Local father-son franchise owners have 36 Sport Clips Haircuts locations in Pennsylvania and Ohio
MARS, PA
Local entrepreneurs Al and AJ Rodriguez were honored last week with top recognition for their work as Sport Clips Haircuts franchisees by the International Franchise Association (IFA). The annual Franchisee of the Year awards were a part of the 65th IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, recognizing outstanding franchise establishment owner-operators who “exemplify excellence in business, giving back, and providing opportunities to those around them.”
The father-son duo has a combined 36 Sport Clips locations in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Al says he selected Sport Clips as a franchise investment because the business model fits what he was looking for: work ‘on’ the business, not ‘in’ the business, since he needed to continue working his ‘day job’ for a time. Al and AJ have added two additional franchise brands to their portfolio, growing from around 60 to more than 350 employees.
Al says of franchising, “In the early 2000s, it was one of the outliers. Now, it is one of the biggest industries supplying a large portion of domestic jobs. Franchising offers a proven playbook that allows for growth and jobs in the regions we choose to serve. Our focus is largely based on the positive impact we can make in the communities where we do business.”
“Franchisees of the Year represent the very best of franchising,” said Matt Haller, president and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “They embody the American Dream, create economic opportunity, serve their communities, and show what it means to go into business for yourself, but not by yourself. We are proud to recognize these entrepreneurs with the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and we salute them for the tireless efforts to lift up all those they serve.”
There are approximately 830,000 franchised businesses across the U.S., providing nearly 9 million direct jobs and generating over $896 billion in economic output. According to Oxford Economics, franchising on average provides higher wages and better benefits than non-franchised businesses, as well as greater entrepreneurial opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented communities. To find out more, visit SportClipsFranchise.com.