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!

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.

How one woman entrepreneur became a top-performer with the iconic men’s haircut franchise

If you wanted to find out how to become a top-performing franchise owner with Sport Clips, asking Team Lead Melissa Strick would be an excellent place to start.

After opening her first location in Hagerstown, Maryland in January 2021, Melissa is already looking for her second location. She shows how our business model is built for growth, and that the significant training and ongoing support can help a first-time business owner exceed their goals.

“This experience of owning a Sport Clips has been incredibly rewarding,” Melissa says. “I knew before we opened that Sport Clips had a great reputation, but they’ve gone above and beyond. Ever since we opened our doors, support has been pouring in every day.”

In many ways, Melissa had the inside scoop on Sport Clips long before she became a Team Lead. Her sister works in the hair salon industry, and had not only managed a Sport Clips location, but she had also worked for Great Clips and Super Cuts, and Sport Clips was by far her favorite.

“When my husband and I were fortunate enough to explore business ownership, we looked at a lot of different brands,” Melissa says. “We looked at Massage Envy, we looked at lash bars, and family entertainment franchises. When we came upon Sport Clips, I knew it was the right choice. It was a manager-based business model, which was my wheelhouse, and my sister was a manager of a few different hair salon brands, and Sport Clips was such a positive experience.”

Even during their process researching franchise opportunities, the couple found that the way Sport Clips treated them was far different than the other franchise concepts they were exploring at the same time.

“The other franchise opportunities made us feel like they were only interested in us for our money,” Melissa says. “With Sport Clips, it felt like they were trying to get to know us as people. They wanted to know about our family, our goals, and our values – and that’s exactly what we cared about. We wanted a brand with a strong culture, strong values, and proven track record.”

Melissa found that Sport Clips made good on their culture of support and Heart of a Champion ethos right away when she went to her initial training session.

“When I first came to the Team Lead training, I was drinking little sips of the Sport Clips Kool-Aid, but by the time I’d graduated, I was drinking whole gulps,” she says, with a laugh. “The level of support at every level of the business model has been phenomenal.”

Melissa is focused on creating a culture of care and support in her store. This means visiting her store frequently, and making her stylists feel like valued members of her own family.

“It’s so important to make sure that my stylists feel important, because they truly are,” Melissa says. “I’m in my store often, and I like to make sure they feel appreciated. I give out gift certificates for hitting their goals or doing a great job, I bring coffee, and I listen to what they need. You have to create a culture of support with your stylists to retain them, and making them feel valued goes a long way.”

A little over one year into her new business, Melissa is ready to grow. Her experience in the business has given her confidence to expand into multi-unit ownership – and she’s already looking for a second location.

“I believe in Sport Clips so much that I told my Area Developer that I want all of the available territory,” Melissa says. “I’m very excited about the future, and can’t wait to keep growing.”

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!