading the Charge for Women Entrepreneurs in Franchising

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Sport Clips proudly shines a spotlight on Amanda Donovan, a dynamic woman who is making waves in the traditionally male-dominated world of franchising as a high-performing business owner and member of the Team Leader Advisory Council (TLAC). Amanda’s journey with Sport Clips began in 2012, when she and her husband decided to bring the brand to West Virginia, marking the start of an inspiring entrepreneurial venture.

Humble Beginnings

Amanda’s decision to pursue franchising with Sport Clips stemmed from a desire for flexibility and stability in her career, coupled with a strong belief in the brand’s values and proven systems. “We moved to a state where we didn’t have any family or support nearby,” she explains. “I wanted to have some flexibility in my schedule for when my husband was out of town for work. I was looking for an opportunity where I could follow a proven system.”

In addition, Sport Clips was a brand her family already saw the value in. “My husband wanted to get his haircut, but didn’t like the options we had in West Virginia, so he would wait until we traveled to go to a Sport Clips in another state,” she says.

From the outset, Amanda faced the challenge of owning and managing a business with no prior experience, as well as leading a team of individuals who were new to her. These hurdles were compounded by the fact that only 31% of franchise owners are women, highlighting the gender disparity in the franchising industry. However, she approached these challenges with determination and a willingness to learn. “I tried to be a sponge, I tried to listen, learn, and stay connected to our store,” she reflects. “It wasn’t easy, but I tried to stay true to myself, use my common sense, and trust my gut.”

Making a Difference in the Sport Clips Community

Amanda’s dedication and leadership skills have not gone unnoticed within the Sport Clips community. She was elected to represent her region on the Team Leader Advisory Council (TLAC), a role she describes as “an honor and a humbling experience.” The TLAC is comprised of Sport Clips franchise owners who act as a liaison to help develop and implement initiatives to benefit the entire Sport Clips organization. TLAC is made up of five Team Leaders from five different regions and two at-large members.

Through TLAC, Amanda has had the opportunity to collaborate with Sport Clips leadership and share insights from the field. “I truly believe the relationship between Sport Clips and TLAC is a wonderful commitment to ensuring the growth of our Team Leaders and the Sport Clips brand,” she says.

As a woman excelling in a male-dominated industry, Amanda emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with her team members and fostering a supportive work environment. “We’ve been able to balance not only a wonderful working relationship, but they are my family,” she shares. “We laugh, cry, scream, and cheer together. I think being a female has allowed us to build these close bonds that allow us to celebrate the wins and work together on the challenges.” With dedication and integrity, Amanda proves that being a woman is no hurdle when it comes to business ownership, in fact it became a driving force in growing a team of dedicated people working together to build a community that values each other as much as profit potential.

“Women displaying their strengths in these key areas has contributed to many franchises shifting focus to shake up the traditional “boys’ club” and grow through franchising with women,” says a recent article from Forbes. “As the industry leans into having more female franchise owners, it continues to be apparent how complementary women and franchising are.”

Amanda’s advice for fellow Sport Clips franchise owners is rooted in the principles

of learning, supporting their teams, and prioritizing communication. “Make sure you have the right manager in place,” she advises. “Don’t always think about the bottom line, think about your team first. Be strong and resilient. Be a good student of your business and work hard. Invest in your team to ensure their personal and professional growth.”

Follow in Amanda’s Footsteps

Amanda Donovan’s journey with Sport Clips exemplifies the spirit of Women’s History Month – a celebration of resilience, determination, and achievement. Her accomplishments serve as an inspiration to women entrepreneurs everywhere, proving that with dedication, passion, and a supportive community, anything is possible.

Ready to follow in Amanda’s footsteps and become a Sport Clips franchise owner? Explore this franchise opportunity and start your journey towards inclusivity, community, and growth today. Visit our research pages here to learn more, or fill out our form here to get in touch with our franchise team. We look forward to hearing from you!