A Model For Success Franchisees strike a pose with their new combo store.
Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
When brothers Gary, 39, and Bill Crowley, 41, acquired theirbeauty salon in 1994, they never imagined they'd be models forGlamour Shots. Actually, they're not glamour models per se, butrather models for a new opportunity that puts Glamour Shots'Surroundings Studio into existing beauty salons.
The new concept allows salon owners to operate a Glamour Shotsfranchise, complete with 3-D sets and props, out of less expensiveretail sites. By sharing payroll between the salon and the studio,entrepreneurs can lower payroll expenses from those of thestudio-only franchises that are typically found in malls.
"Glamour Shots used to have the image of big hair, gaudymakeup and head shots until [the franchisor] put in theSurroundings Studio, which we absolutely love," says Gary,whose sales have grown from $165,000 in 1999 to expected sales of$230,000 this year, thanks in large part to the company's newimage.
The Crowley brothers came up with the idea to combine theirexisting salon and a Glamour Shots franchise, and opened the firstcombined store in Pad-ucah, Kentucky, in November 1998. The newfranchising concept was offered systemwide by the 8-year-oldfranchisor this past March-20 new stores are expected to open thisyear. The initial investment cost for existing salon owners isunder $40,000, depending on location.
