-small.jpg)
There aren’t many people who will tell you being laid off twice in
one year is a positive thing, but for David Weseman it was. That year
served as a catalyst for change in his life, putting him on the path to
achieve his personal and family financial goals.
Weseman says, “After the second layoff, I knew I was done working
for someone else.”
Initially writing off the idea of a franchise investment, Weseman says,
“I had zero interest in it, but after educating myself on what business
options were out there, I eventually came around to the idea. It just
made sense with my goals.”
He continues, “I narrowed my search down to two industries, tanning
and haircare. Since the brand wasn’t yet in my area, I had my dad
go get a haircut at his local Sport Clips Haircuts. He told me he would
go there from now on. My dad said it was a better haircut than he had
ever gotten, it was more affordable, and it was closer. I decided Sport
Clips was worth looking into.”
After attending other franchise
Discovery Days to learn more about other brands in the industry, Weseman says, “It
was clear Sport Clips’
training materials and support were head and shoulders above everyone else. I also got a better feel
from the leadership and company culture. I knew this was a good fit.
“The brand’s semi-absentee business model also offered the
work life balance that had been missing. In my previous career, I was
traveling for business a lot. I missed out on a lot. I wanted more family
time.”
Today, Weseman and his wife Becky are independent area developers for Sport
Clips, covering a large region of the Midwest. They have gained a wealth
of knowledge throughout their 16 years of experience helping to grow the
185 stores in their development area. Together, with their team of 14
coaches, they provide incomparable support to team leaders (franchisees)
in their region.
In addition to being area developers, the Wesemans also own three stores.
“Having stores ourselves helps us walk the talk, so to speak. Having
that operational experience helps us better support our team leaders.
We understand what challenges they are facing and can give them applicable
next steps,” says Weseman.
Recently, a tremendous opportunity has emerged in the Weseman’s development
area. Sport Clips’ strong brand presence in the market combined
with recent population increase and development in the area has led to
the reopening of the Denver market for franchise growth with the brand.
Previously closed as part of
the brand’s responsible growth strategy, the market’s reopening provides the right entrepreneurs the opportunity
to get into this established market where brand recognition is already
high. Area retail landlords are eager to work with Sport Clips because
of its well-known reputation of being good tenants. And the market’s
professional and college teams are a big draw for the area's avid
sports fan. No doubt about it, Sport Clips and Denver are a good fit.
Weseman has some advice for anyone considering taking that next step toward
business ownership, “Understand how the business operates and make
sure the model is something you are comfortable with.”
He adds, “Don’t get hung up on where your store is. We will
find you a site. There is an abundance of prime real estate in the Denver
market. It is about whether this offering is a good fit for you. The rest
falls into place.”
Sixteen years after joining Sport Clips, Weseman couldn’t be happier
with his decision. No longer subject to the whims of corporate America,
Weseman has created financial stability, along with the work-life balance
he was missing. Along with their team, the Wesemans are helping others
create the same for themselves in the newly re-opened Denver market.
For more information about the Denver market, or others,
click here.
