Sport Clips’ Company Stores Support Franchisees and Help in Franchising

Having a strong support system in place is critical for setting franchise owners up for growth from day one. At Sport Clips, a unique component of our robust franchisee support model involves operating our own company-owned locations. These corporate stores serve as valuable testing grounds and real-world case studies that ultimately benefit the entire Sport Clips franchise system.

“We test all new equipment, processes, procedures, design, etc.,” explains Matt Wanstreet, the President of Company Stores, who has been with Sport Clips for a year. “This allows us to make it the best it can be prior to sending out to our Team Leaders. Hopefully all the bugs are worked out, and we don’t use Team Leaders as guinea pigs for testing.”

Perfecting Systems for Our Team Leaders

By pioneering and fine-tuning new initiatives at the company level first, Sport Clips is able to perfect systems, products, and strategies before rolling them out system-wide to Team Leaders. From testing new haircut techniques to trialing new salon designs, no stone is left unturned. This meticulous approach allows the corporate team to confidently provide proven solutions that maximize efficiency and client satisfaction for Team Leaders from the moment they open their doors.

As Wanstreet notes, “We financially support the Support Center. This allows us to have more resources and headcount to provide excellent support to the entire company.”

Sport Clips franchisees can count on having a deep bench of industry experts in their corner across all areas of business operations – from marketing and tech support to training and accounting. No franchisee has to go it alone when they have Sport Clips’ full team of franchise experts by their side.

Perhaps most importantly, the company store teams experience the same operational challenges, staffing hurdles, and day-to-day fires that franchisees face in running their businesses. Wanstreet states, “We experience all of the same problems as our Team Leaders when it comes to staffing, labor law changes, and other issues that pop up. This allows us to truly know the pain they might be going through and offer real-world, proven suggestions for solutions as we work through them ourselves.”

Stepping into the Franchisee’s Shoes

By walking a mile in franchisees’ shoes, the Sport Clips corporate support team can provide field-tested, genuine advice pulled straight from their own experiences on the front lines. From advice on grand opening marketing tactics that pull in crowds to competitive compensation insights that attract top talent, no suggestion is merely theoretical. Team Leaders get guidance honed from operating honest-to-goodness franchise locations.

“We operate our company stores as one big franchise. The decisions, problems, and successes are mirrored in both scenarios,” explains Wanstreet. “We have the same support structure we recommend to our large multi-unit team leaders, and have the same costs as they would.”

By adopting the same operating models, leadership structures, and adhering to identical cost structures as franchisees, Sport Clips demonstrates an unparalleled level of empathy and commitment to authentically understanding the franchisee experience. There’s no disconnect between corporate and the realities of franchise ownership.

This firsthand knowledge allows the brand’s leadership to speak the same language as franchisees and steer them towards proven best practices pulled from their own systematic experimentation and learnings at the company stores. From staff hiring and training strategies to operational efficiencies and deployment of technology, Sport Clips franchisees get the inside scoop and can fast-track their way to success by following the corporate team’s lead.

Never Alone in Business

As Wanstreet summarizes, “They are never alone in their journey with us.” With corporate staff committed to being in franchisees’ corners, providing trusted guidance honed from real-world franchise operations, Sport Clips is arming franchise owners with the tools, resources and support to win from the very start.

Learn more about becoming a franchise owner with Sport Clips franchise by visiting our research pages here. If you’re ready to start a conversation with our franchise team about investing in the Sport Clips franchise opportunity, we invite you to fill out our form here. We look forward to hearing from you!

Uniting Excellence at the Sport Clips Franchisee Huddle

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 Nashville, TN to partake in this impressive event.

The 2024 Sport Clips Franchisee Huddle is much more than just another industry conference, it’s a game changer! It’s a vibrant celebration of our brand’s culture and a powerful catalyst for growth. The primary goals of the Huddle are to energize the system and spark sales and performance at the store level, as well as to celebrate the culture of the 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 2024, it was designed with a carnival theme, bigger and better than any of our past Huddles. The fair allows attendees to connect with suppliers and explore the latest products and services that can enhance their salons.
• Noteworthy Speakers: The Sport Clips Franchisee Huddle featured inspiring talks from Kelly Cardenas, who shared insights on maintaining a positive “Vibe,” and Jamie Kern Lima, who emphasized self-worth and the power of believing you are enough to transform your life. Both speakers aimed to motivate managers and Team Leaders by focusing on self-belief and the potential to achieve great things.
• “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.

Top Huddle Awards

Sport Clips is proud to award our hardworking Team Leaders with recognition of their efforts. Here are the top Sport Clips Huddle awards of 2024:

• Area Developer of the Year – Mark & Jan Mansfield – Plano, TX
• Area Manager of the Year – Sandy Palmer – Omaha, NE
• Manager of the Year – Stephanie Elifritz – Ankeny, IA
• Team Leader of the Year – Chris Bauman – Riverdale, UT
• Coach of the Year – Jenny Smith – Dallas, TX
• Logan Trophy – Sport Clips’ Highest Honor – Brad & Carla Whitt – Lee’s Summit, MO. This is the second consecutive year for them to receive this honor.

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.

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.