Great Clips’ Incoming President Plans to Fuel Growth for Both Franchisees and Consumers

For the past 35 years, Great Clips* has been raising the bar in the salon industry. The leading franchise has a long history of putting its customers first, creating a unique culture that’s attractive to consumers across North America. It’s clear that the brand’s approach to business development is working—Great Clips currently has more than 4,091 locations in the United States and Canada. And as the brand continues expanding in key development markets on both the domestic and international levels, Great Clips is poised for another successful year.

But the brand’s 2017 initiatives aren’t all focused on external growth—Great Clips is also experiencing growth within its own internal team. After more than six years as the CEO of Great Clips, Rhoda Olsen is giving up her title and transitioning into a new role as vice chair of the board at the end of the year. Great Clips’ current president, Steve Hockett, will take over as CEO, with current COO, Rob Goggins, taking the role of president.

These executive changes point to positive movement within the Great Clips system, especially given the expertise that each team member brings to the table. Goggins, for example, is no stranger to the franchising industry or the Great Clips brand. He got his start working for Service Brands International—now part of Dwyer Group—which is known for being behind franchises like Molly Maid, Mr. Handyman and ProTect Painters. Goggins worked in the franchise sales and development department at Service Brands before being recruited by Great Clips in 2007.

When Goggins first joined Great Clips as vice president of franchise development, the brand was welcoming around 50 new franchise salon owners to its system every year. Under his leadership, that number jumped to around 120 annually. Goggins took over the real estate department in 2011 before eventually becoming COO, adding operations and facilities and purchasing to his areas of responsibility. With his impending role as president, effective Jan. 1, 2018, Goggins looks forward to learning even more about all the Great Clips corporate team has to offer.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time to be a part of the Great Clips brand, and I’m looking forward to transitioning into this new role. I’m already becoming more involved in our marketing and communications groups, so I’m eager to learn more about that critical side of the business,” said Goggins. “There’s never been any doubt that Great Clips has one of the best corporate teams in the entire franchising industry. I’m excited to take on more responsibility and see what else I can do to make a positive impact across our system.”

Those positive changes are already starting to take shape—Goggins is focusing his efforts on boosting Great Clips’ digital presence and figuring out how to best leverage its national ad fund. By having a level of familiarity with the brand, its franchisees and its customers, Goggins will help ensure that Great Clips is continuing to build on the momentum and one-of-a-kind business ownership opportunity that the hair care franchise is known for.

“These leadership transitions tell a good story of positive growth for the Great Clips brand, and an ongoing commitment to leadership development. This thoughtful planning is ultimately what will set us up for a smooth succession at the end of the year,” said Beth Caron, director of franchise development at Great Clips. “Our franchisees are already familiar with Rhoda, Steve, and Rob, and understand the value of their combined strengths. It’s clear their new roles are a natural next step as we continue to grow.”

Great Clips has set its sights on impressive growth again in 2017. In its role as franchisor, Great Clips, Inc. continues to welcome new franchisees into its system and provide unrivaled support for its existing network of local owners. Between the organization’s experienced corporate team and strong brand awareness throughout the U.S. and expanding in Canada, the brand is attractive to consumers and franchisees alike. 

“Our top priorities are always focused on growth and helping our franchisees get more customers in their stores. We want to do everything that we possibly can to help our local owners be more profitable by delivering the experience Great Clips customers expect,” said Goggins. “As we prepare to step into our new roles, those priorities aren’t going to shift. There’s a lot of room for Great Clips to grow across the U.S. and Canada, and we’re looking forward to opening up salons in a variety of different communities.”