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Name: Riley McMurdo
Brands: Sport Clips
Units: 20
Years in franchising: 17
Parent name(s) in franchising: Ted and Tina McMurdo
Brands: Sport Clips
Years in franchising (currently active?): 17, still have a limited role
We wanted to build a company together as a family. At the time, the stock market was extremely volatile, and we were looking to invest in something other than that. My dad and I were both customers of Sport Clips and really loved the model.
Yes. My family, my sister and her husband, and my parents are owners of 20 Sport Clips stores. There can be challenges trying to separate business and personal relationships. We try to set clear boundaries, but sometimes we need to remind each other of those boundaries. We try not to discuss business at certain family events. We’ve been fortunate to not have many issues come up.
My situation is a little unique. I started the business with my mom, so I have been there since the beginning and have led the charge in growing the company. However, my parents were the primary financial investors. I think one advantage of working with my parents is that I already knew that they had achieved success in their respective careers. They already had a lot of credibility in my eyes, and I see them as a major resource.
Even though I have been with the business since the beginning, there are many people who assume my dad built this business and I just inherited what he started. I don’t let that bother me, and I see my dad as an invaluable asset. He has years of experience in the business world, and I am constantly seeking his advice and knowledge. There were times when he didn’t realize how unique the world of salons and stylists can be. At times, I had to let him know that not all business experiences are universal, and some things just don’t translate into this world. This has all been done respectfully, of course.
This can be difficult. I have two things going for me, which are experience and confidence. I have been in this business for almost 17 years, so I don’t lack the knowledge to jump into any conversation with confidence. I also put a lot of thought into my opinions and suggestions, so when I decide to share those with employees or other team leaders, they are said with confidence and conviction.
I seek my dad’s advice in many different situations. I have more one-on-one conversations with managers than my dad, but a lot of times I don’t want to make emotional decisions in the moment. I will let the managers know that I am going to discuss specific situations with the other owners, and I will get back to them. Additionally, when we need to make larger financial decisions, we tend to make them as a group. I prefer to get everyone’s perspective on vendor quotes or equipment purchases. We are both owners in the business, but there isn’t a situation too big or small that I won’t consult with my family members for their input.
Since we started at the same time, there haven’t been any generational changes. Technological demands have increased over the years, and I believe we have been able to adapt to these changes more easily than the previous generation. The workforce keeps getting younger, and it is becoming difficult for them to relate to or understand some of the changes in this younger generation.
It has definitely changed the family dynamic. We talk quite a bit, and even some of our personal dinners turn into business discussions. Everyone has stress associated with their job. In our case, that stress can easily overlap into personal situations because everyone is aware of what your “business stresses” are. We do our best to separate business and personal, but that is not always possible.