Thinking about becoming a franchisee? Excited about the opportunities out there but overwhelmed with what you need to know? We’re here to help: The Great Clips Leadership Blog is presenting a series of informational posts about how franchising works.
When new or prospective franchisees hear the word “training,” they often think of training their staff. And while that’s important, there’s another type of training that’s just as critical—your own.
Years ago, I heard a phrase that has stuck with me: “The best franchise organizations make franchisees feel like they’re never alone. If they wanted to be alone, they wouldn’t have become franchisees.” This sentiment is especially true when you’re just getting started. Early connections between franchisee and franchisor lay the foundation for a successful business relationship—and a successful business—for years to come.
At Great Clips, we believe the key to your success as a franchisee is providing access to comprehensive support and training as soon as possible after signing the franchise agreement. Our onboarding program—called Quick Connect—is designed to do just that, helping you quickly learn the essentials of owning a walk-in hair salon.
The process kicks off with the Starting Off Great phone call, where a Great Clips operations team member welcomes you. This call isn’t just a friendly hello; it’s the first step in sharing essential information and setting clear expectations.
The operations team member will also introduce training tools and programs, such as:
· INsite+: This is our internal website with everything you need to get started and to stay connected throughout your Great Clips journey.
· Great Clips University (GCU): GCU has courses for you to learn just about anything—from tips on real estate site selection to marketing best practices to salon operations.
· Academy: This is the initial training program stylists attend to learn how to cut hair using the Great Clips system. (You’ll also learn the basics, but don’t worry—you won’t have to cut hair!)
· Leading Excellence and Developing Staff (LEADS, also known as Manager Training): LEADS training equips you with the leadership and operational skills needed to manage a salon—or collaborate effectively with your salon manager. This training focuses on critical areas like scheduling, staff development, and customer service, while also preparing you to lead successfully, hold your team accountable, and drive long-term performance.
· Building Your Legacy (BYL): BYL helps you lay the groundwork for building a legacy business. At Great Clips, “legacy” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s part of our promise to franchisees: Great Clips inspires you to achieve your legacy. For you to do that, you’ll learn about the company, the expectations of being a franchisee, and how to build a great foundation for your business.
MORE: The Great Clips Advantage: Support and Training
Ongoing Support
The training doesn’t stop there. We offer ongoing development opportunities for all levels of the business: stylist trend updates, manager workshops, General Manager trainings, and of course, our Great Clips conventions.
When exploring franchise opportunities, pay close attention to the onboarding program. A great franchisor invests in your success from day one, offering the tools, support, and community you need to thrive. This kind of commitment is a clear sign of a strong, dependable partner who cares about helping you build a successful business.
That’s a snapshot of how Great Clips onboards its franchisees. If you have any questions or want to start your franchising journey with Great Clips right now, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Beth Nilssen
Director of Franchise Development | Great Clips, Inc.
800-947-1143 | [email protected]
MORE: A detailed description of onboarding and support of new franchisees is on our website. Start here to read about the technology and support and training every franchisee—both new and veteran—has access to.