“Retiring” into the salon business.

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Do you ever think about how you’re going to spend your retirement years? I have always admired people who do it well – those who figure out how to let go of their day-to-day jobs but stay involved in some line of work, or those who leave their careers completely and actively volunteer in their communities. 

What really impresses me is those who figure out how to do both — like Great Clips Franchisee Bill Van Luven {DMA}. Bill was recently featured in an article in his local paper after being recognized as an “Ageless-Remarkable St. Louisan.” Remarkable, indeed.

 In 1986, Bill joined Great Clips as a salon franchisee and has helped open 28 Great Clips hair salons since then. Today, he manages 11 locations in central Illinois, and he volunteers in the business community and at his local hospital  – all at the age of 80!

 Clearly, Bill is exceptional, but he’s also part of a trend (maybe more like a trend setter!). I recently read an article about the increase in the number of people in their 40s, 50s and 60s (what some call the “encore” years) starting their own businesses. This undoubtedly is the result of tough economic times – early retirement, layoffs, underemployment or dissatisfaction with a current job are all legitimate reasons to take matters into your own hands and consider opening a business.

 Granted, there are risks associated with starting your own business but Mark Spriggs, chairman of the entrepreneurship department at the University of St. Thomas says that franchisees are “two to three more times likely to succeed than the independent businesses” because of the support and brand-strength that comes with a tested model.

 I don’t plan on retiring for quite awhile (I’m having too much fun right now!), but when I do, I hope I can be like Bill Van Luven, who figured out how to “retire” the right way.

Rob Goggins

Rob Goggins

SVP of Real Estate & Development - Rob joined Great Clips in July 2007 as Vice President of Franchise Development. Prior to Great Clips, Rob was Vice President of Franchise Development for Service Brands International. In that position, Rob helped grow franchise sales for all four of the Service Brands franchise concepts.

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