Steve Hockett began with a dream to build a legacy through franchising, and over the past 36 years, he’s turned that dream into reality, leading Great Clips to unprecedented success. From his early days as a franchisee to becoming the CEO, Steve’s journey within the franchising world has been both inspirational and transformative. His story is a testament to the power of community, discipline, and a profound respect for each individual in the system.
In this episode of Smart Franchising Podcast, Steve shares:
- How the International Franchise Association (IFA) has helped grow and protect the franchising community
- The disciplined growth strategy that transformed Great Clips from 150 salons to over 4,450
- Insights into Great Clips’ innovative yet simple business model that focuses on haircuts only
- Why it is important to involve franchisees in decision-making through committees and task forces
- Lessons from Great Clips’ avoidance of litigation with franchisees for nearly two decades
On the Benefits of Consistent Growth
Steve: “We’ve remained disciplined in how we grow, which has been crucial. It’s not about selling more franchises quickly; it’s about ensuring that each franchisee is supported and successful. That’s how we’ve avoided litigation for almost two decades.”
On Maintaining a Simple but Effective Business Model
Steve: “At Great Clips, we focus on what we do best: haircuts. For over 42 years, we’ve kept our service offering simple and efficient. This allows us to serve our customers better and ensures our franchisees can manage their operations successfully.”
On the Unique Business Culture in Minnesota
Steve: “Minnesota has a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. There’s a sense of homegrown success here, with many franchises starting and thriving locally rather than relocating their headquarters.”
On Building Strong Franchisee Relationships
Steve: “Our franchisees are partners in innovation and decision-making. We have numerous committees and task forces involving our franchisees, which fosters a strong culture of collaboration and transparency within Great Clips.”
