Why rlo?
Why rlo?
Embedded Files
A word from our Franchisee, Clara Osterhage:
I always wanted to be a doctor, but I couldn’t muster up the smarts to make that happen. I learned that I could work in a hospital with a degree in social work, so I got one. I worked in hospitals as a social worker (and a variety of other roles) for many years, but it was never quite enough for me. It was a great day when Ray handed me an ad in the Dayton Daily News that offered a VHS tape to order to learn about franchising. I ordered the tape, watched it, and fell in love with the Great Clips brand.
In 1996, we opened our first salon in Springfield, Ohio with 3 children under the age of 4. I traveled an hour to work and an hour to the salon. We drained my retirement fund and borrowed $75,000 from the bank to get that salon open.
It was the best decision we ever made.
Over the years, I have learned a little about the hair salon business and a TON about people. My social work background has truly impassioned me to have a strong awareness where “my people” are in life. Having grown up in a small town and working to put myself through college, I understood the idea of having dreams and working to make them happen. I also understood all of the challenges and barriers that can get in the way.
“My people” are predominantly women, and many of them are single parents and head of their household. With my social work skills in high gear, it is easy for me to be focused on what they need to be the best they can be at work and in life. That has been the best use of my time and energy over the years.
I have kind of become addicted to growing our business over the years - more so I can impact the lives of more who want to work in this industry. And to grow the business, Ray and I have worked together to literally do it all. We have built salons from the cement floor up, have made many personal sacrifices, and put ourselves financially at risk.
And, I would do it all over again.
For many years, my objective has been to be the “go-to” hair salon company when hair professionals are looking for a place to make their work home. We offered benefits for our employees when no one else was. We work so hard to keep our salons in the best shape ever so that our employees feel good about being there. And, we work hard to fill our chairs with customers.
We are a family. As many employees as we have, I know that I could call any one of them up and ask for help, and they would oblige. I think they all know that they can count on me, as well. In my world, that is the definition of family - taking care of each other.
Page updated
Report abuse