Dear Scott & John The response that we have had in our area has been fantastic. We know that we have made the right decision when people walk into the salon and fall in love with the whole concept of Sharkeys. The kids walk in saying that "I love this place, mummy" which says it all and this is before they've even had a hair cut. The support and guidance throughout the entire process including design and grand launch has been second to none and the fact that Scott you are always at the end of the phone, is not something that one can say about many CEO's. It's amazing that with more than 40 salons, you are still on the ball with each salon down to the finer detail. We have just had our first major party with 24 girls, who thoroughly enjoyed it and their parents could not believe it too, proving that a Sharkey's party is a real hit all around the world! Having John as our master franchisor in the UK, has been wonderful. He has co-ordonated everything and insured that the grand launch was a great success. I love being part of the Sharkeys franchise family and proud to be the first UK mainland salon! Thank You Sara Khan Franchisee Sharkeys Cuts For Kids, Radlett, UK. (November 14, 2011) Scott/John thanks for helping us achieve our goal in life -(Well stage 1 anyway - now the hard work begins) Hope this helps! The support all the way through with Sharkey's Cuts for Kids has been amazing. This is a unique franchise business model which is loved by the public. As a business owner we feel that we can put our own mark to the Salon whilst still adhering to franchise standards. Scott and John are very supportive, flexible and are quick to respond to issues or questions. The build up and launch support was fantastic which helped it make one of the most successful Sharkey's launches ever. thank you David & Tiffany Fenton Franchise owner of Stratford Sharkey's cuts for kids (November 12, 2011) Scott, We once read a very respectable book on franchising that said of the people who read about opening a franchise only 1% actually follows through. If we were going to be part of that 1%, we wanted to make sure we did it right. We went to franchise shows. Hired a franchise coach (they are folks that work like brokers who try to find the right fits for franchisee and franchisor). We visited numerous franchisors to vet out opportunities. Our needs were somewhat simple: we wanted both our children, ages 4 and 1, to be a part of the experience. We needed a kid friendly concept that was something we could all relate to. Given we were first time buyers, we needed the entry cost to be affordable so didn’t extend ourselves too far. After countless visits with other franchise opportunities and firing the franchise coach for not listening to our needs, we came across the kid’s haircutting concept. We loved the concept! It was something we could understand, our kids could understand and the hours of operation were reasonable. So, we started vetting kid’s hair cutting franchises and after looking at multiple kids’ hair cutting concepts, we decided to go with Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids. We visited 8 different locations across the country to talk to various owners on what their opinions and feedback were on Scott Sharkey, as well as Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids. Overwhelmingly, the feedback was positive. We started our due diligence in January 2011 on Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids and opened our doors on September 1st 2011. We quickly learned that Scott Sharkey was not just a franchisor, he was a partner. Coming from the corporate world, we were learners all the way. From setting up our corporate entity to dealing with the state, city, landlord, contractor and much more there were some very confusing days. Scott coached us and was a partner through it all. Leveraging his experience and with the other franchisees who were there to help and guide us we are off to a successful start with confidence. We selected Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids because of the passion, flexibility and partnership we established with Scott. We greatly appreciate the franchisee network we have. We can pick up the phone or send an email and have answers in minutes. As franchisees of Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids, we realize nothing is easy in starting your own business. There are some tough times and difficult decisions, however, at the end of the day we are having fun. We are optimistic as drivers of the business that we will have many profitable years ahead of us. We appreciate the flexibility, guidance, support and patience that Scott and Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids has given us. Cathie & Marcus Gallo Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids Chino Hills, California (October 8, 2011) As Scott now knows, I am not an “easy customer”. I really like to sit back and digest my experiences before commenting on them. So, here I am, now entering my 10th week of business writing about my experience as a new Sharkey’s owner. We opened into the “dead of summer” but have found SUCCESS anyway!! Perhaps what was most miraculous to me was the SUCCESFUL transformation of my vanilla shell shop to a full-fledged Sharkey’s. When Scott arrived on that Monday, while my floors and painted walls were ready, it seemed like the insides could not possibly be ready for my first Glamour Party by that Friday night. However, by Wednesday, I was in awe… I just couldn’t believe what 48 hours with Scott’s efforts and direction could do! But, back to the dead of summer! We have found a way to pay all of our bills each month. Perhaps the most brilliant concept was Scott’s strong encouragement of offering an unlimited haircuts membership. For a new business, this is a no brainer but my husband and I spent many hours debating the pros & cons of it all with Scott. We were not sold on it but Scott assured us along. 10 weeks in, we officially have 57 memberships sold! These memberships are our guaranteed customers who will go nowhere else for an entire year… and they are our best references, passing on the good news of our brand new store! Not to mention, we have their money up front when it is needed the most AND they keep coming in and tipping our stylists who we need to hang in there as we build our business up. TRUE SUCCESS from an innovative idea of Sharkey’s. We have also found SUCCESS in the newly developed idea of a Tween Lounge. Scott’s support has been integral in making the haircuts in the Glamour Room work – from the tile to the correct chairs. Many of our summer customers have been tweens and teens who get their haircut & feathers inserted in the Glamour Room. The Tween Lounge concept is proof positive that Scott Sharkey is always thinking of how we can do it better, how we can secure more customers, and how we can keep our customers coming back for a longer part of their life span. Like I said at the start, I am a tough customer. I can always find things to improve and do differently. But, at the end of the day, I see that no one could have done better by me and my family than Scott Sharkey. Sharkey’s is a franchise that really provides a hands-on approach. From what I have been told by other non-Sharkey’s franchise owners, it is practically unheard of to have the level of personal touch & support that our Franchisor provides. Scott gave us a recipe for SUCCESS… and he didn’t just give us a recipe card! He helped us with the ingredients and the baking along the way!! SWEET SUCCESS. Debbie (& Tim) Nalick Sharkey's Cuts for Kids - Oceanside, California (August 17, 2011) Proud Owners of Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids in Oceanside P.S. And the quality of Franchisees that Scott attracts are second to none! We have had an instant support system with Tustin and Chino Hills… not to mention the best trainer ever in Emmi from San Antonio… couldn’t have prayed for anything better than these people to partner with along the way! Dear Scott I want to take a moment to let you know how I feel about my decision to join with you in the opening of my first store inManhattan. I knew when we first met that you were an honest, kind person and knew the business of franchising and opening and running a kids hair salon. You were there every step of the way during the building and setting up of the salon. Your enthusiasm and professionalism is second to none. Everything that was promised as a franchiser to a franchisee was delivered as promised and then some. You redefined the term turnkey. You were there for me and it is really appreciated. Imade the right decision to partner with you. My salon is set to open and just from the passerby's looking and admiring the salon through the windows and the excitement of the staff, I know it's going to be a hit. Looking forward to many productive years together. Your Friend, Henri Sharkey's Cuts for Kids - New York, NY (August 2, 2011) Dear Scott, I knew a franchise would be the right fit for me, because I wanted a known system for success; however, you still have doubts during the process. Now that we are open and up and running for 3 weeks my doubts are gone. I love the fact that I am a part of the Sharkey's family and have your support, as well as, other salon owners. I also appreciate your flexibility in decision making based on our individual salon needs and our own area and demographics. I feel the support of the franchise while still knowing I am in control of my business. There have been a few situations arise since we open and I truly appreciate your availability and guidance... So many times you were spot on! Another reason I chose Sharkey's Cuts for Kids is your passion and infectious enthusiasm for children and the business. It is obvious you love what you do, which leads to innovative ideas that give Sharkey's an edge over the competition. You are a savvy businessman with an intrinsic drive to be the best. I am happy with my decision to own a Sharkey's Cuts for Kids. I strongly believe in the "Sharkey's Way" of conducting business and appreciate the perfect road map you have created for success. Sincerely, Kristen Saad Sharkey's Cuts for Kids - Tustin, CA. (June 27, 2011) Dear Scott I want to take a moment to let you know how I feel about my decision to join with you in the opening of my first store in Carmel, Indiana. First, let me say that I spent over two years researching various avenues; most of the thoughts were in purchasing a franchise. I was almost ready to give up and pursue other interests when I came across the Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids franchise system. It was the best decision my wife and I could have made to join the Sharkey family. Our store has been open almost two weeks, much too early to say it will be a financial success, but from all indications it will be. Within a short period of time, word has spread that Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids is a quality children’s hair salon. Everyone enjoys the atmosphere and the uniqueness that Sharkey’s brings as an alternative to traditional salons. Kids obviously love it, but the moms and dads are the most enthusiastic asking to take our brochures to promote to their friends, relatives, and community organizations. Everything that was promised as a franchisor to a franchisee was delivered as promised and then some. You redefined the term “turnkey”. You were there for us and it is really appreciated. We made the right decision to partner with you. Looking forward to many productive years together. Your Friend, Ed Sharkey's Cuts for Kids - Carmel, IN (May 11, 2011) Scott/John thanks for helping us achieve our goal in life -(Well stage 1 anyway - now the hard work begins) Hope this helps! The support all the way through with Sharkey's Cuts for Kids has been amazing. This is a unique franchise business model which is loved by the public. As a business owner we feel that we can put our own mark to the Salon whilst still adhering to franchise standards. Scott and John are very supportive, flexible and are quick to respond to issues or questions. The build up and launch support was fantastic which helped it make one of the most successful Sharkey's launches ever. thank you
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AuthorSharkey's Franchising Co. founded in 2001 by Linda and Scott Sharkey |