Celebrating Starks Franchise Owners
Here we showcase the remarkable journeys of franchise owners who have found fulfillment and prosperity with Starks Barber Company. As a revolutionary name in the barbershop industry, Starks has created a supportive and empowering environment for entrepreneurs to thrive and achieve their business goals. Keep reading to discover inspiring narratives from franchise owners who have transformed their passion for barbering into successful ventures. From overcoming challenges to realizing their dreams, these stories highlight the endless possibilities and opportunities that await those who join the Starks Barber Company franchise family.
Raymond Fong
Aurora and Vaughan locations
Raymond spent a decade working in the telecom industry, before making the decision to gain financial freedom by becoming his own boss. As a customer of Starks Barber Company for several years, Raymond experienced firsthand how the Starks treatment stands out above the rest. When his usual Starks location moved to another city, he would drive 40 minutes so he could continue seeing his favorite barber. Talk about customer loyalty!
Having seen for himself Starks’ proven business model, Raymond teamed up with his business partner Maurice to open a Starks franchise in October 2020, and they’ve already opened a second location. With his background in customer retention, Raymond has successfully applied his business skills to Starks Barber Company, in particular his empathy and understanding of clients’ needs.
According to Raymond, one of the most appealing aspects of franchising with Starks is the reliability of the barber industry: “For as long as I can remember, I’ve never seen a hair salon or haircut place close down. These places are indestructible, they’re recession-proof. They’re tech-proof in that it doesn’t feel like we’ll see automated haircuts anytime soon. For those reasons, I couldn’t see another industry that was as relatable, that I could easily adopt, since I was a customer and I knew the products and services.”
Sam Samad
Toronto locations
Sam was a Starks customer back in 2017, and would commute 30 minutes to get the experience he liked so much. After asking when there would be a location closer to downtown Toronto, Sam decided it was time to take matters into his own hands. Working together with his brothers, Sam opened up their first Starks franchise in 2021, and their second location only a year later.
By combining their various business skills in financing, accounting, customer service, and marketing, Sam and his brothers have shown that you don’t need a background in barbershops or other hair salons in order to grow with Starks Barber Company franchises.
30–35% of their customers are members, providing not only a stable revenue stream that helps to level out their profitability, expenses, and seasonality of hiring, but also ensures their commitment to providing the best possible experience. “I love the accountability the membership puts on us to the customer. With that, it’s just like any other subscription service you can think of. When the customer’s renewal is coming up, if they’re not happy, their ability to switch is so easy. There are so many options out there. So for us, it’s a reminder that this customer could leave if we don’t continually maintain that customer experience all the time.”
Majuran (MJ) Sivakumaren
Barrie location
After a long time as a customer of Starks, one day a Starks manager asked MJ about his interest in owning a Starks location of his own. MJ took the idea home to his wife, who agreed this was a business opportunity the husband and wife duo could confidently invest in and grow as a team. In their first year, MJ and his wife claimed the honor of Rookie of the Year.
With the support of family and friends, this family team was able to grow their first business together, bring jobs to the community, meet the demand with a unique experience, and continue to grow as a valued member of a thriving franchise system.
“I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in a year.” Mj says. “I’m proud of my staff and proud of myself and my wife as well. It’s our first business ever. All we knew was corporate jobs. And we’re doing it with two kids as well. I can’t do this without my staff or my wife. I told them when we got the Rookie of the Year, this is your award, not mine. I’m just bringing people into chairs, you guys do the rest.”
Become a Franchise Owner Today
The success stories of our franchise owners with Starks Barber Company are a testament to the incredible possibilities that lie within our franchise opportunity. We take immense pride in witnessing the growth, achievements, and fulfillment of our franchisees as they build thriving businesses and leave a lasting impact on their communities. Whether it’s through our comprehensive training programs, ongoing support system, or the strength of our service and products, we are dedicated to empowering our franchise owners every step of the way. Join the Starks Barber Company franchise family and unlock your own potential for success. Your inspiring success story could be the next one we celebrate. Take the leap today and embark on an exciting journey towards entrepreneurial greatness with Starks Barber Company by filling out our form here. We look forward to learning more about you!