Franchisor Spotlight: Meet Supercuts

FranchiseWorks presents SuperCuts, the next franchisor to be featured on our Franchisor Spotlight Series. As a leading resource for prospective entrepreneurs, FranchiseWorks is dedicated to providing information that any individual can use to find the right franchise or business opportunity for them.

Supercuts has been in business since the late 1970’s.  We are the brand that started it all in the value segment of the hair care industry, Supercuts has gone through a lot of change in the last 40 years. What makes us different and unique has never changed, and that is our commitment to our stylists and the guest experience.  Our proprietary training program is the best in the industry, and our training is what ensures a positive guest experience, which is how our franchisees build successful businesses, one guest at a time!  Supercuts was acquired by Regis Corp. in 1996.  Regis Corp. is the global leader in the hair care industry with over 9,000 salons worldwide.  We bring the strength and resource of Regis Corp. to the relationship to help Supercuts franchisees be successful. Our goal in the Regis Corp. Franchise Division is to help franchisees build successful businesses, one salon at a time.

Kurt Landwehr, Vice President Franchise Development for Supercuts:

How are you more than just haircuts?

At Supercuts we do more than just haircuts. We provide haircuts, color, and other miscellaneous services to meet the needs of both our male and female guests, of which 70% are male, and 30% are female. We feel that it is a big differentiator from our competitors and gives our franchisees a unique advantage.

How many franchised units do you have?

We have over 1,400 franchised location and nearly 1,100 corporate locations, combined Supercuts is a brand of approximately 2,500 salons and growing quickly. We anticipate that we will open 250+ salons in FY2016.

Are you available in Canada and Internationally?

Supercuts is an international brand with salons in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. We are growing aggressively in Canada.

What are the competitive advantages of your business?

There are many things that make Supercuts unique.  From our Hair Stylist Academy Training Program, our range of services we provide our guests, to our hot towel finish, all are points of differentiation between us and our competitors.  In addition, Regis Corp. signs all Supercuts leases, giving us a big advantage in securing the best sites for franchisees. Finally, Supercuts is backed by Regis Corp., the global leader in the hair care industry with unmatched expertise and resources that help franchisees build successful businesses.

What are the desired qualities of your ideal candidate?

Supercuts is not about cutting hair, it’s about building a business. Our franchisees are not technicians. They hire full-time managers that run the day-to-day operations and leave the servicing of our guests to the manager and team of well trained, professional stylists. The role of our franchisees is to work on their business not in their business. The franchisee is behind the scenes running the business side of their business, working on: marketing, real estate, operations and finance issues. The qualities we look for in evaluating a franchisee is their ability to manage, motivate and lead teams of stylists. We also look for people who have a strong desire to succeed and who can have a positive impact on their community. 

What do you hope for the future of Supercuts?

At Supercuts we are growing very quickly.  We have added approximately 400 new franchisees in the last four years.  We opened 200 new salons in our most recent fiscal year and hope to exceed that number in 2016. We have franchisees who own as many as 60, 80 and even 100 units. Many of our franchisees are now multi-generational and are grooming not only their children but also their grandchildren to take over the Supercuts business.

Learn more about Supercuts and how to become a part of the Supercuts franchise!

Franchisor Spotlight: Meet Good Feet

As a leading resource for prospective entrepreneurs, FranchiseWorks is dedicated to providing information that any individual can use to find the right franchise or business opportunity for them. FranchiseWorks is excited to present our Franchisor Spotlight series, which will highlight various franchisors and their mission.

For over 20 years, The Good Feet Store has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for people who are experiencing varying degrees of pain -- often severe-- related to the problems with their feet.  For some, simply being out of pain is the end result. For others, it is restoring them to an active life of work and play. Our core belief and unwavering commitment is to improve the quality of people’s lives, to live the life they love—without letting their feet get in the way. 

Interview with Neal Weiss, Director of Franchise Development

How has your company evolved since the first store in San Diego, California in 1995?

Over the past twenty years, we’ve served over 1 million people within the US and Internationally. We’ve continued to refine the quality of our products and our skills. Building off of our four initial styles of foot supports, Good Feet has expanded to over 20 different styles, and manufacture them ourselves, here in Carlsbad CA.

What is your number one selling product?

Our number one selling support is the Classic. It’s the support that started Good Feet and has literally changed people’s lives. Although the Classic is our number one selling support, our extensive selection of arch supports is designed to accommodate the customer's lifestyle, shoes, and activities.

How many franchised units do you have?

Good Feet currently has 106 locations throughout the US and growing.

Are you available in Canada and Internationally?

Yes, The Good Feet Store franchises are available in both Canada and Internationally, with prime territories available both domestically and globally.   

What are the competitive advantages of your business?

The Good Feet Store is the largest retail arch support franchise, Low Investment Cost, High Margins, Patented Products; we’re our own manufacturer, manufactured in the US, monthly advertising fund with no franchise fees. We’re experienced, proven and established and our free, no-obligation, personalized fitting is at the heart of our business.

What is the desired background/qualities of your ideal candidate?

-A passion for helping people, ambition.

-Financial capability, business management and/or marketing experience.

-Health/Wellness industry, retail sales experience.

-Ability to lead, yet follow a system, self-confidence.

-A strong belief in Good Feet products.

What do you hope for the future of Good Feet?

Further establish our leadership position in the retail arch support industry. Expand globally and continue our commitment to improving the quality of people’s lives – two feet at a time.

To learn more about The Good Feet Store, visit their blog and website!

Comfort Zones Aren't All That Comfortable

The origin of the phrase ‘comfort zone’ is a tricky one, mostly because we all have a personal definition and understanding of the term. But when it comes to performance, it’s relatively straightforward: the comfort zone is a behavioral state in which a person operates in an anxiety-neutral condition, using a limited set of behaviors to deliver a steady level of performance, usually without a sense of risk.

Risk is a key word here. When was the last time you took a risk? I don’t mean run over train tracks to beat the train or walk up to a salivating, growling street dog. It could be as uncomplicated as risking embarrassment at a karaoke bar or speaking up at your next business meeting. Stepping out of comfort zones don’t have to be momentous – it is simply a quick nod “yes” instead of the familiar hesitation.

Taking the plunge into unexplored zones can be liberating, enticingly mysterious and full of positive, life-changing encounters. Risk doesn’t end in just failure or embarrassment, it can be a chance for greatness and happiness. We know by now that inspiration appears in many forms. It can even lie in moments of discomfort — look for these opportunities and snatch them! Break free of the limitations you surround yourself with, sleep each night with no regrets and realize control of different situations are easier to maintain with an open perspective.

Comfort zones are self-created. We choose where the lines fall or if they even have to be there at all. Next time you find yourself hesitating, take a moment. You are a wonderful, resilient, capable, courageous individual. Allow that to show in all facets of life and live each day to its fullest!

If you want to try and measure your comfort zone, there’s a website for that. See it here.


Are you ready to get started? Perhaps it’s time for a free consultation. FranNet has a great track record of assisting individuals on their path to business ownership. Make arrangements to speak with one of our representatives today!

Consider the Legal and Financial Aspects of Owning a Franchise

As with any major investment, the best decision can be made only if you’re as informed as possible. You need to spend a good deal of time researching, interviewing and exploring your options -- and a part of the process is determining what the legal and financial aspects are.

As your focus gets more serious with the idea of owning your own franchise, you need to genuinely look at your financials and propose a budget with which you feel comfortable. Research the many options you have, like the Self-Directed 401K option or loans. Financing a franchise may be considered a lower risk investment, mostly because franchises have proven track records and an established trademark and brand. That being said, it is still crucial that you prepare an in-depth business plan and explore a range of options so you commit to the one that makes the most sense for your budget.

The two main documents you must be aware of are the Franchise Disclosure Document (or FDD) and the Franchise Agreement. The FDD provides prospective franchisees with specific information about the franchisor, the franchise system and the agreements that lead to an informed decision. The law requires franchisors to show you the FDD before any franchise is sold. The Franchise Agreement goes into a little different detail than the FDD, specifically on the relationship between the franchisee and the franchisor.

There are various matters that need to be observed in your decision, which is why FranNet suggests you seek the advice of an experienced franchise attorney and financial advisor. They will help you decide the appropriate investigations for any franchise you are interested in and will offer exposure for the legal documentation that will be used to implement the transaction.

Are you ready to get started? Perhaps it’s time for a free consultation . FranNet has a great track record of assisting individuals on their path to business ownership. Make arrangements to speak with one of our representatives today!

Is It Possible To Own A Franchise After Years In The Workforce?

However, you’re the only one who can convince your stubborn, scared self that it’s possible. Spending years in corporate America or working for other small/large businesses doesn’t have to cripple your franchise ownership dreams. In fact, the experience and knowledge you’ve gained to this point will prove to be very useful! At FranNet, we want you to know that it is certainly not time lost – look at it instead as time preparing for this new path.

Think about your current social circle and the activities with which you are involved. Slowly start to transition it all toward your new franchise goals. Look for local franchising events – they will provide opportunities to become acquainted with the right people who will then refer you to the right places, provide you with resources and contacts as well as give valid advice.

Do your research and look for a consultant to guide and help you toward a field that is right for you. See what’s out there and get to know the players. Your current skill set will without a doubt align with a franchise. You may watch online seminars and read several blogs by current franchisees and discover where your budget and needs will fit into the industry.

Keep moving forward. The only guaranteed roadblock that will stand in the way of owning a franchise is you. Don’t continue to sit and wait with the expectation that it will someday change. There is an appropriate amount of due diligence and testing that comes with the process, but ask for help and afterwards go through with it. Can you really own a franchise after years in the workforce? Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! The real question is: where do I sign?

Do you feel that you’re ready to get started? Let FranNet connect you with the business you’ve been looking for. Ask us about a free consultation. Our purpose is to connect the dots and make the transition from corporate employment to the freedom of business ownership manageable and safe.

How Big Is Franchising Anyway?

The number of franchise establishments in the United States has grown to 781,794 – the highest it has ever been. Along with the steady growth, the International Franchising Association (IFA) projects the industry to continuing its impressive expansion for a fifth consecutive year.

When talking about the franchise industry, some may debate the many benefits of such an investment while others will cautiously warn against getting involved. The truth is, there are both positives and negatives to owning a franchise and it depends almost entirely on the person and the process. However, after the extensive research the IFA completed, no one can deny the numbers for 2015. The number of direct jobs in franchise establishments will increase 2.9%, from 8.6 million to 8.8 million jobs. The monetary output of franchise establishments will increase 5.4% in nominal dollars from $844 billion to $889 billion.

From: Entrepreneurs Source

In an article by the Wall Street Journal, the percentage of women that become franchisees are 28.1% vs. the 71.9% of men. The median age of franchise owners is between 45 and 54, with 12% younger than 34 and 28% over the age of 55. When it comes to education level, 44% of franchise owners have a bachelor’s degree and a significantly less 19% hold an advanced degree.

Franchising is becoming a more appealing option for entrepreneurs who are ready to be a business owner, but don’t want to go through the hassle of beginning a business completely from scratch. After extensive research and counseling, finding a franchise can prove to be a very rewarding experience – for both your heart and wallet.

Do you want to be your own boss? Perhaps it’s time for a free consultation. FranNet has a great track record of assisting individuals on their path to business ownership. Make arrangements to speak with one of our representatives today!

Be Honest About How You Dodge The Truth

What triggers a person to lie? There are those we tell ourselves, those to get ahead, white lies, broken promises, exaggeration, deceptions, compulsive lying -- there are several ways to go about it. In Bella DePaulo’s Ph.D. research, she found people lie during one in five of their daily interactions. Pamela Meyer, author of Liespotting, says in her TED Talk that we’re lied to about 10 to 200 times a day! This leads us to wonder: how honest is our world?

As Meyer goes on to say in her TED talk, lying is a complex feature that is woven into the fabric of our history and our modern lives. She describes several indicators that unravel deception and arms people with the tools needed to spot lies. Lying in any form is serious, not just for our personal lives. Lying can be one of the main causes for the failure of your small business and why you aren’t living your ideal future.

How familiar does this sound: “it's too late to change direction now.” You’ve spent several years in a career you hate and the idea of change seems impossible – you’re convinced it’s too late. This is a lie! There isn’t a time of life that serves as an imaginary cut off point, age doesn't play a role in accomplishing your goals. What you do with your future is not permanently set in stone. If you want change in your life, go for it!

Your business needs to remain credible, and lying will never fail to ruin that. Stay credible by following through with your promises and remaining authentic. It’s okay for your goals to be reasonably aggressive, but when you're making a commitment make sure you do what you say you're going to do. Also, try to lay off the exaggeration. Stay honest and the customers will take notice, stretch the truth and the customers will see that too. 92% of consumers believe recommendations from friends and family over all forms of advertising: make sure what they say about you is good.

“I hate my job now, but I will be happy as soon as I [get the promotion/finish the project/collect my bonus/etc.]” Which is it? Small fixes are temporary boosters when it comes to feeling fulfilled, but you have to think long-term. Maybe this means starting your own business, or changing your businesses company culture or pursuing your true passions. Don’t wait for something you hate to suddenly get better, only you can remake your situation.

Question your narrative, discover what lies you tell yourself or to others. The truth will certainly lead to a more fulfilling, positive outcome. Find security in your authenticity -- honesty is the path to a happier, healthier you.

Do you feel that you’re ready to get started? Let FranNet connect you with the business you’ve been looking for. Ask us about a free consultation with a qualified and experienced franchise consultant. Our purpose is to connect the dots and make the transition from corporate employment to the freedom of business ownership manageable and safe.

Get Your Business Back On Track

Owning your own business is a daily effort to keep revenue up and the client list strong. However, sometimes the money isn't where you want it to be and client aren't coming through the door as often as your would like. If you have been trying to figure out how to save your failing business, remember that nothing is impossible. It’s not too late and there are some tips that other owners have used to save their business.

The first thing you need to do is identify the problem. This is where many people fall short. Grant Cardone, the "Turnaround King" and author of several books, has made a career of turning around failing companies and making them profitable again. After 25 years he knows a thing or two about identifying the root cause.

"I've never seen the executives of a company have the right idea of what the problem is," he declares. "It's like talking to a drug addict about his problems: He'll blame everything but the drugs." So he says, "Before I meet with the management team I get some intel on the company."

It’s easier to blame the economy, a badly timed expansion, the government or anything other than your own decisions. If you really want to save your company, you can’t be afraid to point a finger inward and take responsibility for your actions.  That being said…

Maybe your staff or business partner needs to be revisited as well. You can’t run a business solo, which means a smart and motivated team is crucial to the success of your business. Make sure you trust their intentions for the company and look for those who have the initiative to take on problems and quickly solve them. Along those lines, reevaluate your clients and cut lose the ones that are draining your time and energy with little return.

Scrutinize your financials and make some tough cutting decisions. It’s time to trim the waste, time is money and so it the late payments on loans, credit card processing fees, personal salary, membership fees on certain business credit cards, paper and energy-sucking appliances. If you’re finding it hard to stay above water, you have to sacrifice something to throw overboard.

Know all of your options and keep your cool, it’s not too late to save your business. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, stay focused and get creative – you will turn it around and learn from what happened.

Do you feel that you’re ready to get started? Let FranNet connect you with the business you’ve been looking for. Ask us about a free consultation with a qualified and experienced franchise consultant. Our purpose is to connect the dots and make the transition from corporate employment to the freedom of business ownership manageable and safe.

Uncover Powerful Ideas

Inspiration. It seems abundant one day and scarce the next, its unreliable tendencies taunt you constantly and it’s starting to show in your business. Take a moment and try this: stop obsessing over the need for a new idea, back away from your desk and take a walk. Powerful ideas are not hiding, they definitely aren’t avoiding you and their ability to strike fear into your heart ends now.

Inspiration is wild and trying to tame it defeats the whole purpose! The awe and wonder you feel after listening to a symphony wasn’t jotted down 20 minutes earlier, “to be felt later at the symphony.” The vibrant purples and pinks of a sunset don’t glow by appointment. Instead, you pause because it strikes you immediately and disrupts your routine in the best way possible. The connection between the two is the lack of control you have in their existence. Your mind is genuinely inspired by the new sensory input, and this is what you must accept about inspiration. It is literally all around you and cannot be planned or controlled.

Does this mean there’s no hope for your business? Certainly not! If you need more innovation, the best thing to do is cultivate an environment that will encourage these bursts of inspiration. Have creativity-boosting sessions with enticing visuals, office games/exercises and brainstorms. This will undoubtedly change up your routine, and that is just what we want it to do! Don’t stress over how to make your company more appealing, start with the little changes. With the freedom of expression churning internally, your clients will quickly pick up on the differences externally.

The last step after you decide on something is to follow through. Change can be very uncomfortable, but use the support of your team and deliver on your promises. Also remember that you aren’t alone and your coworkers are priceless when it comes to freshening up your business. They spend just as much time involved with keeping the business running and have much to offer. Get together, toss around thoughts and change your routine and inspiration will surely follow.

Do you feel that you’re ready to get started? Let FranNet connect you with the business you’ve been looking for. Ask us about a free consultation with a qualified and experienced franchise consultant. Our purpose is to connect the dots and make the transition from corporate employment to the freedom of business ownership manageable and safe.