How Pigtails & Crewcuts Offers Top-Notch Support to Its Franchisees

From Day One, Pigtails & Crewcuts, the 80-plus-unit kids salon franchise that offers quality haircuts for boys and girls aged zero to 12, provides unparalleled support for its franchisees. New salon owners have direct access to a Franchise Support Specialist (FSS) team, who are there to provide personalized guidance through the pre-launch phase to the grand opening and beyond. The team harnesses over 75 years of collective expertise to guide franchisees through every aspect of this business, including training, quality assurance, day-to-day operational support, marketing plans and financial performances, budgets, and KPIs. .  

"Our team prides themselves on the support process and always being readily available for any questions,” said Morgan Saimeri, Operations Support Coordinator for Pigtails & Crewcuts. “We're great at holding their hand throughout the process, making it less nerve-wracking or overwhelming for first-time franchisees."

Strong Support From the Get-Go

Pigtails & Crewcuts has mastered the art of pre-opening support, ensuring that aspiring entrepreneurs receive the guidance they need every step of the way. With a team dedicated to personalized assistance and unwavering commitment to franchisee success, Pigtails & Crewcuts sets the standard for comprehensive support in the industry.

At the forefront of this support system is Hannah Swanson, Franchise Development Coordinator. Swanson is the initial point of contact for prospective franchisees and is tasked with ushering them through the discovery process. She serves as a vital resource until the moment the franchise agreement is signed.

Meanwhile, Michelle Holliman, Vice President of Franchise Development, provides unwavering support throughout the discovery process, ensuring that potential franchisees feel empowered and informed as they embark on their entrepreneurial journey.

Once franchisees sign the franchise agreement, attention shifts to site selection — an essential aspect of establishing a successful franchise. Here, Pigtails & Crewcuts distinguishes itself by offering hands-on assistance. Whether it's a single or multi-unit endeavor, franchisees receive personalized guidance to determine the optimal territory for their venture.

Notably, President and CEO Wade Brannon takes a hands-on approach to real estate matters. His personal involvement includes scrutinizing every lease, a testament to the company's commitment to ensuring franchisees are equipped to navigate unfamiliar territory. 

Recognizing that many franchisees are new to such processes, Pigtails & Crewcuts offers additional support through a national tenant rep, further streamlining the real estate journey.

As the site is secured, franchisees are assigned an FSS to walk them through the build-out phase. Pigtails & Crewcuts leaves no stone unturned in its support through this process. Franchisees engage in regular communication with their FSS, usually once or twice a week, throughout the build-out phase and equipment orders. The FSS works closely with them to ensure they have the necessary styling products and equipment.

Opening week is marked by intensive support, including staff meetings and financial guidance. The support team understands that many franchisees are navigating this process for the first time and prides itself on being readily available to address their concerns and alleviate their anxieties. 

Franchisees are also required to attend a week-long training session at the company's headquarters in Atlanta to ensure they are well-equipped to manage all aspects of the business. This session is led by Theresa Vona, Vice President of Franchise Support and Marketing.

A Commitment To Ongoing Support 

Even after the salon is open, weekly calls continue in order to focus on marketing strategies. These professional relationships often evolve into friendships, with the support team closely monitoring salon performance and offering assistance during the ramp-up period, which typically lasts from six months to a year. 

“At headquarters, we are very passionate about this business and franchise support because we have grown relationships into friendships and we want them to succeed as much as they do,” said Saimeri. “We are always on their team.” 

FSS Andrew Conner conducts weekly meetings with franchisees, covering various aspects of salon management such as point of sale systems and marketing strategies. The support team also includes Christopher Jennings, our Social Media Coordinator, and Ben Rigel, who currently serves as an FSS and is transitioning into a real estate role within the development department. Our support extends beyond FSS interactions, as franchisees also engage with us as needed for ongoing training and marketing initiatives. 

Pigtails & Crewcuts emphasizes a close-knit team dynamic, ensuring that franchisees have multiple avenues for support and assistance. The company’s ethos, as articulated by Brannon, is that Pigtails & Crewcuts corporate is in the “franchise support industry” and will always prioritize franchisee success and profitability.

Helping Franchisees Reach Their Individual Goals

Pigtails & Crewcuts recognizes that franchisees have diverse goals, ranging from scaling up with multi-unit ownership to establishing an exit strategy. Success is defined uniquely for each franchisee, and the support team aims to tailor its assistance accordingly. 

“Our success is our franchisee's success,” said Swanson. “That’s something a lot of brands say, but it is so true with us. We're nothing without our franchisees being successful. It is literally our job to support them.”

For more information on franchising with Pigtails & Crewcuts, visit: https://1851franchise.com/pigtails-and-crewcuts/.