(Disclosure; I have helped Great Clips find franchisees, and I occasionally help them with some niche marketing.)
During a recession, especially during long, drawn out ones like we're experiencing now, there are always a few franchise businesses that seem to thrive. Some franchise chains are even growing, which is refreshing news in the midst of a pretty negative economic news cycle. Read this short article from The Washington Post, and come on back.
My late father, (Jerry Libava) and I, helped Minneapolis based franchisor, *Great Clips, sell out Northeast Ohio. What that means is that Great Clips development directors like Butch Gladden, aren't accepting new applications for new franchise owners in our area.
When I first started my franchise consulting career, my father told me that "Great Clips is a best in class franchise system." He was right; working closely with them over the years, proved it. But why?
- Well, for one thing, their business model rocks. How many opportunities do you know of that allow you to keep your full-time job, while starting a business? As a matter of fact, if you're in middle management or even higher up on the corporate ladder, it can be a wonderful way to start building a business, while you still have decent income coming in by way of a paycheck.
By the way, and this is really important;
- Great Clips franchisees have no hair care experience or background. (Nor did they ever see themselves becoming owners of a hair salon!)
- Great Clips doesn't award franchises to just anybody. They are very selective. Being selective helps their bottom line.
- They prefer folks that are interested in becoming multi-unit owners. In other words, they want franchisees who are aggressive with their growth plans, and won't be happy with just one store. Plus, great franchisees know how to capitalize on great promotions from the corporate office.
There's actually several more things that make Great Clips a top-shelf franchisor. But, you don't have to believe me when I tell you that Great Clips is a 1st class organization. Ask any franchise industry professional. Heck, ask a * Great Clips franchisee.
