Top Franchise Brands for Veterans: Sport Clips Haircuts

For many veterans, the transition from military service to entrepreneurship is less about capability and more about finding the kind of structure they’ve grown accustomed to. Sport Clips*, the leading men's hair care franchise, delivers exactly that: a proven franchise system built by a veteran, for fellow entrepreneurs who thrive in structured environments.

Founded by U.S. Air Force veteran Gordon Logan, the brand has grown into a nationally recognized leader in the haircare industry, specializing in men’s and boys’ haircuts in sports-themed salons. But beyond its consumer appeal, Sport Clips has built a franchise model that mirrors the same principles veterans are trained in: execution, accountability and teamwork.

“Veterans are excellent for franchising,” Logan said during a recent podcast interview. “They’re used to working within a system and executing with precision. And they have an attitude that failure is not an option, and they are mission and goal-oriented.”

A System Built on Structure and Execution

One of the biggest advantages Sport Clips offers veterans is its highly structured operating model. From grand opening timelines to daily operations, the brand relies on clear systems and repeatable processes — something that resonates strongly with military experience.

“The military was a great training program,” Logan said. “It’s very structured. You learn what the critical elements are to get a mission accomplished. You learn how to build a team and those leadership skills are very, very helpful to anyone going into business, especially franchising.”

That structure shows up in every aspect of the business. Sport Clips provides franchisees with detailed checklists, operational playbooks and step-by-step guidance — similar to the manuals service members rely on in the field.

“A franchise isn’t a whole lot different,” Logan said. “They hand you a book and say, ‘This is how you operate.’ We have a checklist for everything.”

For veterans who may not have prior business ownership experience, that level of clarity removes much of the uncertainty that comes with starting from scratch.

Lower Barriers and Stronger Support

Sport Clips has also made a concerted effort to lower barriers to entry for veterans. Through its partnership with VetFran, the brand offers qualified veterans a 20% discount on the initial franchise fee.

That support continues well beyond signing. Franchisees receive comprehensive training that covers hiring, scheduling, marketing and team management, along with ongoing operational guidance.

“We’ve spent the last 30-plus years building a business model that’s as straightforward as it gets,” the company notes. “All our Team Leaders have to do is follow the business model, support their team and stay focused on growing their businesses.”

Sport Clips has also built a culture deeply connected to the veteran community. As the “Official Haircutter” of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the brand supports initiatives like the Help A Hero Scholarship program, which has raised more than $15 million for veterans and service members.

That mission-driven approach resonates with veterans looking for more than just a business opportunity.

“Veterans are used to being part of something bigger than themselves,” Logan said. “Franchising — especially with a system like this — gives them a way to continue that mission.”

A Proven Track Record With Veteran Owners

Sport Clips’ veteran-friendly approach is clearly working. A whopping 17% of all its locations are veteran-owned. In 2025, Sport Clips was ranked No. 13 on Entrepreneur magazine’s Top Franchises for Veterans list.

The system also includes standout success stories like Cheston Syma, a former U.S. Marine who scaled his business into a multi-state operation with dozens of locations.

“This business started with a veteran,” Syma said. “As a veteran, I was looking for a business with the formula for success. There’s no guessing as to how to succeed with Sport Clips. All you have to do is follow the formula.”

For Syma, that structure has enabled a broader impact too. “The bigger I get, the more opportunities I get to create for people, and the bigger the impact I get to have,” he said. “That’s what drives me.”

Why It Works for Veterans

At its core, Sport Clips succeeds with veterans because it aligns closely with the skills they already possess. Discipline, leadership, adaptability and the ability to execute within a system are all foundational to both military service and franchise ownership.

For those looking to transition into business ownership with a proven system, strong support and a culture that values service, Sport Clips stands out as one of the most compelling opportunities in franchising today.

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