In order for a new franchise location to become successful, the fit has
to be perfect for both the franchisor and the franchisee. This is the
philosophy that has guided Sport Clips for years, and while it’s
led to many quality candidates being turned down, even in the late stages
of the recruitment process, it can be hard to argue with the results it
has produced.
This philosophy is strongly espoused by Sport Clips’ Director of
Franchise Development, Jerry Eulentrop. When speaking to a new candidate
for the first time, he tries to deliver the message that he hopes that
they’ll find a good fit with Sport Clips, but ultimately the answer
to that question is one they’ll have to find for themselves. He
says, “My hope is they better understand the value proposition of
any offering, not just Sport Clips. Maybe there is something else that
is a better fit for them. To decide that for themselves, they need all
the relevant information. I don’t want to see them struggle in a
model that doesn’t fit their financial and lifestyle goals. That
isn’t what is right for them and that isn’t what is right
for the brand.”
Indeed, the ideal candidate for a Sport Clips franchisee is someone who
is dedicated and willing to work hard, but is willing to do so on the
terms of a business model that has shown consistent success when it has
been properly executed. “It’s about finding out if the brand
and the candidate are a mutual fit and that is only possible if they validate
everything on their own, independent of what I tell them,” Eulentrop
says. “Trust but verify. Candidates should look for consistency
across the board, from operations to owners to the company’s leadership.”
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
Mr. Eulentrop says he likes to take a tour guide approach when speaking
with new potential franchisee candidates. Rather than trying to give them
the hard sell on a model that may or may not fit what they want out of
an investment program, he simply wants to arm them with the information
and let them figure out whether they’re the right fit for themselves.
Those who are will complete the rigorous and thorough selection process
and be granted the right to a new store.
But what makes an ideal candidate? The Sport Clips model isn’t made
for just anyone with some capital that they’d like to invest with
the hopes of being able to pull a living out of it. The Sport Clips model
takes dedication and patience to pursue properly—candidates who
have rigid timelines and hardline goals for what they expect and when
are most likely not going to succeed in it. Eulentrop says the ideal candidate
needs to “Define their goals, both midterm and long term, and understand
what getting there looks like. Having a clear picture of their responsibility
in regard to the business opportunity and whether it aligns with their
values is key.”
There are several different factors that weigh in this regard. Some people
choose to invest in a franchise simply because they’re banking on
a trustworthy name to help their money grow on the path to financial security.
Others look into particular franchises because of the lifestyle they can
promise—flexible hours, the ability to be your own boss, and do
all of this without having to spend the stressful and often thankless
years developing a business name and reputation. Sport Clips franchises
offer many of the same benefits, but also require a considerable amount
of responsibility and dedication.
Eulentrop continues “They also need to determine if the salon environment
is something they will enjoy. It is a very different environment than
construction or ice cream. This is a people-first business model. They
must be comfortable managing and growing people.” Indeed successful
Sport Clips franchises are dependent on the people that make them run,
including the barbers and hairstylists that are hired on to work at each
location. Franchise owners must be comfortable working with and developing
their staff.
The Proof Is In the Numbers
While this selection process may be extremely rigorous, the success is
undeniable. If you’re looking for proof, look no further than the
brand’s
exceptional continuity rate, one of the key metrics to consider when weighing a franchise opportunity’s
health and investment growth potential. Over the three years ending with
the year 2016, Sport Clips carried a 99.7 percent continuity rate, one
of the strongest of any franchise opportunity in the country.
As a result, franchisees who are selected upon completion of their Discovery
Day are generally given an opportunity that’s both personally-fulfilling
and financially-rewarding. Eulentrop concludes, “Seeing a person
who came to this process burned out from their corporate job, wanting
to build something for themselves and their family, actually be able to
quit their day job and grow their business, that is very rewarding. And
with Sport Clips I get to see it a lot.”
For more information about becoming a Sport Clips, Inc. franchisee,
click here to learn more!
