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On Casey Lackey&rsquo;s first day as manager of the Sport Clips Haircuts in Hickory, North Carolina, a precedent was set. Team Leader Patrick Hardy took Lackey out for a welcome lunch and he recalls their conversation, &ldquo;She told me &lsquo;You do your job. I will do mine. You do the numbers, and we will cut hair.&rsquo; And that is how it has been. Allowing her the autonomy to use her judgement and make creative decisions has been a game-changer in the store&rsquo;s success.&rdquo;

The store is a top performer in the Sport Clips network and has experienced strong year-over-year growth as sales and client counts continue to increase. It is clear to see this store has built a strong culture, one that fosters stylist retention and drives championship client experiences&hellip;so much so, they are coaching other stores in the area on how to create this in their own stores and helping them identify the individual roadblocks they may be facing.

The Hickory store hasn&rsquo;t always been this effective. Opened in 2003, Hardy took over in 2011. The store was an average performer until Lackey took the reins in the beginning of 2012. After a year of transition and getting its bearings, the team hit its stride and hasn&rsquo;t looked back.

At the heart of the growth and success, Hardy says, &ldquo;It comes down to culture and community. If we create a place where people want to be, then we are on the right track.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.sportclipsfranchise.com/why-sport-clips-/our-team-culture/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-case-study-on-creating-strong-in-store-culture-sport-clips-in-hickory-north-carolina-2705082#~w4U1R7" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The brand&rsquo;s clearly defined company culture and values</a> provide a foundation for building strong store culture.&rdquo;

Hardy speaks from experience. He owns 25 stores and has seen a lot of store cultures develop. This is impressive, especially considering he still maintains a full-time day job. <a href="http://www.sportclipsfranchise.com/why-sport-clips-/our-model/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-case-study-on-creating-strong-in-store-culture-sport-clips-in-hickory-north-carolina-2705082#~w4U1R7" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The effective, manager-led structure</a> the Sport Clips&#39; business model provides makes this possible. Semi-absentee ownership gives him freedom and stability, allowing him to scale his business while still working toward other goals.

Hardy goes on to say, &ldquo;Managers are so important to this business. We have a great team in place, from stylists and store managers all the way to our area managers. The <a href="https://sportclips.1851franchise.com/storypage/details.html?id=2704025&amp%3Btitle=How-Sport-Clips-Haircuts-Leverages-Technology-and-its-Unique-Culture-to-Recruit-Top-Quality-Stylists&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-case-study-on-creating-strong-in-store-culture-sport-clips-in-hickory-north-carolina-2705082" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">stylists are the key players here</a>, without them nothing would happen. The store managers and area managers help bridge the gap between team leaders and stylists.&rdquo;

He continues, &ldquo;Sometimes when you are looking at the numbers on a spreadsheet it is hard to see where a problem lies. Sue Harris, one of our area managers, has this incredible ability to elevate the perspective and get back to what is important.&rdquo;

With so many stores it can be hard to see which individual road blocks might be impeding growth, and this is where having strong managers comes in. When Harris and Lackey got feedback from their community about their location&rsquo;s visibility, they immediately jumped into action.

Lackey says, &ldquo;The store is not in a highly visible location. We often hear from clients, &lsquo;I didn&rsquo;t even know you were back here!&rsquo;&rdquo;

Harris describes their community marketing strategy, &ldquo;We get out in the community. We do a lot of school and Boy Scout sponsorships. We get involved in community activities like parades and festivals. We are there handing out coupons at high school football games and community events.&rdquo;

Lackey adds, &ldquo;But a lot of our marketing is done from behind the chair. About half of our new clients come from client referrals and buddy cards.&rdquo;

The success of their behind the chair marketing points to the strong in-store culture. The culture drives customer experience. Lackey says, &ldquo;Happy stylists mean happy clients. Happy clients refer their friends and family.&rdquo;

A key element in retaining happy, quality team members like Harris and Lackey can be attributed to culture. Lackey explains, &ldquo;It comes down to trust and respect, and a lot of fun and laughter. You have to love what you do.&rdquo;

The Hickory store is a tight-knit group. They have fun together in and out of the store. They enjoy contests and competitions and have instituted &ldquo;dress up Saturdays.&rdquo;&nbsp; This December they are showing off their best ugly Christmas sweaters. Since a lot of the stylists have kids around the same age, they have family picnics and organize an annual Easter egg hunt.

Lackey says, &ldquo;Our relationships with each other are something we have put effort and time into, just like you have to do with any relationship. At the end of the day, we all care and want the best for each other.&rdquo;

She continues, &ldquo;Because we have grown our relationships with each other, it makes encouraging and asking for help easier. When I struggle in a certain area, I will go to another stylist who is strong in that area and ask for help. Even though I am the manager, we are all equal here. We each have our own individual strengths and weaknesses. This diverse skill set is an asset. We are a team and we work to improve each other.&rdquo;

The store&rsquo;s high retention rate of stylists is a testament to this intentionally cultivated culture. This begins with hiring the right managers. Hardy says, &ldquo;Identifying quality managers has become easier because I have seen what characteristics breed success in that role. Casey definitely has what it takes.&rdquo;

Lackey, who leads the hiring in the Hickory store, adds, &ldquo;Hiring the right people is so important. You are building a team and it shouldn&rsquo;t be rushed. For this reason, interviews are usually a two-part process and team members other than myself are involved in the decisions.&rdquo;

She continues, &ldquo;Transparency is crucial. Besides getting to know the candidate, they also need a good picture of what it&rsquo;s like to work in the store. They have to want to be part of our team. I also like to find out what sort of environment they seek out outside of work.&nbsp; And whether they look for opportunities to grow outside of their comfort zones and challenge themselves.&rdquo;

As Team Leader, Hardy says he understands how crucial stylists are to drive customer experience, &ldquo;Stylists are the most important people in our industry. Their job is a tough job. They have to deliver high quality personal service in a fast-paced environment. It is easy to forget the importance of the human element. Stylists may see 20 clients in a day, but to each client, they are the only stylist they interact with.&rdquo;

He goes on to say, &ldquo;You really have to listen to the team members and determine their goals and needs. There has to be mutual trust there. I let my team know I have faith that they know their job. &rdquo;

Lackey agrees, &ldquo;Patrick trusts my creativity. When I come to him with an unconventional idea, he trusts my judgement and gives me the freedom to make decisions. He does not micromanage.&rdquo;

Hardy will tell you, &ldquo;The success of this store has resulted from the growth and maturity of its manager, Casey. I had to get out of her way, listen and put trust in her. &nbsp;After all, she cuts hair&hellip;I do not. This is the reason the business model is structured this way. We all have complimentary skills and we all have a role to play.&nbsp; Follow the system and you will find success.&rdquo;

Harris adds, &ldquo;The team leader&rsquo;s role is seeing that stylists have what they need to deliver the championship experience. Sport Clips provides a great support system that allows for personal and professional development for stylists.&rdquo;

Lackey concludes, &ldquo;<a href="https://sportclips.1851franchise.com/storypage/details.html?id=9200&amp%3Btitle=Sport-Clips-Innovative-Training-Program-Helps-Stylists-Launch-and-Sustain-Successful-Careers&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-case-study-on-creating-strong-in-store-culture-sport-clips-in-hickory-north-carolina-2705082" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sport Clips is a great place for a stylist to work</a>. The environment is fun and relaxed. The uniform is comfortable. You are not dealing with chemicals, and male haircuts are faster, meaning more opportunities for tips. The hours are good and allow for a good work-life balance. And there are plenty of opportunities for professional development and growth.&rdquo;

For more information on becoming part of the Sport Clips team, <a href="http://www.sportclipsfranchise.com/request-more-info/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-case-study-on-creating-strong-in-store-culture-sport-clips-in-hickory-north-carolina-2705082#~w4U1R7" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">click here</a>.

A Case Study on Creating Strong In-Store Culture: Sport Clips in Hickory, North Carolina

1851 Franchise

Effective management and a culture of communication and trust are building blocks to this store’s success and year-over-year revenue growth.

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How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/">Mangesh Patel</a>, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.<h2>Understanding Franchise Income</h2>Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476">restaurant</a> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935">how much can franchisees make</a>? Here are five areas to consider.<h2>Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</h2><ol><li>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</li><li>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</li><li>Invest In Training:&nbsp;Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</li><li>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</li><li>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</li></ol><h2>What Profitability Really Comes Down To</h2>Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761">how much can franchisees make</a>? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

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The Top 10 Low-Cost Franchises With High ROI in 2026

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<a href="https://hardeesfranchising.com/">Hardee’s</a>, a 65-year-old burger chain best known for its Thickburgers and breakfast biscuits, is facing a fast-moving round of closures driven by a franchise dispute rather than a bankruptcy filing.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/hardees-shutting-dozens-restaurants/91282586">Inc. recently reported that</a> 77&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-hardees-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721286">Hardee’s</a> restaurants are expected to close within two weeks as one of the brand’s largest franchisees exits the system.&nbsp;According to the report, Hardee’s is suing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.arcburger.com/">ARC Burger</a> — a franchise operator owned by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.highbluffcap.com/">High Bluff Capital Partners</a> — alleging the company fell behind on required payments and other contract obligations. Twenty-eight locations had already gone dark as of late December, with remaining sites scheduled to shutter across eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina and Wyoming.&nbsp;At the center of the complaint is the franchising “stack” of ongoing fees and pass-through costs that keep a system running. ARC Burger allegedly owes more than $6.5 million, including royalties, advertising fund contributions, technology and training fees, rent and taxes, and that payments stopped in December 2024. Hardee’s also argued in the lawsuit that the franchisee’s cash flow was not being used to bring accounts current.&nbsp;Hardee’s, for its part, is framing the shutdowns as a contractual enforcement issue, not a brand-wide retrenchment. “These closures are a result of ARC Burger’s failure to cure its defaults under its franchise agreements, despite solid sales,” a Hardee’s spokesperson said.&nbsp;The situation highlights a familiar franchising pressure point: unit economics. Inc. reported that Hardee’s operates more than 1,800 U.S. restaurants and that average annual sales per location are less than $1.2 million, well below averages cited for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-wendys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722520">Wendy’s</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-buy-a-mcdonalds-franchise-2724654#stories">McDonald’s</a>. Lower volumes can leave franchisees with less room to absorb higher labor, food and occupancy costs while staying current on fees.&nbsp;Hardee’s said it is working to limit fallout for workers and communities and is looking for ways to reopen closed restaurants. For franchising, the next chapter will likely involve finding replacement operators, transferring sites and rebuilding compliance — a reminder that franchise growth depends as much on franchisee solvency and execution as it does on consumer demand.Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/hardees-shutting-dozens-restaurants/91282586">here</a>.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Hardee's Franchise - ARC Burger Lawsuit - 1851 Franchise

The closures stem from alleged unpaid royalties and missed franchise obligations by a major operator, not a broader chainwide collapse for the Hardee’s system.

Hardee’s Lawsuit Targets Franchisee as 77 Restaurants Prepare to Shut Down

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Ellianos Coffee Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A drive-thru specialty coffee franchise focused on speed, quality and Southern hospitality.

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Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A fast-casual restaurant brand serving made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, soups and pizzas rooted in Southern hospitality.


Newk’s Eatery Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

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As the health and wellness business in America continues to fill out, the fitness industry is growing alongside it. The industry now generates&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/gym-fitness-franchises/5599/">over $7 billion</a> in annual revenue, with a revenue increase of nearly 3% in 2023 alone.Rebounding since COVID, both big box and boutique franchises have shown&nbsp;<a href="https://athletechnews.com/fitness-franchising-by-the-numbers-10-key-stats/">membership growth</a>, with premium establishments up 21% compared to a whopping enrollment bump of almost 70% on the budget gym side.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>The Pros And Cons Of Big Box Gyms</h3>When it comes to choosing the right fitness franchise, there are pros and cons to each.Big box gyms are able to cast a wider net, attracting a clientele ranging anywhere from newbie to seasoned veteran, with a lower cost of entry potentially attracting even the marginally curious to the idea of a well-established, properly marketed brand.&nbsp;Big box and other low-cost fitness franchises are also able to capitalize on services like personal training and retail amenities, increasing revenue.Driven by recurring membership fees, big box gyms generally cost less. However, the wider net cast in terms of building a clientele, tends to require more equipment in a bigger space, increasing costs like rent. And with a wider array of workout machines to both service and maintain, additional costs tend to follow.<h3>The Pros And Cons Of Boutique Fitness Concepts</h3>On the boutique side, franchises are typically able to offer a more personalized fitness experience, catering to niche markets with an eye on community, quality and loyalty. However, a more hands on approach to management and day-to-day operations may also be necessary to deliver the more customized, immersive experience often demanded of the more boutique environment.As a result, boutique fitness concepts are typically able to capitalize on a more premium pricing model driven by the idea of exclusivity.But, while less equipment in a smaller space can help rein in expenses, it can also be difficult to build the more specific clientele required by the boutique experience, rendering selection of proper location crucial.<h3>Finding The Right Fit</h3>As potential franchisees assess the available opportunities in the fitness franchise realm, it’s important to ponder a number of factors which can impact the bottom line.In terms of budgeting, a full understanding of both initial investment and ongoing operational costs is crucial.&nbsp;Getting to know the customer and surrounding area can help franchisees assess just how much the consumer is looking to pay for a gym membership, helping clarify the big box versus boutique decision when it comes to the question of how to buy a franchise.There’s also market saturation, with big box gyms in particular becoming an increasingly crowded marketplace.On the management side, it’s important for franchisees to seize upon a specific approach, whether it’s applying a more hands on style to the level of personal interaction required on the boutique side or focusing on the moving parts in play in the larger, more complex big box environment.&nbsp;When it comes to buying a fitness franchise, an understanding of the consumer, proper assessment of the marketplace and specific approach to management can go a long way towards avoiding potential risk, helping franchisees find success as they ponder entrepreneurship via fitness franchises.For more info on fitness franchises, check out these related stories on 1851 Franchise:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/fitness-franchises-2025-trends-opportunities-2729600">The Rise of Fitness Franchises in 2025: Trends, Opportunities and What to Expect</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/top-health-and-wellness-franchises-2729821">Top 15 Health and Wellness Franchises Opportunities for 2025</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/fitness-wellness-franchise-guide-2729443">How To Choose the Right Fitness or Wellness Franchise for You</a></li></ul>

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As the fitness industry continues to grow fast, the decision for potential franchisees lies in whether to invest in big box or boutique gym franchise opportunities.

Boutique vs. Big Box Gym Franchises: Which Offers Best ROI in the $7 Billion Fitness Market?

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Window Genie Franchise - Deep Dive 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Window Genie is an owner-led, multi-service exterior cleaning brand with recurring demand and Neighborly backing that simplifies operations and supports growth.

A Case Study on Creating Strong In-Store Culture: Sport Clips in Hickory, North Carolina

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