9 minute read

emBracing enTrePreneUrshiP:

as i reflect on my journey from a seasoned realtor to a proud franchise owner of sola salons at the age of 75, i am filled with gratitude and a sense of fulfillment. i want to share my experience and offer some advice to those who may be considering taking a leap into the world of franchising, regardless of their age or expertise.

One of the key factors that motivated me to join sola salons was the desire to provide my children with an entrepreneurial lifestyle. i wanted to show them that age should never be a deterrent when it comes to pursuing one’s passions and aspirations. By embracing the opportunity to start a new business at 75, i not only fulfilled my own dreams but also set an example for the next generation. i t’s never too late to chase your dreams and inspire those around you. starting my sola salons journey with my two daughters Britni and Brooke by my side has been an incredible experience. Britni’s recruitment, customer service, and leadership experience with brands including Lululemon and arc’teryx brings invaluable knowledge to beauty professionals as they work to grow their businesses. additionally, Brooke’s background and expertise in the financial industry, including her experience as the Marketing director at the London stock exchange Group, have proven to be a significant asset to our business. With her knowledge of market trends, financial analysis, and strategic planning, she has brought a unique perspective to our franchise operations. Together, we have been able to combine their financial and customer service acumen with my transferable skills and entrepreneurial spirit, creating a dynamic team that drives the success of our sola salons franchise. This partnership has not only strengthened our bond as a family but has also enhanced our ability to make informed business decisions and navigate the ever-changing landscape of the beauty and salon industry. having partners who complement your skills and bring a different perspective to the table can be a game-changer in the world of franchising. a key lesson i have learned through this transition is the power of transferable skills. Throughout my years as a realtor, i honed my abilities to build relationships, negotiate deals, and provide exceptional customer service. Little did i know that these skills, developed in the world of real estate, would prove to be invaluable in the realm of salon studio franchising. While i was not a beauty expert when i first started, i quickly discovered that my proficiency in client management and business development translated seamlessly into my new venture. This realization was a testament to the fact that the skills we acquire throughout our careers can be applied across industries. so, don’t underestimate the value of your existing skills and experiences; they can be your greatest assets as you embark on a new entrepreneurial journey. another crucial aspect to consider is finding the right franchise that aligns with your values, goals, and passions. For me, sola salons checked all the boxes. as the largest and fastest-growing salon studios franchise in canada and the U.s., their track record was impressive, and their commitment to supporting franchisees was evident from day one. i was amazed by the comprehensive training programs they provided, equipping me with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in the beauty and salon industry. Moreover, the ongoing marketing support ensured that i had a competitive edge in the local market. The support from sola salons professionals has been unwavering, demonstrating that they truly have their franchisees’ backs. When exploring franchising opportunities, be sure to thoroughly research the brand’s reputation, support system, and growth potential. remember, you don’t have to be an industry expert to thrive in a franchise business; a passion for learning and a willingness to adapt are equally important. starting a franchise business later in life is an opportunity to prove that age is not a barrier to success. i t’s a chance to showcase your wisdom, experience, and resilience. as i continue to grow my sola salons franchise, i am constantly reminded that age brings unique perspectives and insights that can fuel innovation and drive business growth. so, if you’re considering venturing into the world of franchising, remember that your age is not a limitation; it’s a strength. embrace the challenge, trust in your abilities, and let your entrepreneurial spirit soar. Your best chapter may be yet to come, and the franchise world is ready to welcome you with open arms.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my franchise journey has been the opportunity to bring an established american brand to the canadian market. i ntroducing sola salons to the vibrant community of Oshawa has been a thrilling experience. The warm reception from both salon professionals and clients has reinforced the notion that with the right brand and a commitment to excellence, success knows no borders. i f you’re considering expanding into new markets, take the time to understand the local culture, adapt your strategies, and build strong relationships within the community. By embracing the uniqueness of each market, you can foster growth and establish a thriving franchise presence.

Finally, i want to emphasize the importance of collaboration and teamwork. as a franchise owner, you are not alone on this journey. surround yourself with a dedicated team of professionals who share your vision and are committed to your success.

Whether it’s your fellow franchisees, the support staff at the corporate office, or the talented professionals working in your salon studios, creating a strong network of individuals who are aligned with your goals will propel you forward. The sense of camaraderie within the sola salons franchise community has been invaluable. The knowledge-sharing, support, and encouragement i have received from fellow franchisees have played a significant role in my personal and professional growth.

b eaV er tails c anada i nc.

BeaverTails® is truly one of a kind. irresistibly delicious, artisanal c anadian pastry, always there to share special moments that make lifelong memories. iconic indulgence since 1978, today we continue our heritage by uniquely combining our original recipe with premium quality ingredients. s erved piping-hot, our hand-stretched whole-wheat pastries are both crispy and chewy at the same time. With endless flavour combinations, we promise you an experience you will never forget.

We are BeaverTails®, and we have been part of your journey for over 40 years. We’ve been there at all the special stops along the path. The unforgettable getaways to some of the most beautiful places in the world. The laughter and thrills at theme parks, ski hills and water parks. The first dates. The

Crunch Fitness

Founded in 1989 new York crunch Fitness is a health club chain that leads the fitness industry by infusing fitness, fun, and entertainment. With a philosophy of ‘ no Limits’, crunch serves a fitness community for all kinds of people with all types of goals.

Today, crunch Fitness serves over two million members with 420+ gyms worldwide, including the U. s., australia, spain, Portugal, costa rica, Puerto rico, with more than 30 locations in canada.

D Ickinson W Right

Our franchise and distribution law lawyers are some of the most widely published and most respected practitioners in the world and have decades of experience representing a broad spectrum of businesses, from start-ups to multi-national and multi-brand enterprises, in a vast range of industries. With access to dickinson Wright’s full scope of capabilities, we support our clients in their every need, including:

• Creating domestic and international franchise and distribution networks

• Preparation of disclosure documents and materials

• Drafting and negotiating franchise and distribution agreements, including unit, area, development, master and international agreements

g reat clips, i nc.

Great clips, inc. was established in 1982 in Minneapolis. Today, Great clips has nearly 4,500 salons throughout the United states and canada, making it the world’s largest salon brand.

Great clips’ convenient walk-in haircutting salons are 100 percent franchised and are owned locally by more than 1,200 franchisees across north america.

no haircare experience is required for this multiunit franchise opportunity. an executive-model, anniversaries. The little, magical celebrations with your best friends. and all the moments in between when you wanted to stand back, and just enjoy the fact that life is good. crunch Franchise represents the most progressive and competitive fitness model in the industry. Our clubs are quick to build, easy to open and highly scalable. When you bring a crunch gym to your community, you’re bringing a world-class facility that’s attached to a world-class brand that’s synonymous with workouts that are both effective and fun

That journey hasn’t always been in a straight line. s ometimes, it’s over-the-top. s ometimes, life gets messy. But that’s finemessy is good. Because it means you’re living every moment to the limit. it means you’re grabbing life by the tail.

The journey has just begun. Our promise today is to keep being there with you, where and when you need us most. To bring you comfort. To surprise you. To laugh with you.

Proceeding with an established brand means minimizing risks. We’ll work with you to create a business plan custom-made for success. You’ll also benefit from constant support as we accompany you on your journey.

Get in on the Gym-Floor of canada’s #1 fastest growing high value, low priced full-size fitness franchise visit www.crunchfranchise.ca

• Drafting and negotiating licence and dealer agreements

• Litigation and alternative dispute resolution

• Marketing, advertising, promotions and contests

• E-commerce

• Regulatory compliance, with particular emphasis on franchise disclosure laws, product licensing and competition law

• Protecting trademark and other intellectual property rights

• Purchase and sale of individual units or complete systems

• Leasing and real estate acquisition

• Corporate and personal tax planning

• Corporate and business law

• Employment and labour law

Phone: 416-646-3842 manage-the-manager operation, the average franchisee owns 5-6 salons after being in business for 5 years. haircutting is a local neighborhood business that can’t be outsourced or sold online and is necessary no matter the economic situation. Opportunities available in select areas of canada –Winnipeg and Ottawa are newly available.

For more information please contact Beth

Phone: 800.947.1143 email: franchise@greatclips.com

Website: https://www.greatclipsfranchise.com realizing that a strong foundation in the basics-addition, subtraction, multiplication and division-was essential for higher-level math, Kumon created a series of math worksheets for his son to work on after school.

Ku M on n o RT h A M e R i CA i n C . high school math teacher Toru Kumon developed the Kumon Method of learning more than 60 years ago in Japan, when his son was struggling with second-grade arithmetic.

With daily practice, Kumon’s son gradually expanded his mastery of mathematical skills and by sixth grade was able to solve differential equations and integral calculus problems.

Today, at locations throughout north america, Kumon franchisees apply this method of daily practice and self-paced advancement to children’s math and reading skills.

Phone: 201-928-0444

Website: Kumonfranchise.com

L Ittle C Aesars

Little caesars offers strong franchisee candidates opportunities in select locations across the country. We provide candidates an opportunity for independence with a proven system, a simple operating model and strong national brand recognition.

Franchisees benefit from a comprehensive training program that focuses on all aspects of the business, including training, architectural and construction services to help with design, preferred lenders to assist with financing, the ongoing research and development of new products, and effective

m ary b rown’s c hicken & taters

Mary Brown’s chicken & Taters is the largest canadian-owned Quick serve chicken restaurant and one of the fastest-growing franchises in canada.

Our signature chicken is Made Fresh from scratch in-store from whole, canada Grade a chicken; our tasty Taters are hand cut from real,

Massage Addict

Massage addict is the country’s largest and fastest growing provider of massage therapy services, with over 40 clinics across canada. Massage addict is a proven business concept serving a gap in the market by helping canadians improve their health through affordable, convenient massage therapy without sacrificing quality or service. clients love the quality of Massage addict’s registered Massage Therapists and our franchise partners love the business model.

• Low investment and start-up costs

• Recurring revenue and quick ROI

Pay2day

PaY2daY is a profitable alternative retail financial services company with a multitude of locations available throughout canada. a s part of our dynamic team, our franchisees have complete operational support, including, but not limited to; full in-depth training, expert assistance with site selection,

t hry V

Thryv’s all-in-one franchise software allows franchisors to streamline communications, scheduling, marketing and payments across all locations.

Thryv offers software solutions designed to meet the needs of franchise businesses. With Thryv’s all-in-one platform, you can streamline communications, marketing and payments across all your locations. scale your multi-location business by using marketing programs. Franchisees continue to receive support, expert analysis and consultation from corporate as their business grows. contact: angelee Brown, development manager

Little caesars requires candidates desiring to open one store to have a net worth of $250,000 with a minimum of $100,000 in liquid, unencumbered assets (such as cash). Franchisees must also be able to obtain financing to cover the total costs of opening a franchised location.

Phone: 888-822-7981 email: Lccfranchising@littlecaesars.ca

Website: www.littlecaesars.ca farm fresh canadian potatoes. contact: Franchising

Mary Brown’s processes are time-proven, delivering a delicious, consistent menu and genuine hospitality that brings Guests back again and again.

Phone: 1-866-640-3339

Website: www.marybrownsfranchising.com email: franchising@marybrowns.com

• Approximately 80% of treatments are paid by insurance

• Opportunity for multi-clinic ownership

• Straightforward clinic operations

• 100% Canadian owned and operated Massage addict is the right industry, the right business model, the right brand and most importantly it’s the right time. call today.

Phone: 1-855-852-6108 email: info@massageaddict.ca

Website: www.massageaddict.ca advertising/marketing support, as well as the benefit of a corporate management team of knowledgeable experts with a combined 80+ years of experience in the Payday Loans and cheque cashing industry. contact: Wesley Barker

Phone: 905-450-2274 e xt 777 email: info@pay2day.ca

Website: www.pay2day.ca our turn-key software for franchisees. a s a franchisor, you can view a single dashboard with real-time tracking and analytics across every location. Thryv helps your franchisees run better businesses. contact: nimra Maniar

Phone: +1 (844) 339-6334 email: nimra.maniar@thryv.com

Website: https://www.thryv.com/features/ franchises/

This article is from: