Tyler Kanski has deep roots in the hair industry. At 6 years old, he started sweeping hair in his parents’ salon in Normal, Illinois. In 2007, his father, John Kanski, opened his first Paul Mitchell Schools franchise in the same town and slowly expanded across Texas, Georgia, and Wisconsin. Eleven years later, Winn Claybaugh, dean and co-founder of Paul Mitchell Schools, and John Kanski, co-founded Salty Dawg Pet Salon + Bakery along with partner Gary Ratner, co-founder of Hair Cuttery. The group carried over the level of quality and skill of Paul Mitchell Schools to dog grooming. By Kelsi Trinidad
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FRANCHISEE
Tyler Kanski has deep roots in the hair industry. At 6 years old, he started sweeping hair in his parents’ salon in Normal, Illinois. In 2007, his father, John Kanski, opened his first Paul Mitchell Schools franchise in the same town and slowly expanded across Texas, Georgia, and Wisconsin. Eleven years later, Winn Claybaugh, dean and co-founder of Paul Mitchell Schools, and John Kanski, co-founded Salty Dawg Pet Salon + Bakery along with partner Gary Ratner, co-founder of Hair Cuttery. The group carried over the level of quality and skill of Paul Mitchell Schools to dog grooming.
While working in the family business as a bookkeeper, Tyler saw an opportunity to own a Salty Dawg in Texas. Growing his business has been exciting and educational.
“I went to business school. They teach you how to do some basic formulas and stuff when you actually get in there and deal with people,” explained Tyler. “You learn people, communication and decision-making skills, things that I’ve definitely gotten a lot better at.”
At his salon in Katy, Texas, Tyler is hoping to expand the existing bakery offerings of treats and dog goodies to include more daily-use items.
Here’s a glimpse into a day in the life of a Salty Dawg Pet Salon + Bakery franchisee:
- 4:30 a.m. Tyler wakes up early to exercise. He eats breakfast and gets ready to head into the store.
- 7:30 a.m. He arrives to open the store and gathers the staff for a morning huddle where they share victories and discuss the day’s game plan.
- 9 a.m. Tyler works on projects for the store. He’s always looking at ways to create new efficiencies or processes that make the business better.
- 1:30 p.m. After lunch, Tyler gets back to focusing on projects he’s working on to optimize his store.
- 4:30 p.m. As groomers are finishing up their last clients, Tyler and the staff regroup and share any discoveries made and how they can benefit.
- 5 p.m. Tyler closes the store and heads home to relax and wind down for the day.
Kelsi Trinidad