Sport Clips’ Stalony Team: Franchising In Canada

Trailblazers in Franchising in Canada with Sport Clips

When brothers Andrew and Robert Stalony decided to open one of Canada’s first Sport Clips franchises over 13 years ago, they had a vision of bringing the renowned men’s hair care brand north of the border. As trailblazers introducing Sport Clips to an entirely new market, the Stalony team faced unique challenges, but their passion and belief in the concept has paid off through tremendous growth.

franchising in canada

Seeking a Recession-Proof Venture

The Stalonys were drawn to Sport Clips because of the recession-proof nature of the haircare industry and the brand’s proven business model focused specifically on meeting men’s haircut needs. “Sport Clips’ policies, procedures, attention to detail and overall concept in the USA aligned with what we were looking for to start in Canada,” they explained.

Launching an unfamiliar brand in a new country came with its fair share of hurdles. As Andrew Stalony recounted, “There were many challenges as one can imagine. The brand had no business history in Canada, so it was viewed as a totally new concept.”

However, once their first locations opened, the positive client feedback reaffirmed they had made the right choice. Clients raved about “the franchise’s awesome store layout, professional stylists, and the unique Sport Clips MVP hot towel service.”

Team Players

From the start, the Stalonys recognized that their employees are the backbone of their flourishing growth. “Take care of your employees, they are your business’ lifeline,” they advise. “If your employee is excited about their role on the team, that will show in the treatment the paying client receives.”

This people-first mentality is evident in how they hire, train, and motivate their team. When hiring managers, a top priority is finding individuals with the right attitude to foster a positive culture. “Attitude is important to us, because everything else can be taught,” they said.

Once staff is on board, the Stalonys cultivate an environment where team members support each other’s growth. “The joy that comes from helping each other is what creates an incredible growth environment,” they explained. Even small acts of teamwork, like cleaning chairs, reinforce “how as a team we can continue to impress our clients with an untouchable experience level.”

Always Supported

The Stalony team also relies heavily on the outstanding support from Sport Clips’ corporate team. “Our Sport Clips coaches are a blessing. All are experts in their field, but it’s the extra care they add while coaching our team members that sets us up for success,” they praised. “Since our early days, we noticed that the Coaches and their approach to each team member’s individual training needs is commendable.”

Coach Jody receives special recognition: “Our relationship with our Coach Jody is awesome, and that’s very important as we work together to take each store to the next level.”

Growing with Pride

After over a decade as Sport Clips franchisees, the Stalony team’s passion for the brand shows no signs of waning. “The future looks very bright. Definitely looking to have more Sport Clips franchises under our Team Stalony umbrella,” they stated regarding their growth plans.

Most of all, they take pride in being part of a company that enriches people’s lives. As the founders reflected, “We are most proud that we chose a business and a brand that makes a difference in people’s lives. Seeing happy faces of clients after they received a great haircut and our MVP experience…that’s rewarding.”

If you are interested in franchising in Canada with Sport Clips, find more information here.

Interview With Sport Clips Multi Unit Franchise Owner

Franchisee Jeremy Aydell Talks Good Business

In a recent podcast episode, Jeremy Aydell, Sport Clips multi-unit franchise owner, went into detail about his experience with the brand. With an impressive portfolio of 15 locations spread across Louisiana and Mississippi, and number 16 set to open its doors soon, Jeremy Aydell’s journey is a shining example of the entrepreneurial spirit we love about our franchisees.

 sport clips multi unit franchise owner

What was it specifically about franchising that appealed to you?

Previously, I was an external auditor, and got to see all kinds of different businesses and business models. That’s what led me to want to own my own business. But knowing I’ve got some limitations in being creative, the franchise model with just the basics and the support system was very intriguing to me. I think it was 2008, during the financial crisis, when I was looking into it. I wanted to invest in something that was recession-proof, which is, I feel, a haircut. Everyone needs a haircut. Something that you couldn’t outsource and something you really can’t get on the internet. The haircut was something that we felt strongly was a good business model. We looked into many different franchises in that industry, and Sport Clips far and away was the best we came across. The values of the company were second to none and aligned with us.

What about the Sport Clips model made you think this is a good investment?

I had some pretty good questions about where the money was going and fees, and what have you. Sport Clips was very quick to get me those answers. They were basically consistent with what I thought they would be. Obviously, if you’re investing money in something, you want transparency, and I thought that was a big win for us to have a company that could tell you where the finances and the fees were going.

What kind of support did Sport Clips give you starting out?

It was very important for me to have a good business model, and one where they would really help opening your first location. Yes, it’s stressful. I was an accountant that did not really know much about the hair industry. And they really, really provide a bunch of checklists, one-on-one meetings, and walk you through the whole process to simplify it for you. I don’t want to say they hold your hand, but you know, they want to set you up for success. It doesn’t behoove them to be in business with a partnership if both people aren’t on the same page, and without that support and help we wouldn’t have been as successful with our first location and growing so fast over the years.

Are you meeting your personal and professional goals with Sport Clips?

Oh, absolutely. It’s allowed me to chase some other interests of mine, including investing in real estate. It’s having financial and personal freedom to do what I want to do with my other passions. I’ve really, really enjoyed the workforce, and the stylist industry more than I ever thought I would have. I would say that I’m very, very passionate about the cosmetology industry. I think it’s a great industry, we need some reform there. Right now, it’s a little costly for these stylists to go to school. But I know we’re making some progress there. Being a leader in my area, that’s something else. That’s a passion of mine, making sure that stylists are going to good schools, getting a good education, but that they’ll also be able to pay for that education when they get out.

Learn More About Franchising with Sport Clips

If you’re interested in opening a Sport Clips franchise of your own, now is a great time to invest. For more details about this exciting business opportunity, check out our research pages here. When you’re ready for the next step, fill out our inquiry form here, and a member of our team will reach out to you shortly. We look forward to hearing from you!

Why The Hair Industry Is Perfect For Social Media Marketing

What is Social Media Marketing?

Today, more than one in seven Americans use social media on a regular basis. What’s more, the average person spends 147 minutes daily on a number of platforms – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok – to name a few. More than 80% of consumers say marketing and advertisements on social media influence their purchasing habits. It’s no wonder that it has become critical for businesses to advertise on social media. To do so effectively, businesses must find ways to get their messages to stand out from the crowded field.

Social media marketing is the use of these platforms to build the brand, drive revenues and capture website traffic. It’s also brought revolutionary ways to engage with customers and reach potential new ones. The use of social media has provided incredible insights through the use of data analytics. Now, more than ever before, companies can see in real-time if their advertising efforts are reaching the right audience, allowing marketing teams an uncanny ability to adjust strategies on the fly.

With so many new platforms and technology changing by the day, it’s important to keep on top of trends to ensure you’re being heard in a crowded landscape. Industry studies have shown the more targeted your marketing campaigns are, the more effective they will be at reaching the right audience. There are a ton of ways to make it happen, from conducting a competitive analysis, auditing your current social media marketing strategies, creating engaging and exciting content, and tracking your performance. Marketing through social media has changed the game for business marketing strategies in so many exciting ways, but it takes know-how to get it done right.

sport clips haircuts logo social media marketing

Social Media Marketing for a Franchise

Social media marketing is a great tool franchise owners can use to promote their business. In many cases, platforms are free to access and use, and ads with these platforms are typically cheaper than traditional digital ad marketing. According to Entrepreneur magazine, more than half of businesses report that social media is one of the top lead generating franchise platforms. With 71% of customers saying they are more likely to purchase from a company after a positive experience on social media, the revenue-driving potential that comes with an effective social media marketing plan is through the roof.

Franchises already come with an incredible level of brand awareness – it’s one of the huge benefits of investing in a franchise system. Social media marketing, however, allows franchisees to connect with potential customers on a more local level. With the right digital knowledge and skills, companies have an incredible ability to now target potential customers at the right place at the right time. This can increase your local brand awareness in ways never before available. And, as noted above, the cost to launch social media marketing campaigns is much less expensive than traditional methods.

Social Media Marketing with Sport Clips Haircuts

Sport Clips Haircuts has become an industry-leading innovator in the way it utilizes social media to spread its message and vision, thereby reaching an entirely new potential customer base. The Sport Clips marketing team offers world-class support on not only how to market your franchise effectively, but also how to engage with your community. Each franchisee is outfitted with an individualized, comprehensive marketing strategy that fits the community you serve.

Sport Clips’ marketing strategies also include branded material franchisees can use in social media marketing, as well as a corporate account to draw information and inspiration from. On our current social media platforms, we consistently post content that shows before and after haircuts, special deals, philanthropic partnerships, and stories about our stylists. With each post, we’re personalizing who we are and putting a face to a brand people already know and love. Sport Clips franchisees can rest assured our marketing team is always evaluating the newest trends and latest technologies to make sure we’re on top of an ever-changing landscape.

“We’re in an advantageous position, because while other brands are barely above water, we’re sailing because we chose to be aggressive and forward thinking, without wavering from our values,” says Edward Logan, CEO and president of Sport Clips. “With a strong culture, a fantastic franchise network, and commitment to innovative and forward thinking, there’s no question that the future of Sport Clips is very bright.”

People Love Hair!

It’s no secret that the beauty industry thrives on social media. People love to see the newest fashions, haircuts and latest trends. Social media has allowed the beauty industry to bring their salons to customers, allowing customers to see our great work in real-time. This allows brands to create a unique personality and voice, which improves brand recognition.

At Sport Clips, we encourage our franchisees to share Client images, post positive reviews, and tell the stories of Clients who have had a great experience at our locations. We love it when franchisees make a post that sparks a discussion and engages our Clients in a way that social media has opened up like never before. It’s also a great way to individualize your specific franchise and give your location a personality!

Learn More about Franchising with Sport Clips

The hair industry, above all others, thrives on social media, and Sport Clips has used only the best strategies to take advantage of these platforms to help boost our franchisees. If you want to learn more about franchising with Sport Clips, please visit our research pages or make a request for more information.

Why Franchising Is The Solution To Corporate Burnout

Corporate Burnout Is Just The Start for Many Workers

It wasn’t until recently that we’ve been able to talk openly about corporate burnout. In the past, workers were made to feel it was a normal and expected part of the job to put in long hours, endure constant stress, and never be able to put work away. Many workers were even reluctant to question these supposed norms, fearing there would always be someone else willing to take their place. Behind the scenes, however, corporate burnout took many forms: chronic depression, feelings of emptiness, weight gain, substance abuse, physical exhaustion, irritable outbursts, mental fatigue – just to name a few of the many associated symptoms.

Many factors may contribute to corporate burnout, too – heavy workloads, long hours, unhealthy work-life balance, or feeling like you have no control over your work. Indeed, research suggests many workers feel this is a result of unclear job expectations, dysfunctional workplaces, lack of support, and feelings of isolation at work. The Mayo Clinic put together a list to ask yourself if you think you are experiencing corporate burnout: Have you become cynical at work? Do you have trouble finding the motivation to get started for the day? Is it hard to concentrate? Are you dissatisfied with your achievements? Have you become irritable with co-workers and clients? Any of these can be a sign you are suffering from burnout.

Fortunately, corporate burnout is now being talked about in the mainstream. In 2019, the World Health Organization recognized the affliction in the “International Classification of Diseases.” And that was before the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, workers have left their previous jobs in record numbers, in favor of new employment opportunities with healthier work-life balances. More than ever before, American workers are fed up with the unnecessary and unrewarding demands of corporate jobs, and are seeking out more meaningful, rewarding, and downright fun career paths.

sport clips studio solves corporate burnout

The Great Resignation

While corporate burnout isn’t new, the events of the past two years have led us to what’s known as “The Great Resignation.” In 2021 alone, about 47.5 million people voluntarily quit their job – an unprecedented record amount – looking for better work during the pandemic. Even now, this trend shows no signs of slowing down: currently, about 40 percent of employees are considering leaving their job, according to a report in Fortune magazine.

So why are workers quitting their jobs? A Pew Research Center study found most workers cited low pay, a lack of opportunities for advancement, and feeling disrespected at work as the top reasons why they left their places of employment. Respondents in the survey listed they were looking for a better work-life balance and more flexibility. If we’ve learned anything the past two years, it’s that long-standing issues with corporate workplaces were exacerbated, and came to a boiling point, during the pandemic, leading to record shifts in the American workforce.

Franchising Is The Answer

Leaving the corporate world behind, American workers are increasingly choosing to realize their dreams of small business ownership and be their own boss through the benefits of franchising. Case in point: over 17,000 new franchise locations were added in the US in the past year, according to the International Franchise Association.

“Overall, it has been a long and difficult time, but the franchise industry has made it through to the other side,” Forbes magazine wrote. “Now, as more and more people look to take control of their destiny through entrepreneurship, and customers return to their pre-pandemic habits, it is an incredibly exciting time to be a part of the franchise industry.”

Let’s look at why franchising is the preferred choice for aspiring entrepreneurs. For one, franchise owners have all the freedoms of making judgment calls and decisions that are right for their business, while at the same time, having the backing support of a franchise network. To that end, franchisees truly have unlimited profit potential. With a proven strategy and solid business plan in place, franchise owners are provided the groundwork for their investment. With unlimited training and support on operational aspects like technology and marketing, franchise owners have the capacity to focus on growth.

Sport Clips Haircuts is the Perfect Franchise to Fight Corporate Burnout

Sport Clips Haircuts has a long and proven track record of helping entrepreneurs seek greater freedom, a more flexible lifestyle, and a solid foundational future. It’s why so many aspiring entrepreneurs have abandoned the corporate world and chose to invest in Sport Clips as a path to business ownership.

How do we do it? Sport Clips’ business model is manager-style, meaning you work on – and not in – the business, hiring store managers who oversee day-to-day operations. As a result, you have the freedom and flexibility to grow your business, develop and implement marketing strategies, and take care of administrative duties on the back end. Team Leaders are expected to spend only 10-15 hours on their stores per week, which allows for the opportunity for multi-unit ownership.

“Sport Clips was designed from day one to be a multi-unit opportunity,” says Jim Atkinson, vice president of franchise development. “This was never set up to an individual unit where someone buys a job for the rest of their lives. Our business model is very simple: we cut hair. We built our business model to scale, and we have all the resources to scale quickly and effectively. We know when you should add resources and when to build additional infrastructure. Whether you want to scale up to three stores, five stores, 10 stores, or beyond, we have a plan that can help you get there.”

Own A Sport Clips Franchise Today!

If you’re burned out in the corporate world and want all the freedoms of owning your own business, Sport Clips is the best bet investment for you. American workers are demanding more out of their careers, and Sport Clips offers a flexible, rewarding, and healthy work-life balance with the opportunity to earn big. To learn more, visit our research pages here or request more information by filling out our form here.

Is This The Year To Invest In The Hair Franchise Industry?

The Year of the Franchise

As millions of Americans reevaluated their career paths in the past few years and decided they want to control their own fate by running their own business, 2022 has truly become the year of the franchise, and for most, the best time to jump into the franchise industry.

Indeed, the COVID pandemic reversed a decades-long decline in the pace of entrepreneurship. According to a report in Vox, a record 5.4 million Americans applied for business IDs in 2021, with 2022 on track to surpass that number.

Even Forbes magazine reported that as many businesses struggled during the pandemic, franchises thrived. For so many Americans who wanted to run their own business, they chose the franchise model, which offers so many advantages, such as a proven operating strategy, strong backing support and brand awareness.

“After nearly two years of economic uncertainty, more and more people are following their entrepreneurial dreams and taking control of their destiny through business ownership,” Forbes wrote. “As a result, interest in franchising is reaching an unprecedented high, and 2022 is set to be a year of major franchise growth.”

Salon Franchise Industry is Booming

The hair care and beauty industry has seen this same remarkable growth in the past few years. In the U.S. alone, the hair and beauty industry generated $64 billion in revenue in 2018, with the 50 largest salons accounting for about 15% of sales.

According to a report Trafft, the market could hit $87 billion by 2023!

“The hair care and beauty industry is dynamic and continues to grow at a rapid pace,” Trafft reported. “Consumers are always looking for the latest trends and the best hair care products and services. Their needs are always changing. In order to meet these demands, the hair industry continues to develop and evolve.”

Why Invest In Sport Clips?

All over the country, our franchisees are reporting their customers are restless to get back in the barber chair and reconnect with the people who have cut their hair for years. That’s why we believe Sport Clips is truly poised for a banner year in business and growth in 2022 and beyond.

But don’t just take our word for it – Sport Clips is consistently one of the highest ranked hair franchises among franchise industry experts.

sportsclips franchise industry

Franchise Rankings

Entrepreneur magazine ranked Sport Clips as the No. 24 best franchise to invest in for 2022 on its esteemed “Franchise 500” ranking, beating out hundreds of other franchises across a swath of other markets and industries. Entrepreneur highlighted the brand’s low initial investment costs, training & support program, recent growth, and ability for franchisees to scale up.

Top Franchise, one of the premier trackers in the franchise industry, also recently listed Sport Clips as one of the top 10 best haircut franchise businesses opportunities out there.

“For entrepreneurs looking to build a business, Sport Clips franchise is an easy-to-understand business model that’s simple to execute while offering something every guy needs,” Top Franchise wrote in its rankings. “Enjoy greater freedom and reach your personal and financial goals, growing a business on your terms that will always be in demand and has recurring revenue.”

Last but certainly not least, NerdWallet, the go-to spot for so many Americans and their business needs, recently reported Sport Clips was among the top hair salon franchises for 2022, pointing out Sport Clips has grown from about 50 stores in 1998 to now more than 1,800 locations across the U.S.

Franchise Support

Sport Clips is here to support our franchisees as they grow their businesses, and that starts from the ground up.

From day one, Sport Clips has an entire team dedicated to helping our franchisees secure the right location, implementing GIS technology, as well as demographic and psychographic data. We also have long-term relationships with landlords and developers, which has a tremendous advantage in helping secure a location.

We also make a team of coaches available for you to utilize to train your managers and stylists, and outfit you with a comprehensive marketing strategy to make sure you reach customers in your community.

At the end of the day, you’ll have all the tools and support you need to master all the Sport Clips business fundamentals, including how to hire and develop a team, manage compensation, scheduling, and recruiting, understand team roles, use our technology to understand financials, market effectively, engage with your community, and much, much more!

Invest In The Hair Industry Today!

Hair care and beauty industry studies show customers are eager to get back to scheduled appointments after shutdowns temporarily closed salons and barbershops in the early days of the pandemic. Not surprisingly, nearly 80% of consumers said that regular salon and spa services are critical to regain a sense of normalcy as the world reopens.

This is exactly the case at Sport Clips. Founded in 1993, Sport Clips has grown to over 1,800 locations in North America and is the only hair cutting franchise to have a footprint in all 50 states.

If you’re ready to invest in a Sport Clips at this exciting time for franchising, fill out our form here and one of our team members will be in touch. We can’t wait to start a conversation with you!

30 Heroes for 30 Years: Cheston Syma, Sport Clips

Marine Corps Veteran, Cheston Syma, owns 41 Sport Clips franchises across two states. In order to achieve his dreams as a franchise owner after leaving the military, Cheston worked as a security contractor for the Department of State at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq and Kabul, Afghanistan, where he spent the four years during a time of war in order to pay his business loan and personal bills. All the while, running the two Sport Clips from Iraq and Afghanistan.

CLICK HERE to visit the VetFran website and learn more about Cheston and how his experience as a Sport Clips Team Leader helps him serve again.

Cheston Syma

Sport Clips Franchise CEO & President Named a Top Franchise Influencer

1851 signals out Edward Logan as one of the most influential people in franchising for 2022

Continuing to make waves in the franchise world, Sport Clips CEO and president Edward Logan was recently nominated as a top franchise influencer for 2022, and now is among a list of 175 industry professionals deserving of recognition.

This year, 1851 Franchise teamed up with SeoSamba to come up with the list of most influencing people in franchising.

“Franchising is a big world, and it’s only getting bigger. Still, it’s a community, and a fairly close-knit community at that,” 1851 Franchise wrote. “That’s why it’s essential for everyone in the industry to know who’s who.”

And it’s not hard to see why Sport Clips’ Logan made the list.

Logan leads the largest franchise dedicated to men’s and boy’s hair care in the nation, with a footprint in every state, and was named president and CEO in 2020 to oversee the franchise founded by his father, Gordon Logan.

But to be sure, Logan has put in his dues since joining Sport Clips in 2010. Through sheer hard work and dedication, Logan has worked his way up the ladder the last 11 years, from managing one store to being an essential part of the company’s unprecedented growth. Under his tenure, Sport Clips has grown from 700 stores in 2010 to nearly 2,000 stores as of 2022.

Through it all, Logan has navigated the pandemic, and has planned for the future of the company through the Team Leader Advisory Council and Area Developer Council, which places a point of emphasis on recruitment, training, innovative technology and services.

And, most importantly, Logan has never forgotten the sense of philanthropy the company was founded on, as Sport Clips continues to better the lives of veterans through the VFW Foundation for Help A Hero Scholarships. Recently, the company has donated $1.55 million to veterans and service members through the program.

These days, Sport Clips is uniquely positioned to thrive in the wake of the pandemic as Americans across the country realize how important salon and spa services are to everyday life. Indeed, 80% of consumers say salon and spa services are one of the most significant factors in regaining a sense of normalcy, which has led to the industry being named one of the hottest categories for 2022.

As a result, Sport Clips is poised for a banner year.

“Sport Clips is stronger than ever before,” says Edward Logan, CEO of Sport Clips. “We’ve proven that a Sport Clips can be not only recession-resistant, but also pandemic-resistant. This is a very stable business with a straightforward business model. Now is a great time to invest in Sport Clips because as we head into 2022, we’re excited about the great real estate opportunities that exist right now, as well as the disruption of client behavior. As people change their buying behavior and their habits, the brands that go out and capture those clients are going to win an outsize market share. That’s going to be us because that’s how we’re thinking.”

Ready to start your next chapter as a Sport Clips Team Leader?

If you’re interested in learning more about the Sport Clips franchise opportunity, simply fill out an inquiry form on this website and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly. We can’t wait to learn more about you!