We catch up with the male grooming brand taking Australia by storm, Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop. 

Inside Franchise Business speak with Sam Jarred, managing director.

Q: What is the brand’s background?

A: Originating in Canada in 2009, Tommy Gun’s was developed to cater to a growing yet relatively untapped market of male grooming. After the incredible response in Canada, the franchise was introduced to the Australian market in June 2015. Now it has 50 locations in Canada and 12 throughout Australia.

Q: What is your brand value proposition?

A: Our mission is to make a hero of personal style. Each day we help to carve the personal style of hundreds of customers. When our customers leave feeling and looking sharp, our mission is accomplished.

Q: How do the barbershop/retail elements of the business work?

A: The barbershop and our signature services are central to the business model, and represent about 80 per cent of our floorspace and revenue. What further sets us apart is the complementary and comprehensive retail offering, including haircare, styling, shave, electrical, skincare products and more. These two aspects have never previously been combined effectively under the one roof.

Q: What are your expansion plans?

A: In Australia, 12 Original Barbershops opened within the first 16 months. We always like to ensure we have the right franchisee and the right location before opening a store. We hope to have 20 stores by the end of this year. The concept has given retail centres a new offering, business owners a great opportunity and, ultimately, it’s given blokes the destination for all their grooming needs.

Q: Who makes an ideal franchisee?

A: A Tommy Gun’s business owner needs to be passionate and driven. Our owners are pivotal to our success, with Tommy Gun’s DNA as key.

Tommy Gun’s DNA:

• People person – positive, motivating and respectful, with the desire to always exceed expectations. You need to love working with people and inspiring a team.

• Passion for the product – a firm believer in the power of personal style and presentation with a love of service and grooming.

• Confident multitasker – the ability to stay calm under pressure.

• Ambitious leader – a desire to succeed, to smash KPIs and be a leader and motivator who can empower, develop and retain staff.

• Financial acumen – financial intelligence and aptitude to reconcile and grow the figures.

• Desirable skills – previous management and sales experience, particularly working with and developing a team.

Want to know more about the Tommy Gun’s model and how franchisees earn profit? Read the full story in the Jan/Feb issue of Inside Franchise Business.