Growing a Business while Growing a Family
In 2018, parents Brandon and Carissa Garrett started to discuss what they wanted their future to look like. It was important to them to create a foundation for more freedom and flexibility in their lives as their kids grew. “We knew it would take several years to get any kind of business up off the ground, and we didn’t want to wait too long,” recalls Brandon.
Brandon, who works in the animal healthcare industry, wanted to create the option for a future exit strategy from the corporate world. Carissa, who took some time off from her corporate and teaching career to stay home with her children, realized she missed having a project to work on. They began a search for business opportunities that would align with their personal and financial goals.
Discovering Franchising
From the onset, franchising appealed to the Garretts. Brandon says, “My dad had built a survey engineering business from the ground up, and I saw how much work goes into creating something from scratch. We didn’t want to have to reinvent the wheel, we wanted something that already had the format there.”
As they looked for business models that would fit their lifestyle goals, they found the semi-absentee model to be the best fit. “The owner-operator models we looked at, particularly those in food, did not fit our goals,” Brandon says. “We would have to be too involved in the daily operations, and that wasn’t for us. We would rather hire managers to take care of the day-to-day while we built the business and networked in our community.”
Having settled on an ownership model, they further narrowed their search down to the haircare industry. Sport Clips Haircuts, in particular, caught their attention. “We looked into a few haircutting brands, but we felt the market was too saturated with some of the other brands. However, we saw plenty of potential for growth with Sport Clips,” says Brandon. “Their culture is built on trust and doing what’s right. This fits with our own personal values.”
In May of 2018, the opportunity presented itself, and the Garretts built their first store just outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Now, after partnering with another franchise owner, the power couple owns 13 stores. “I try to get into at least 3 stores a week, while managing marketing for all the stores, which includes finding events, getting swag/coupons ordered and in place, finding staff to cover, etc,” says Carissa. “I often pull reports to check numbers, efficiencies, payroll costs, etc., and follow up on those findings by connecting with the manager as needed.”
Building a Positive Culture
Currently, the Garretts are spending much of their time intentionally building a positive store culture. “An employee told me once, “I only work here for the snacks” and I’ve never forgotten it,” says Carissa. “I try everything I can to create a positive work environment without being there. I’ve learned I can’t fill the cup of every employee (about 110 now), but a good culture starts at the top and trickles down. I work hard to be positive and fill the cup of our area managers, who fill the cup of the managers, who fill the cup of the stylists.”
Building a positive culture doesn’t stop at their staff. The Garretts continue to see their day-to-day life improve as they grow. “When we started, I was doing EVERYTHING except cutting hair,” says Carissa. “We realized that wasn’t what was needed or a good balance with our expanding family.” Once their business expanded with their business partner, the couple team shifted to spending more time on their business instead of in their business. “Today I work ON the stores, not IN the stores,” adds Carissa. “That being said, I think it’s still important to know the name of every employee when you walk in the door.”
Start Your Own Sport Clips Franchise
Brandon’s advice to someone considering investing in Sport Clips is this: “You will have to put in a lot of work upfront. You will only get out what you put in, so set your expectations accordingly. It works for us because we are able to divide and conquer.” Carissa adds: “Make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. I do it because I love creating jobs, I love mentoring our employees, and I love being in the community and supporting the community our stores are in.”
If this experience sounds like the right opportunity for your next business move, Sport Clips franchise may be the right choice for you. Learn more about the Sport Clips business model, the cost to franchise, and how we support our franchise owners by visiting our research pages here. If you’re ready to start a conversation with our franchise team about investing in Sport Clips, fill out our form here. We look forward to hearing from you!
How the Men’s Hair Salon Franchise Thrives on Repeat Business
In franchising, one concept has been quietly but steadily growing: the men’s hair salon franchise. This niche idea has proven to be an opportunity for entrepreneurs looking for a business model with a steady stream of repeat customers. Among the leaders in this field is Sport Clips, a franchise that has mastered the art of catering to men’s grooming needs while building a loyal customer base.
The Power of Repeat Business
When it comes to hair care, consistency is key. Men, in particular, tend to be creatures of habit when it comes to their grooming routines. Once they find a haircut and style they like, they’re likely to stick with it. This behavior pattern is the backbone of the men’s hair salon franchise model, especially for brands like Sport Clips.
Why do men keep coming back? It’s simple:
- Convenience: Men appreciate quick, efficient service that fits into their busy schedules.
- Consistency: Knowing what to expect each time they visit builds trust and comfort.
- Affordability: Reasonable prices for quality service encourage regular visits.
Men are more likely to remain loyal to a hair salon that offers an easy and affordable option. Sport Clips has capitalized on this tendency by creating an environment that resonates with our target audience. The sports-themed decor, televisions playing sports channels, and staff trained specifically in men’s and boys’ haircuts all contribute to a comfortable, masculine atmosphere that clients enjoy returning to time and again.
This loyalty translates directly into a stable revenue stream for franchise owners. Regular customers mean predictable income, making it easier to manage expenses and plan for growth.
The Sport Clips Advantage
As a leader in the men’s hair salon franchise industry, Sport Clips has cultivated a unique position in the market. By focusing exclusively on men and boys, we have created a niche that resonates strongly with our target demographic. This specialization allows for a tailored approach to both services and atmosphere. Our signature MVP Experience exemplifies this, offering more than just a haircut. With a hot steamed towel, massaging shampoo, and neck and shoulder massage (in states permitted by law), it provides a grooming experience that keeps clients coming back for more. Additionally, Sport Clips’ innovative online check-in system enhances customer convenience, allowing clients to view wait times and add their names to the list before arriving.
Sport Clips doesn’t just focus on the client experience, we also prioritize franchisee satisfaction. We offer comprehensive team leader training, ensuring that franchise owners are well-equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in this specialized market. This support extends to marketing as well, with national advertising campaigns and local marketing initiatives driving awareness and attracting new customers. These efforts, combined with our strong brand reputation and loyal customer base, create a robust foundation for franchise owners to build upon, making Sport Clips an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to enter the men’s hair salon franchise market.
“In any business, the competitive advantage is the people that make up the organization,” says Gordon Logan, Founder of Sport Clips. “We’re looking for people with passion and people who love people. We’re looking for people who want to build teams and see their teams succeed. If we can attract the Team Leaders that focus on their teams, that’s the right fit. We believe success flows up.”
The Future of Men’s Hair Salon Franchises
The future looks bright for men’s hair salon franchises. As men continue to place greater importance on their appearance and grooming, the demand for specialized salons is likely to grow. Moreover, the convenience and consistency offered by franchise models like Sport Clips are well-positioned to meet this demand.
For potential franchisees, entering the men’s hair salon market offers a unique blend of stability and growth potential. The repeat business model provides a solid foundation, while the evolving men’s grooming industry offers opportunities for expansion and innovation.
Learn More about Franchising with Sport Clips
For entrepreneurs looking to enter the franchise world or expand their franchise portfolio, a men’s hair salon franchise offers an attractive combination of steady income and growth potential. With the right approach and support from an established brand like Sport Clips, franchise owners can build a thriving business that keeps customers coming back for more.
Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or a first-time entrepreneur, the men’s hair salon franchise model is worth considering. Learn more about the Sport Clips franchise model, the cost to franchise, and what our franchise owners say about their experience by visiting our research pages here. To start a conversation with our franchise team about investing in the Sport Clips franchise, fill out our form here. We look forward to hearing from you!
