Blog

Morgan Steininger, Sport Clips Haircuts district manager
North Carolina

From a young age, I've always had a knack for hairstyling. I vividly remember giving my best friend a bob haircut when we were just 12 years old—it was a defining moment that ignited my love for transforming hair. This early passion would ultimately shape my career choice.

In 2014, I was unsure of what the future held. It was my boyfriend at the time who suggested cosmetology school—a decision that would chart my path. I attended Paul Mitchell the School Fayetteville and graduated in 2016, equipped with the skills to embark on my professional career. As I ventured into the job market, I learned about Sport Clips Haircuts during a beauty school presentation. I was immediately drawn to its welcoming atmosphere, and I knew it was where I wanted to build my career.

Joining Sport Clips was like finding a second family. Despite starting with no prior experience in using clippers, I was offered extensive training and taken under the wing of a supportive manager and surrounded by a team of colleagues who were eager to help me learn and grow. The sense of camaraderie was evident from day one, and it grew stronger as I attended my first manager huddle. I realized there the expanse of the Sport Clips community that has turned out to be a vast network of like-minded individuals dedicated to excellence and mutual support.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career at Sport Clips has been participating in initiatives like the Sport Clips VFW Help A Hero Scholarships for veterans program, a cause close to my heart as both my father and husband are retired veterans. It's one of the ways we get to be a part of giving back to others through in-store efforts and other charities we're involved in. It really strengthens our ties within the community, and I cherish the opportunity to make a positive impact alongside my fellow stylists.

Technology has played a pivotal role in my journey at Sport Clips. The THNKS app Sport Clips offers has been instrumental in recognizing and motivating team members through various contests and incentives. It's a simple yet effective way to foster a culture of appreciation and achievement within our stores.

Reflecting on my personal growth, I realize that Sport Clips has been more than just a job, it's been a transformative experience. Starting as a 22-year-old single mom with an uncertain future, I've evolved into a confident professional with clear goals and a bright future. Sport Clips not only provided me with a fulfilling career but also enabled me to achieve personal milestones, like purchasing a farm and securing a future for my son.

As I continue to grow with Sport Clips here in North Carolina, I am excited about what the future holds. The opportunities for advancement are limitless, and I am grateful every day to be part of such a remarkable company. Sport Clips has not only shaped my career but has also enriched my life in ways I could have never imagined.
Joining Sport Clips was the best decision I could have made. Here's to passion, purpose, and the endless possibilities of a career that truly makes a difference.

Claudia Thomas’ hair-cutting journey began when her older sisters encouraged her to pursue a cosmetology program in high school. Their guidance led her to transfer schools and enroll in the local program, where she earned her cosmetology license before graduation. She started with Sport Clips Haircuts as a coordinator before receiving her license, and she jokes that the area manager did not hire her because she gave great haircuts, but because she asked a lot of questions. 

Finding Her Passion

From her early days as a coordinator to becoming a stylist, Claudia's Sport Clips journey has been defined by seizing opportunities. After proving herself skilled and knowledgeable at just 19 years old, Claudia began managing a store and continued to grow within the company, eventually stepping into training and recruiting roles. Her passion for presenting and teaching led her to join the Sport Clips Ambassador Team in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, further fueling her desire to contribute to the company's growth. One of the pivotal moments in Claudia's career was joining the Sport Clips Artistic Team, a group of professional platform artists, which made her fall even more in love with the brand. She shared that being a part of the Artistic Team helped her meet new friends while honing her skills and becoming the best version of herself. 

Living Out the Sport Clips "Haircuts With Heart"

Philanthropy has always been close to Claudia’s heart. One of her proudest moments is organizing a Haircuts with Heart event at a major metroplex children’s hospital. Claudia and her team provided free haircuts to patients and staff, creating a memorable and truly impactful experience for everyone involved. Claudia is also passionate about supporting St. Baldrick’s Foundation, an organization dedicated to children's cancer research, in honor of a childhood friend who lost her battle with cancer. The annual events she helps organize are a way for her to give back and make a difference in the lives of others.

Join the Sport Clips Family

From high school student to regional coach, Claudia’s story is an inspiring example of how seizing opportunities can lead to a fulfilling and successful career. If you’re ready to join a team that pushes you to be the best version of yourself, apply now by chatting with Kenzie or clicking “APPLY NOW” at the top of the page.

Andrea Roland’s Sport Clips Haircuts story is one of growth and transformation and speaks to the impact of a strong company culture. Now an Area Manager and Team Leader in Springfield, Missouri, Andrea has been with Sport Clips for nearly two decades, a journey that began when she was just 19 years old. 

Discovering Sport Clips: A Life-Changing Career

Andrea’s Sport Clips story dates back to 2005 after she graduated from cosmetology school. As a teenaged single mom, she felt uncertain about her next steps, but knew she wanted to provide a future for her child. When she found a career opportunity at Sport Clips, everything changed. The relaxed dress code initially drew her in—tennis shoes and T-shirts—but what made her stay was the strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork. “I love being part of a team,” Andrea shared, emphasizing how Sport Clips’ family-like atmosphere made all the difference. She quickly saw the potential for growth and development and embraced it, hoping to one day become a Team Leader (franchisee). 

Andrea grew as the company grew. She started as a stylist at a location in Springfield, quickly moving up the ranks thanks to a supportive manager who helped her buy into the Sport Clips system. Attending annual National Huddles and training classes, while diving into growth and professional development opportunities, helped Andrea shape her leadership style and hone her skills. She feels deeply supported by the brand, attributing much of her growth to the structure Sport Clips provides. “From the top down, everyone has a vested interest in not just my professional success, but my personal success as well,” she says. 

Living the Sport Clips Values

Nearly two decades later, Andrea says the Sport Clips values are what matter most to her—and what truly set the brand apart. “A lot of companies say they’re values-based, but I genuinely believe Sport Clips walks it every day,” she emphasizes. These values have even found their way into her home life, with her kids playfully tease her, “Mom, don’t Sport Clips me!”

As a Team Leader, Andrea is just opened her seventh store, with plans already in motion for an eighth. For other stylists looking to grow with the company and potentially transition into a leadership role one day, her best piece of advice is "never give up." She shares that Sport Clips changed her and many of her coworkers’ lives for the better, and while being a stylist can be challenging at times, the possibilities and opportunities that Sport Clips provides are truly game-changing. 
 

Sport Clips Haircuts is dedicated to its “Haircuts with Heart” philosophy where our passion for hair goes hand-in-hand with our commitment to philanthropy and community support. Our stylists are constantly making a positive impact in the communities they serve, from supporting local events to contributing to national causes like St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that raises funds to help fund childhood cancer research. We recently sat down with Dawn Hendricks, a Sport Clips stylist and store manager in Raleigh with more than two decades of experience in the cosmetology industry, to discuss her professional journey and how it led to her involvement with St. Baldrick’s.

Dawn’s Journey with St. Baldrick’s: From Canton to Raleigh

Dawn’s journey with St. Baldrick’s started in her hometown of Canton, Ohio. One of her clients’ daughters passed away from childhood cancer, which inspired Dawn and her salon crew to get involved in a way that could have a positive impact on an often-devastating disease. Year after year, Dawn and her co-workers volunteered at St. Baldrick’s shave events shaving heads for volunteers who raised money for the organization’s work and honoring those battling cancer. Dawn’s commitment deepened after her father passed away from cancer, leading her to transition from a “shaver” to a “shavee” in his honor.

After moving to North Carolina, Dawn kept the momentum going by sharing her involvement on social media to raise awareness and funds. When she began her work as a manager at the local Sport Clips and found out about the brand’s involvement with St. Baldrick’s, she knew she had found her new professional home. She began volunteering in Raleigh, and started getting tattoos to mark each year she shaved her head. Her tattoos are shamrocks and two of “Lucky,” the St. Baldrick’s mascot. These tattoos often spark conversation, as people ask her if she’s Irish. She says it gives her the chance to talk about her work with St. Baldrick’s and, hopefully, inspire others to get involved. For Dawn, giving back to organizations like St. Baldrick’s is not just about helping others – it’s also about personal fulfillment. She shared that seeing the community come together and knowing she’s made a difference in people’s lives is incredibly rewarding.

Join the Sport Clips Family

At Sport Clips, we’re proud of stylists like Dawn, who embody our “Haircuts with Heart” philosophy by making a real difference in the lives of others. If you’re interested in joining a team that values community support and encourages philanthropy, Sport Clips might just be the perfect place for you. Apply now by chatting with Kenzie or clicking “APPLY NOW” at the top of the page.

Stylist Korah Lynn’s Journey with Sport Clips 

Korah Lynn was only three months old when her parents left her with a teenage cousin and didn't look back. She was later adopted by her great aunt, who she says instilled in her the values of resilience and dedication. She was raised around stylists, barbers, and hairdressers, and learned very early that this career was not just a job, but a legacy, and Korah’s path to become a stylist began to take shape. 

Like many professional stylists, Korah began taking cosmetology classes when she was in high school, thanks to encouragement from her adoptive mom who was a master barber. Her plans were sidetracked temporarily in 2012 when she found out she was pregnant and was forced to leave her home because of her situation. She had no job, no source of income, no car, and no place to live. Facing uncertainty, she returned to school, determined to create a better future for herself and her future son.

When she was six months pregnant, Korah graduated from Delaware Learning Institute and earned her cosmetology license. She found a job at a haircut franchise and officially began her career as a stylist. When Mark, the local manager of Habitat for Humanity ReStore came in for a haircut, he encouraged her to apply for the homebuilding program, eventually filling out the application on her behalf. This was a turning point in Korah’s life. She split her time between working in the salon and helping build her home, which she purchased for herself just a few years later. She finally had a home to call her own.

In 2017, she became a manager at the Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Sport Clips location and was initially hesitant to work in a new setting but ultimately embraced the opportunity. Transitioning into a managerial role, Korah discovered a supportive community that felt more like home and family than coworkers. Under the guidance of supportive husband and wife team leaders (franchisees) Jeff Burroughs and Robyn Hanson, she embraced every opportunity they gave her to expand her skillset and knowledge of the industry. Korah shared, “I’ve never had a relationship with the people I’ve worked with before. I know that if I needed something, they would be there. And it’s the culture that we have created in this store because of the Sport Clips values.” The camaraderie and shared values fostered within Sport Clips created an environment where Korah thrived both personally and professionally.

Sport Clips is about the professionals behind the chair, their stories, and their success. Korah Lynn’s journey with Sport Clips is not just a tale of professional growth; it's a testament to her unwavering commitment to excel and the transformative power of belief, resilience, and community. Through her story, she encourages others to see cosmetology as a rewarding lifelong career. She says, “Cosmetology was absolutely the best choice that I made back then. It seemed like such a little thing then, but without it I would never have met Mark. I would never have built my house. I would have never met Jeff and Robyn. Without this piece of paper , my life could have taken a very different route.”

If you're a stylist, you can learn more about pursuing a career path at your local Sport Clips. It may be just the home you're looking for. 

The story of this Sport Clips Haircuts stylist may resonate with many of you and hers may unfortunately be your story as well. As you read more about her, keep in mind that one in five children in the U.S. is sexually abused before the Age of 18 and that one out of every six American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime. With more than 13,000 team members across the country and the majority of stylists being women, Sport Clips made the commitment two years ago to develop and provide the most comprehensive package of support services for stylists of any hair care provider. One of those services is Saprea, a support organization for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Saprea’s mission is to liberate individuals and society from the lasting effects of childhood sexual abuse through healing, prevention, and awareness initiatives, including retreats and online resources.

NOTE: Trigger warning – sexual abuse & trauma. The name of this Stylist has been changed.

Jane was just 17 when she was raped. Now, years later, she realized she never really dealt with the trauma of that horrible event. Jane has been a Sport Clips team member for more than a decade, and says she spent years repressing everything she felt until the trauma resurfaced for her after becoming a mom. Wanting to be the best mother for her children, she knew she had to seek help for the lingering effects of her trauma.

When Jane discovered the healing work of Saprea was available to her free of charge through Sport Clips, it became a turning point in her recovery, though it took time for her to see how the program could benefit her. Initially hesitant to discuss or relive her trauma, she eventually chose to attend a Saprea retreat after consulting with close family and friends.

She now says the Saprea retreat proved to be “the most unnerving and freeing experience” for her. At first, Jane struggled with whether she could go through with it, even experiencing a panic attack…throwing up and shaking from the fear of it all. After encouragement from her closest friend to stay at the retreat and heal, she found as the days went on it was easier to discuss her abuse and use some of the grounding techniques she learned while there. Jane found she was being challenged to face the things she feared most and learned to create new neural pathways in her brain.

For Jane, the most helpful takeaways from her experience were learning it’s okay to talk about your experiences and not feel responsible for how it might make others feel. She learned how neural pathways work and how to rewire those pathways so you don’t feel like you are stuck in your traumatic experience. She learned it is okay to step away from a situation, gather yourself, and ground your thoughts when you are feeling overwhelmed. And, she learned how to stay vigilant with her own children and how to identify any warning signs of possible abuse.

She encourages other Sport Clips team members to make use of the support systems the franchise provides. Jane shares that the Saprea retreat was a very healing experience, especially with the ongoing therapy and support classes Saprea offers. She knows taking the first steps in a healing journey can be extremely challenging, she’s been there, but she could not have found the same support anywhere else.

Since attending the Saprea retreat, Jane’s quality of life has improved immensely. The experience helped her become a better person, a better wife, a better mother, a better daughter, and a better friend. She has the confidence to be who she truly is and can now recognize when others need support or extra love, because she was that person. For her, the journey has been a healing one…overcoming the fear to rise above the trauma. To learn more about Saprea, visit their website. If you are a Sport Clips Team Member looking to access services, please visit Saprea.org.

Thnks is one of the newest ways Sport Clips Haircuts supports team member appreciation, enabling franchise owners and store managers to express gratitude and foster strong relationships with Stylists. It’s that spark an unexpected gift brings – whether it’s an uplifting note, a cup of coffee, or a digital gift card – gratitude through Thnks for a job well done is motivating and fuels our organization and Team Members.
 
There’s even a Thnks “Gratitude in Business Award” that spotlights those who consistently go above and beyond in their work. This includes supporting others’ professional growth, inspiring a co-worker or client in the workplace, or simply contributing to the overall success of the company.
 
This year, we are excited to share that Lisa Gonzales, a Coach and Area Manager in New Mexico and El Paso, is a finalist for the Thnks Gratitude in Business Award! Lisa was nominated by her Team Leader Todd Bains. If selected as the winner, Gonzales will win a $10,000 Thnks credit for Sport Clips, a $500 Thnks credit for herself, and $2,500 to be donated to the charity of her choice. You can vote for her daily through October 5 to ensure she wins! Here’s the link: https://www.thnks.com/company/2023-thnks-gratitude-in-business-award
 
Lisa’s nomination says: “Lisa cares about everyone and everyone’s success, she works hard to have a balance between her military family life and work life but is always available anytime a team member needs her, she always answers the call. Lisa not only acts as a leader, but also as a friend, a counselor, and a problem-solver whether for business or someone’s personal challenges. Lisa has also taken money out of her personal account to show appreciation for her team members without letting anyone know she does this. She has a genuine concern for over 75 employees in eight stores, some of which are over five hours away from her.”
But what does gratitude mean to Lisa? She summed it up beautifully: “Gratitude helps me boost culture and motivation in my team because they feel seen for their hard work and dedication. This helps build trust. I believe a positive work environment leads to growth because my team feels appreciated and valued. I genuinely appreciate being a leader within Sport Clips, I find purpose in my work.”
 
So please take time to vote for Lisa and stay tuned for more inspiring stories and moments of gratitude that make the Sport Clips team so special.

UPDATE:

TOOT! TOOT! We are sooooo tooting our horn because our very own Lisa Gonzales won the 2023 THNKS Gratitude in Business Award! The THNKS team read thousands of nominations to tally the votes, and Lisa emerged as the winner for her unwavering commitment to showing gratitude and the enormous support she received from fellow Sport Clips Haircuts stylists, team members, and fans of hers.
 
Lisa is a Coach and Area Manager in New Mexico and El Paso, and was nominated for the award by Team Leader Todd Bains. She serves as a true example of a thoughtful and dedicated leader by managing 75 employees over eight stores (some located five hours away), all while maintaining a balance between her family and work life. She doesn’t just wear the hat of an area manager; she’s also a confidant, counselor, and a reliable problem-solver for her team. Lisa’s reputation for showing appreciation to her team members is nothing short of legendary. She consistently connects with and uplifts her coworkers, creating a supportive and harmonious workplace.
 
 
As the award winner, Sport Clips received a $10,000 THNKS credit and Lisa earned a $500 credit for herself. In addition, THNKS made a $2,500 donation to Lisa’s charity of choice – the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” program.
 
We are so grateful for stylists who actively inspire others, which makes the Sport Clips team so special. Lisa’s achievement is a testament to the incredible work that happens within our Sport Clips family. Way to go, Lisa and TOOT! TOOT!

How three Sport Clips Haircuts stylists charted their career paths to become franchisees

Sport Clips Haircuts has worked to establish itself as a reliable choice for men’s haircuts nationwide. Recent, independent research shows Sport Clips holds a place in the minds of the stylist community as having a positive work environment fostered by store leadership. For some franchisees, owning a store and managing a team of stylists comes second nature because they got their start as stylists or barbers themselves. 

Amanda Mazzone, owner of three Sport Clips locations in New Jersey, has been with the franchise since she was 22 years old, when she started out as a coordinator with dreams of becoming a stylist. Mazzone was drawn to this work as a child because she saw other stylists carrying themselves with incredible confidence. “I loved who they were as people,” she said. Mazzone brought this people focused approach to her management style, where she prioritizes building relationships and treating employees and clients with kindness. The perspective gained through experience as a stylist provides substantial benefits when it comes to leading a team. It paid off for Mazzone recently when she was recognized at Sport Clips’ National Huddle as a Team Leader (Franchisee) of the Year. 

Coming into the franchise as a stylist or barber has its advantages “because you know what you are doing” according to Almaz Haile, who began her journey with Sport Clips in 2000 as a stylist. “The stylists always say to me, ‘You understand us better’,” Haile said. Management positions require an ability to multitask and think on your feet, skills that Haile learned through working as both as a stylist and manager. 

“I’ve seen other shops where they don’t care about their employees, but with Sport Clips, the way we focus on the culture of the store and how we focus on the team members, that mentality helps drive us to how successful it has been in every state,” said Gregory Zotian, who also began as a barber to gain experience before owning his own stores. Zotian says Sport Clips is unique because it focuses on cultivating the specialized in-store experience, elevating it above a simple haircut. 

“Working within the Sport Clips franchise as a stylist allows potential future owners to focus on cultivating the client experience instead of spending time on some of the elemental concerns solo store owners have,” said Jim Atkinson, Sport Clips vice president of franchise development. “We have finely tuned operations and systems in place, and we believe Sport Clips and our franchise owners  do more for stylists than any other franchise…from on-going, in-person training to team member recognition and 24/7 assistance and counseling services to human resources and a brand marketing team, the Sport Clips franchise provides stylists who want to become store owners the support that allows them to devote their time where it matters: their team members and clients.”  

The biggest pieces of advice all three stylists/barbers turned owners have for others looking to follow in their footsteps and make the career leap to become franchisees? 

1. Work Hard - “I tell them the grass is greener here because we make it green,” Haile said, speaking to the importance of putting in effort to get yourself where you want to go. “It doesn’t happen overnight, but with hard work you can get there.” 
2. Ask Questions - Zotian said, “The way I made the leap from stylist to owner was to ask a lot of questions. When you want to own your business, you can never ask too many questions. Make sure you take the time and understand the business before taking on a big change in your life.”
3. Be Confident - Mazzone said, “I was a stylist for two years and a manager for eight before making the jump. I did not inherit my stores, I had to earn them and that was scary. But don't let anyone doubt your abilities. Be positive and determined.” 

For any stylist or barber interested in becoming a franchisee, Sport Clips provides the resources and support to pursue a rewarding, lifelong career. To learn more, visit our research pages here or make a request for more information today. 
 

Overcoming Addiction, One Day at a Time

*Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in May 2022.  In the intervening year, Sport Clips created and offered a sober celebration at their National Huddle in Texas, in May 2023, and will continue with Sober Pros events, making it clear that the party’s not over just because you’re sober. The sober celebrations are just part of a comprehensive umbrella of assistance the franchise has rolled out this past year that includes 24-7/365 SupportLinc counseling services as well as the team member recognition platform THNKS. 

The story of stylist Meghan Blanchette’s life reads like the screenplay of a made‐for‐TV movie. Growing up in Connecticut, successful in school, acing tests, she began planning for college followed by a business career. But that all changed during her senior year when she made the decision to take her first drink. It may sound dramatic, but she knew she had a family history and says the addiction gene kicked in with that first drink.

Head to Modern Salon for the complete story!