SoKy Local Business or "SoKybiz"

Great Clips had their ribbon cutting three doors down and I missed it. I was hunkered down in my cube scripting away and forgot all about it and they have a pretty cool story.

Great Clips is a franchise that two guys from TN (if I remember correctly) have opened and have another one in the works here in Bowling Green. From a conversation with one of the owners, I gleaned that they already have a few locations in Nashville. The owner I met was a really nice guy, open and willing to share. He was looking for another stylist and even offered discounts if we could help him find one. As it turns out, he was prevented from opening by the franchisor because he didn't have the minimum required employees. (That's an entirely different topic.)

I watched with great interest as they took the old Olan Mill's space in our strip mall. This was a space we decided not to rent because of the amount of work necessary to prepare it for our needs. Walls needed to be torn down, floor coverings & ceiling tiles replaced, and a lot of electrical work. We opted for a more open space that needed much less work. (Boy that worked out famously.)

It was most interesting to observe all the work taking place, I would see dollars being spent as each subcontractor busily prepared the store to open. Then the pre-designed franchise interior work began and furnishings installed as though from a kit. From the framed pictures on the wall to the boat sails that separated the stations, it was evident that it was a well planned process to get open.

I noticed that even while they were putting the finishing touches on the store, there was a group of people gathered around a plastic head with hair as they listened intently to the instructor demonstrate a cutting technique, or so it appeared. The big sign in the window announce the pending opening and the fact they were still looking for a few good stylists.

When they finally received the okey-dokey from the franchisor to open it really got interesting. They immediately canvassed the stores in our mall handing out coupons for hair cuts for $3.99. Freestanding signs were placed in strategic locations with the logo and the discount amount on them. Lawn signs sprung up everywhere and every car in our parking lot received a coupon under its windshield wiper for a few days. (I have mixed feelings about that strategy, to me it's akin to littering but that's not the point.)

I noticed on June 18th that there was a clown and a person in a Spiderman outfit waving at traffic on Scottsville Rd. I thought to myself that they are reading the franchise manual and executing it to a tee. I had seen the clown a few more times and then the really cool thing happened. One morning I noticed the "clown" setting up the freestanding signs and thought it looked like the owner I had met. In an attempt to confirm my suspicions I asked Carrie (my wife who sees all happenings in our parking lot), and she confirmed that it was in fact the owner of the franchise. That's when it hit me... "Would I do that to promote my business?"

My observations are that this owner is willing to do what it takes to make his business work. According to him, he pays his employees well. From what I've seen, he follows the guidance given by the franchisor, Joined the local Chamber of Commerce, spends money when necessary and will even don a clown outfit to draw attention to his new location. I must admit, I admire this fellow. I think he is a doer and no matter what it takes... he will give it a try to make his business work. He is invested with much more than money but with action.

Hats off to you neighbor, or Spidey mask, rainbow wig or whatever you're wearing on your head today.

Reference

• Great Clips. 2945 Scottsville Road (Kroger/K-Mart shopping center.)
• "Great Clips for hair" (Franchisor) http://www.greatclipsfranchise.com/
• Greenwood Properties (270)782-2152 : 996 Wilkinson Trace, Suite A-11 Bowling Green KY 42103

This was posted by SoKy : 9:56 AM