Children’s hair salon franchise Pigtails & Crewcuts recently held its National Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona, which featured a “Back to the Future” theme. Franchisees, managers and corporate staff came together to celebrate 20 years in business and discuss the future of the brand.
“We wanted to go back and really see where we’ve been, how we’ve evolved as a company and what we’re going to do for the next 20 years,” said Michelle Holliman, Vice President of Franchise Development. “It was about memory lane and momentum at the same time.”
The convention kicked off with a “State of the Company” address from CEO Wade Brannon and a video featuring early franchisees reflecting on how far the brand has come. The sessions highlighted the evolution of Pigtails & Crewcuts’ marketing and rebranding efforts, including a look back at the original logo, collateral and the growth of the brand’s beloved mascots, Penny and Charlie.
“This year’s event was about more than celebration; it was an opportunity for franchise owners and managers to learn, collaborate, and grow together,” said Holliman. “They exchanged insights, shared strategies, and connected over meals. It’s this kind of relationship-building that makes the Pigtails & Crewcuts network so strong, leaving franchisees with new ideas and lasting connections.”
A key moment from the convention was the introduction of Pigtails University, a new training platform with videos and resources for franchisees and their teams. “That is going to be the next step in our training program,” said Holliman. “Pigtails University brings all the tools, resources, and continuing education our franchisees and their teams need into one place. They can take courses, watch videos, and access everything required to grow and succeed.”
This year’s convention also included sessions specifically for salon managers — a first for many. Twenty-seven managers joined the event to take part in breakout discussions on customer service, hiring, and social media.
Holliman says that the true power of the convention comes from the in-person connections that form between franchisees. While the corporate team offers extensive support, the networking between franchisees is what keeps them thriving.
“It’s invaluable for our franchisees to connect, whether they’re in their first year or their 18th,” said Holliman. “They can learn from each other, put names to faces, and benefit from the peer-to-peer support that strengthens our entire network.”
This sense of family has become one of Pigtails & Crewcuts’ strongest assets. Franchise owners frequently meet up outside of formal events, visiting each other’s salons to share advice and celebrate successes. Holliman says that during the convention, several franchisees even discussed visiting each other’s locations to exchange best practices on hiring and retail sales.
"Some of them are even going on vacations with each other. Not to be cliche, but it's family," Holliman said. "They are really relying on each other because, although we're always here for them, they may be going through the same struggles as one another."
The three-day event wrapped up with an 80s-themed anniversary dinner, a DJ-led dance party and an awards ceremony celebrating top performers. The evening underscored both the fun and the fulfillment of being part of the brand. Holliman says that the enthusiasm carried well beyond the final day of the conference.
“Our franchisees left the event motivated and energized,” said Holliman. “Several shared that they were inspired to move forward with opening additional locations and that’s the impact these gatherings have.”
Attendees also participated in a vendor expo with 17 exhibitors, offering new tools, products and marketing resources for their salons.
As Pigtails & Crewcuts looks to 2026 and beyond, Holliman says the corporate team is focused on new initiatives that will further strengthen the franchise system and enhance support for owners nationwide. The convention was a reminder of how far the brand has come — and how much potential lies ahead.
“The excitement and motivation that come out of these events is incredible,” said Holliman. “When our franchisees feel seen, supported and celebrated, that’s when the magic really happens.”
Pigtails & Crewcuts has always been about more than haircuts. The Scottsdale convention showed how much the brand values family, friendship and helping each other succeed.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit 1851franchise.com/pigtailsandcrewcuts.
Pigtails & Crewcuts
SPONSORED
At this year’s convention in Scottsdale, Arizona, franchisees reconnected, recharged and reaffirmed why owning a Pigtails & Crewcuts salon is as emotionally fulfilling as it is financially rewarding.
Children’s hair salon franchise Pigtails & Crewcuts recently held its National Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona, which featured a “Back to the Future” theme. Franchisees, managers and corporate staff came together to celebrate 20 years in business and discuss the future of the brand.
“We wanted to go back and really see where we’ve been, how we’ve evolved as a company and what we’re going to do for the next 20 years,” said Michelle Holliman, Vice President of Franchise Development. “It was about memory lane and momentum at the same time.”
The convention kicked off with a “State of the Company” address from CEO Wade Brannon and a video featuring early franchisees reflecting on how far the brand has come. The sessions highlighted the evolution of Pigtails & Crewcuts’ marketing and rebranding efforts, including a look back at the original logo, collateral and the growth of the brand’s beloved mascots, Penny and Charlie.
“This year’s event was about more than celebration; it was an opportunity for franchise owners and managers to learn, collaborate, and grow together,” said Holliman. “They exchanged insights, shared strategies, and connected over meals. It’s this kind of relationship-building that makes the Pigtails & Crewcuts network so strong, leaving franchisees with new ideas and lasting connections.”
A key moment from the convention was the introduction of Pigtails University, a new training platform with videos and resources for franchisees and their teams. “That is going to be the next step in our training program,” said Holliman. “Pigtails University brings all the tools, resources, and continuing education our franchisees and their teams need into one place. They can take courses, watch videos, and access everything required to grow and succeed.”
This year’s convention also included sessions specifically for salon managers — a first for many. Twenty-seven managers joined the event to take part in breakout discussions on customer service, hiring, and social media.
Holliman says that the true power of the convention comes from the in-person connections that form between franchisees. While the corporate team offers extensive support, the networking between franchisees is what keeps them thriving.
“It’s invaluable for our franchisees to connect, whether they’re in their first year or their 18th,” said Holliman. “They can learn from each other, put names to faces, and benefit from the peer-to-peer support that strengthens our entire network.”
This sense of family has become one of Pigtails & Crewcuts’ strongest assets. Franchise owners frequently meet up outside of formal events, visiting each other’s salons to share advice and celebrate successes. Holliman says that during the convention, several franchisees even discussed visiting each other’s locations to exchange best practices on hiring and retail sales.
"Some of them are even going on vacations with each other. Not to be cliche, but it's family," Holliman said. "They are really relying on each other because, although we're always here for them, they may be going through the same struggles as one another."
The three-day event wrapped up with an 80s-themed anniversary dinner, a DJ-led dance party and an awards ceremony celebrating top performers. The evening underscored both the fun and the fulfillment of being part of the brand. Holliman says that the enthusiasm carried well beyond the final day of the conference.
“Our franchisees left the event motivated and energized,” said Holliman. “Several shared that they were inspired to move forward with opening additional locations and that’s the impact these gatherings have.”
Attendees also participated in a vendor expo with 17 exhibitors, offering new tools, products and marketing resources for their salons.
As Pigtails & Crewcuts looks to 2026 and beyond, Holliman says the corporate team is focused on new initiatives that will further strengthen the franchise system and enhance support for owners nationwide. The convention was a reminder of how far the brand has come — and how much potential lies ahead.
“The excitement and motivation that come out of these events is incredible,” said Holliman. “When our franchisees feel seen, supported and celebrated, that’s when the magic really happens.”
Pigtails & Crewcuts has always been about more than haircuts. The Scottsdale convention showed how much the brand values family, friendship and helping each other succeed.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit 1851franchise.com/pigtailsandcrewcuts.
Sign up for the 1851 Franchise newsletter to get our biggest stories before everyone else
By signing up, you agree to our user agreement (including class action waiver and arbitration provisions), and acknowledge our privacy policy.
No related articles found
