NEW YORK, August 31, 2010-- Inc. magazine ranked Fantastic Sams No. 4908 on its fourth annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a comprehensive look into the most entrepreneurial segment of the economy, the small business sector"We are honored to be included in the list of the fastest growing private companies across the nation," said Scott Colabuono, CEO of Fantastic Sams. "We have continued to make great strides in the past three years and this progression will continue no matter what the economic climate holds."
Fantastic Sams Hair Salons, a nearly 1,300-unit full-service hair care and professional hair salon franchise, has not only continued to grip a share of the $60 billion hair care industry, but also has advanced its footprint forward by furthering its expansion nationwide. Fantastic Sams opened 54 locations in 2009 and is continuing on pace to open over 50 new salons in 2010. Over the course of the past three years, the brand illustrated a sales growth of five percent. Being featured as one of the top 5000 fastest growing companies is a testament to the experience, quality product and superior service that the brand offers.
"The leaders of the companies on this year's Inc. 5000 have figured out how to grow their businesses during the longest recession since the Great Depression," said Inc. president Bob LaPointe. "The 2010 Inc. 5000 showcases a particularly hardy group of entrepreneurs."
Despite the fact that most of this year's measuring period of 2006-2009 took place during the latest recession, aggregate revenue among the companies on the list actually increased to $321.6 billion, up more than 50 percent from last year. The effects of the recession are seen, however, in the median three-year growth rate, which dropped to 96 percent from last year's 126 percent. This year's Inc. 5000 employ a record 1.4 million people, up from one million on last year's list. With unemployment remaining stubbornly high, policymakers and business leaders will do well to look to the Inc. 5000 companies for fresh ideas on achieving growth and creating jobs.
Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found on www.inc.com/inc5000.
ABOUT FANTASTIC SAMS HAIR SALONS With nearly 1,300 salons located throughout North America, Fantastic Sams Hair Salons (www.FantasticSams.com) is one of the world's largest full-service hair care franchises with an excellent reputation for providing quality hair care services for the entire family. Fantastic Sams Hair Salons has been consistently ranked as one of the top franchise opportunities by Entrepreneur Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, Franchise Times and Bonds. For more information, visit www.FantasticSamsFranchises.com
http://www.pe.com/business/local/profiles/stories/PE_Biz_D_profile26.3a31aeb.html
Beverly, MA - December 10, 2009 - Fantastic Sams, the largest full-service hair salon franchise with nearly 1300 salons, was recognized by AllBusiness.com in its annual ranking of the Top 300 All Star Franchises. Ranked as #74 overall and the highest rated full-service hair care franchise, the Fantastic Sams franchise improved 35 spots compared to last years ranking. Additionally, Fantastic Sams was the highest rated hair care franchise in the Dun & Bradstreet Financial Strength ranking.
AllBusiness.com, a subsidiary of Dun & Bradstreet, used a number of criteria to rank the winners, including growth rate, system size, financial strength, years in franchising and availability of financing. The D&B Financial Strength ranking is based on D&B's predictive Commercial Credit and Stress Scores, company financials, comparative financial ratios and other available information.
"We are pleased that AllBusiness and Dun & Bradstreet recognized the Fantastic Sams franchise as a leading franchise opportunity", noted Jeff Sturgis, Vice President, Franchise Sales & Development for Fantastic Sams. "The salon business continues to outperform many other business segments in this tough economy and we are focused on supporting our franchise partners to grow their business."
Already a prominent player in the $59 billion hair salon industry, Fantastic Sams offers a full range of hair salon services catering to men, women and children of all ages. Customers at any Fantastic Sams can expect full service treatment from a professional team of stylists who are up-to-date on the latest trends and fashions. Fantastic Sams' franchise owners don't typically work in their salon full-time and often have corporate management experience, not direct salon industry experience. Success criteria for Fantastic Sams' owners include strong management ability, leadership skills and keeping engaged in the business.
For information about Fantastic Sams franchise opportunities call (877) FanSams or visit www.FantasticSamsFranchises.com.
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Beverly, MA - December 10, 2009 - Fantastic Sams, the largest full-service hair salon franchise in the U.S. with nearly 1300 salons, was recognized by Entrepreneur Media in their annual ranking of the best franchise opportunities. With an overall ranking of 39, Fantastic Sams ranks in the top 10% of all franchise opportunities, and is the highest ranked full-service hair salon franchise. This year's results continue a trend of Fantastic Sams being ranked as one of the top 50 franchise opportunities in 5 of the last 7 years.
Entrepreneur has been conducting the Franchise 500 survey for 31 years. In determining its rankings, they evaluate each company's financial strength and stability, growth rate, size of system, years in business and franchising and percentage of unit closings. This year over 700 franchise companies were evaluated in the study.
"We are proud to once again be recognized and included in this prestigious survey. We strive each day to provide our franchise owners with a strong business model and the validation our system receives through inclusion in the Entrepreneur 500 ranking is a testament to the hard work of our franchise partners." commented Jeff Sturgis, Vice President, Franchise Sales & Development for Fantastic Sams.
Already a prominent player in the $59 billion hair salon industry, Fantastic Sams offers a full range of hair salon services catering to men, women and children of all ages. Guests at any Fantastic Sams can expect full-service treatment from a professional team of stylists who are up-to-date on the latest trends and fashions. Fantastic Sams' franchise owners don't typically work in their salon full-time and often have corporate management experience, not direct salon industry experience. Success criteria for Fantastic Sams' owners include strong management ability, leadership skills and the ability to stay engaged in the business.
For information about Fantastic Sams franchise opportunities call (877) FanSams or visit www.FantasticSamsFranchises.com.
NOVEMBER 27, 2009 - Fantastic Sams, a full service hair salon brand with over 1300 salons in the US and Canada, is continuing its expansion with the opening of a new franchised salon in Irvine, California. The company recently opened its latest hair salon franchise in the Walnut Village Shopping Center.
"We are excited about our arrival in Irvine," said Jeff Sturgis, Vice President of Franchise Sales and Development for Fantastic Sams. "As the leading full service salon brand, we look forward to offering the highest quality salon services to our guests."
Fantastic Sams offers a full range of hair salon services to its clients, providing them with the best in full service hair care and professional hair salon products.
NOVEMBER 20, 2009 - Fantastic Sams, a full service hair salon brand with over 1300 salons in the US and Canada, is continuing its expansion with the opening of a new franchised salon in Fullerton, California. The company recently opened its latest hair salon franchise in the Fullerton MetroCenter Shopping Center.
"We are excited about our arrival in Fullerton," said Jeff Sturgis, Vice President of Franchise Sales and Development for Fantastic Sams. "As the leading full service salon brand, we look forward to offering the highest quality salon services to our guests."
Fantastic Sams offers a full range of hair salon services to its clients, providing them with the best in full service hair care and professional hair salon products.
BEVERLY, MA-Fantastic Sams Hair Salons, with over 1300 full-service franchise salons, received approval to be listed on the United States Small Business Administration "SBA" Franchise Registry in several regions around the nation. According to Fantastic Sams, the action will help expedite the loan process for new and existing Fantastic Sams franchise owners that wish to start or expand their salon business.The Franchise Registry, operated by Fran-Data in partnership with the SBA, is an online national registry of franchise systems whose new and existing franchisees receive streamlined loan processing. Fewer than 30 percent of all franchise systems qualify for listing on the Registry. Applicants must submit their franchise contracts to ensure compliance with strict SBA criteria.
"The current lending environment necessitates providing our franchise owners with a variety of resources to secure financing for the development of their salon business." explained Jeff Sturgis, Fantastic Sams Vice President of Franchise Development. "We believe approval on the SBA Registry provides a real benefit for our owners."
Already a prominent player in the $59 billion hair salon industry, Fantastic Sams offers a full range of hair salon services catering to men, women and children of all ages. Customers at any Fantastic Sams can expect full-service treatment from a professional team of stylists who are up-to-date on the latest trends and fashions. Fantastic Sams franchise owners don't typically work in their salon full-time and often have corporate management experience, not direct salon industry experience. Success criteria for Fantastic Sams' owners include strong management ability, leadership skills and keeping engaged in the business.
For more information about Fantastic Sams call (877) 383-3831 or visit www.FantasticSamsFranchises.com.
November 13, 2009 - Fantastic Sams, a full service hair salon brand with over 1300 salons in the US and Canada, is continuing its expansion with the opening of a new franchised salon in Sicklerville, New Jersey. The company recently opened its latest hair salon franchise in the Fries Mills Plaza.
"We are excited about our arrival in Sicklerville," said Jeff Sturgis, Vice President of Franchise Sales and Development for Fantastic Sams. "As the leading full service salon brand, we look forward to offering the highest quality salon services to our guests."
Fantastic Sams offers a full range of hair salon services to its clients, providing them with the best in full service hair care and professional hair salon products.
NOVEMBER 6, 2009 - Fantastic Sams, a full service hair salon brand with over 1300 salons in the US and Canada, is continuing its expansion with the opening of a new franchised salon in Roswell, Georgia. The company recently opened its latest hair salon franchise in the Stonebridge Square Shopping Center.
"We are excited about our arrival in Roswell," said Jeff Sturgis, Vice President of Franchise Sales and Development for Fantastic Sams. "As the leading full service salon brand, we look forward to offering the highest quality salon services to our guests."
Fantastic Sams offers a full range of hair salon services to its clients, providing them with the best in full service hair care and professional hair salon products.
BEVERLY, MA (November 1, 2009) - Fantastic Sams, the leading full-service hair salon franchise with over 1300 salons, was ranked 144th for worldwide sales and 60th for total units in the Franchise Times annual ranking of the nation's largest franchise systems by total sales.
When you take into account that there are over 3,000 franchise companies in operation, it means that Fantastic Sams ranks in the top 10% of all franchise companies. This is the tenth consecutive year that Fantastic Sams was included in the Top 200 Franchises study. Additionally, Fantastic Sams has the most full-service franchised hair salon locations in the nation.
According to Franchise Times, the Top 200 franchise systems collectively demonstrated a remarkable ability to withstand the economic turmoil of the last year. Overall, the ranked franchise systems grew their business by over 7% compared to the prior year.
"We are excited to be included in this important study every year", commented Scott Colabuono, President of Fantastic Sams. "The salon business continues to thrive and as a full-service, high quality, value priced salon brand, Fantastic Sams is well-positioned for a slow economy."
Franchisees are attracted to Fantastic Sams for many reasons, including its simple business model and flat fee royalty structure. Fantastic Sams hair salon owners don't typically work in their salon full-time and often have corporate management experience, not direct salon industry experience. Success criteria for Fantastic Sams' owners include strong management ability, leadership skills and keeping engaged in the business.
For more information about Fantastic Sams visit www.FantasticSamsFranchises.com or call
(877) 383-3831.
BOSTON, MA - Fantastic Sams®, one of the nation's largest full-service hair salon franchises, has staked its claim as the best of the best, securing its spot on the acclaimed 2009 edition of Bond's Top 100 Franchises.
The Bond's Top 100 Franchises accolade is based on a variety of performance indicators including historical performance, brand identification, franchisee satisfaction, training, on-going support, financial stability and other key variables. With over 3,500 franchises out there, selection is a great honor to those companies selected and should be a significant assist to prospective franchisees as they start their search process.
While many other franchise systems are struggling due to current economic conditions, the Fantastic Sam franchise continues to style its way to success, expanding its "no appointments" necessary concept throughout the nation with a national growth strategy to nearly double the number of salons in the next five to seven years.
"The Bond's Top 100 ranking is an affirmation of the growth and excitement that is charging throughout our franchise system," said Fantastic Sams CEO, Scott Colabuono. "Fantastic Sams has prospered where others have not by a simple strategy of putting our customers and franchise owners first at all times, providing a solid business model to our franchise owners, giving them an opportunity to build a rewarding business and help create the kind of lifestyle they desire."
Already a big player in the $59 billion hair salon industry, Fantastic Sams offers a full range of hair salon services catering to men, women and children of all ages. Customers at any Fantastic Sams can expect the full service treatment from a professional team of stylists who are up-to-date on the latest trends and fashions. Haircuts and styles, straightening, coloring, highlights and texturing are all available, as well as beard and mustache grooming, facial waxing and rejuvenating hair treatments. Fantastic Sams' menu of services is also complemented by an exclusive line of hair care products.
April 22, 2009 - To commemorate 35 fantastic years in the salon business, Fantastic Sams® is celebrating in style! Between May 11th and June 29th, Fantastic Sams® is offering guests. The $35 Cutting Edge Combo, which includes a cut and additional services and products, depending on the salon's location."Quality and value are the reasons that our guests have been so loyal to Fantastic Sams® over the years, and The $35 Cutting Edge Combo is a great way to say thank you for all of their patronage," according to Scott Colabuono, President and CEO of Fantastic Sams® salons.
Fantastic Sams® has maintained affordable prices over the years while remaining fresh and relevant through new product and service introductions, as well as by creating fashion forward styles for men and women. The Cutting Edge Combo highlights the wide variety of services and products available at Fantastic Sams® and celebrates the heritage of affordability at the nation's largest full-service salon chain.
BOSTON - Fantastic Sams, a full service hair salon brand with nearly 1,400 salons in the US and Canada was recently ranked as one of the 2008 "Top 25 Most Affordable Franchises" by Black Enterprise Magazine. Fantastic Sams was also recognized by Black Enterprise as one of the "Hottest franchise in 2006", one of only six franchisors, and the only hair salon franchise, to be included on both lists.
The "Top 25 Most Affordable Franchises" was featured in the September 2008 issue of Black Enterprise Magazine and Fantastic Sams was recognized as a franchise that is in a recession resistant industry with low start up costs. According to Black Enterprise Magazine, "Our editors consulted with franchisor, franchisees, industry experts, and trade associations to come up with 25 lucrative franchising opportunities."
The publication also gave extra consideration to franchises with minority outreach programs, and those who participate in the MinorityFran Initiative. Fantastic Sams is a charter member of Minority Fran, a program that was recently launched by the International Franchise Association's Diversity institute. Minority Fran works to broaden awareness of franchising within minority communities and to increase the numbers of minority franchise owners, employees and suppliers.
"We are thrilled about our recent recognition by the minority business community, "said Scott Colabuono, CEO of Fantastic Sams. "We want to recruit franchisees who are interested in running a business and who also understand the culture of the clients they serve."
According to the IFA, franchise businesses create some 21 million jobs and $2.3 trillion in total economic output. "The current economic environment has made Fantastic Sams a viable option for aspiring entrepreneurs," adds Colabuono.
Already a big player in the $59 billion hair salon industry, Fantastic Sams offers a full range of hair salon services at a value price point. Catering to men, women and children of all ages, customers at any Fantastic Sams can expect the full service treatment from a professional team of stylists up-to-date on the latest trends and fashions. Haircuts and styles, straightening, coloring, highlights and texturing are all available, as well as beard and mustache grooming, facial waxing and rejuvenating hair treatments. Fantastic Sams' menu of services are also complemented by an exclusive line of hair care products.
To augment the market's growth, Fantastic Sams is currently seeking franchise partners who want to invest in a proven business model with a solid operating system and dedicated corporate support structure, as well as a strong desire to develop an emerging concept in a high-growth industry. The average initial investment to open a Fantastic Sams salon (ranging from $100,000 to $225,000) and the company's fixed fee royalties make it one of the most competitive opportunities in the industry.
"Our franchise partners find our brand an attractive investment," added Colabuono. "Offering a solid, proven system of success, Fantastic Sams allows a franchisee to go into business for themselves, but not by themselves."
For franchising opportunities visit www.fantasticsamsfranchises.com.
FANTASTIC SAMS HAIR SALONS RECOGNIZED BY NATIONAL MINORITY FRANCHISING INITIATIVE
Full Service Hair Salon Brand Receives Two Minority Awards
BOSTON - Fantastic Sams, a full service hair salon brand with nearly 1400 salons in the US and Canada, was recently ranked as one of the "50 Top Franchises for Minorities" and the "Top 25 Franchises for Hispanics" by the National Minority Franchising Initiative and Hispanic Enterprise Magazine. Fantastic Sams was the only hair salon franchise system selected by both surveys.
As published in the September 28 edition of the USA Today newspaper, The "50 Top Franchises for Minorities" award recognizes Fantastic Sams as one of the exceptional systems that has demonstrated a focus on recruiting and supporting minority franchisees into its system. Selection was based on many factors, including historical performance, brand identification, market dynamics, franchisee satisfaction the level of initial training, on-going support and financial stability.
The "Top 25 Franchises for Hispanics" was featured in the June/July issue of Hispanic Enterprise Magazine. Fantastic Sams was recognized as a franchise that has made a corporate commitment to recruit prospective franchisees from the Hispanic community over the past several years. According to Hispanic Enterprise Magazine, "This commitment is not based on altruism; it is based on sound economics. The companies noted here represent exceptional opportunities for prospective franchisees and have demonstrated a commitment to properly training and supporting you once you become a franchisee."
Fantastic Sams is also a charter member of Minority Fran, a program that was recently launched by the International Franchise Association's Diversity institute. Minority Fran was created to build awareness of franchising within minority communities and to increase the number of minority franchise owners.
"We are thrilled about our recent recognition by the minority business community," said Scott Colabuono, CEO of Fantastic Sams. "We want to recruit franchisees who are interested in running a business and who also understand the culture of the clients they serve."
Fantastic Sams is currently concentrating its efforts on attracting quality franchise partners who want to invest in a leading hair salon brand with a solid operating system and a strong corporate support structure. The average initial investment to open a Fantastic Sams Hair Salon (ranging between $100,000 to $225,000) and the company's fixed fee royalties make it one of the most competitive opportunities in the industry. "With Fantastic Sams' attractive economic model, experienced franchise partners find our brand a worthwhile investment," added Colabuono.
"Prospective franchise owners for Fantastic Sams should have well developed people skills to be successful. Our best salon owners set a standard for guest service that translates into highly trained and motivated hair stylists. Our guests recognize the difference when they step into our salons," according to Jeff Sturgis, VP Franchise Development. "We have become the leading full service hair salon brand by offering the best in salon services and products, and by creating a customer loyalty that sets us apart from our competition, " he added.
Denton Record-Chronicle, TX (circ. 18,235) , Sunday, August 19, 2007 edition
Fantastic Sams is looking to expand in the Dallas-Fort Worth market with about 100 stores, said Jeff Sturgis, vice president of franchise sales and development.
The expansion is part of the company's goal to increase their 1,400 locations in the U.S. to about 2,000 to 2,500 in a five- to seven-year period, Sturgis said.
"Texas being one of the largest states - it is going to play a predominant and pre-eminent role as we grow this brand," he said, adding that the Dallas-Fort Worth market is considered among the top 10 in the U.S.
"That's where people are migrating to from all over the country," Sturgis said.
Of the 100 stores proposed for the market, 10 are slotted for Denton County. Cur¬rently, the hair salon chain has locations in Flower Mound, Keller, Grapevine, Sagi¬naw, Dallas and Fort Worth.
Each store employs between eight to 12 people, Sturgis said. The Dallas-Fort Worth market could see more than 1,000 jobs filled.
The chain, which once had a location in Denton, is interested again in the Denton market because of the population increases seen countywide.
"There has been a 34 to 35 percent in¬crease in population in the last six years in Denton," he said. "To us, as a large national retailer, we see an opportunity to bring our services to the market."
The chain offers franchise opportunities and is also looking for minority ownership.
"Hispanic and African American women tend to be heavier users," he said. "We want to provide those services to that community."
The chain began in July of 1974, when Sam Ross opened the first salon in Mem¬phis, Tenn. He began franchising the business in 1976.
Information about the company is available at www.fantasticsams.com.
Franchise information is available at www.fantasticsamsfranchises.com.