There was one unemployed worker available for every two job openings at the start of 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Demand for labor is historically high, and many businesses are under pressure – but not all. One franchise that’s feeling just as paw-sitive as its furry clientele is Salty Dawg, a leading grooming salon and pet supply store in the U.S. By Sarah Lindauer
There was one unemployed worker available for every two job openings at the start of 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Demand for labor is historically high, and many businesses are under pressure – but not all. One franchise that’s feeling just as paw-sitive as its furry clientele is Salty Dawg, a leading grooming salon and pet supply store in the U.S.
Salty Dawg was founded in 2018 by John Kanski, a Paul Mitchell School owner, along with Winn Claybaugh, founder and co-owner of Paul Mitchell Advanced Education, the franchisor of over 100 cosmetology and/or barbering schools operating under the Paul Mitchell School brand. The two businesses keep close ties, and Salty Dawg franchisees recruit new graduates straight into their salons.
“Franchisees love the opportunity to be their own boss and pave their path,” shared Bryan Ospina, chief operating officer. “Apart from that, it gives the franchisees peace of mind knowing that we have a solution to helping them recruit, train and retain team members for their new locations.”
It’s no surprise that entrepreneurs looking to leave the corporate world are attracted to this level of hiring security. On top of building a strong workforce, Salty Dawg also excels in employee retention
“It stems from the culture aspect of the business,” shared Ospina. “Many of the Paul Mitchell School graduates are seeking out a similar open and welcoming environment. Fortunately, the person responsible for cultivating that culture is now ensuring that Salty Dawg continues with that same approach.”
Salty Dawg’s connection to one of the best salon educators in the country also lends itself to building a robust training program of Salty Dawg’s own. “The program doesn’t just cover how to run the front desk and groom dogs, but it also covers the business side. We’ll teach our franchisees everything from overseeing the construction process to reading and understanding a profit and loss statement,” shared Ospina.
Thanks to the breadth of Salty Dawg’s training, franchisees don’t need prior experience working with pets. That being said, a love for animals certainly doesn’t hurt when you’re spending the day surrounded by furry friends.
It’s no wonder Salty Dawg owners feel doggone good about leaving the corporate world.
Sarah Lindauer