Kitty’s journey from career transition to family salon success proves the power of the right partnership, perfect location, and staying true to your community
Portland, OR – In 2009, when Kitty and her husband Jeff were ready for a new adventure, they made a decision that would change their lives forever. What started as a conversation during a golf game became the foundation of a thriving franchise operation that’s still going strong 15 years later.
The Conversation That Started It All
“My husband was golfing with Leo – the founder of Bishops – and had to take a business call,” Kitty recalls, sharing the moment that launched their franchise journey. When Jeff mentioned he was always working to build his business, Kitty notes that Leo responded: “Well, I’m making money and I’m not answering my phone right now.”
That conversation sparked something bigger. Jeff was intrigued and asked him how he could get involved in what he was doing. With backgrounds in real estate and home inspection, Kitty and Jeff were excited about this new opportunity in the thriving family hair care industry.
Exceeding Every Expectation
The Bishops team had built a successful chain of urban salons in Portland and was exploring franchising opportunities. While their existing stores were in urban settings, Kitty and Jeff saw tremendous potential in bringing the Bishops experience to suburban communities.
“Our stores are in Portland, but on the edges, in a suburban setting,” Kitty explains. “We knew there was demand for high-quality family hair care services closer to where families live and work.”
Their instincts proved absolutely right. When their first location in Raleigh Hills opened on November 14th, 2009, it achieved unprecedented success.
“We opened in November and in December 2009, we sold $34,000,” Kitty says with pride. “To be profitable immediately was incredible. We even attracted customers from the downtown locations because people loved having a convenient option closer to home.”
The Formula for Success: Location, Culture, and Community Connection
What made the difference? Kitty points to three critical factors that any prospective franchisee should understand:
Strategic location is key. “My first location is on a visible commuter street, shares a lot with a busy grocery store – it’s driven consistent volume for 15 years. That visibility and accessibility matter tremendously.”
Culture creates loyalty. Kitty’s hiring philosophy centers on finding the right team fit. “The vibe we’re looking for is easygoing, confident people who are comfortable in their own skin. Our shops are close-knit teams, and when everyone clicks, the energy is infectious.”
Community connection drives growth. “When we started, my kids were at the local elementary school, I was the PTO president – I understood exactly who our customers were,” Kitty explains. Serving your specific market with genuine understanding creates lasting success.
A World-Class Franchise Experience
Kitty is enthusiastic about how the franchise experience has evolved since Bishops joined the Head to Toe beauty vertical under Riverside Company.
“The transformation has been remarkable,” she emphasizes. “We now have incredible transparency around performance metrics, access to best practices from top performers, and the tools we need to continuously improve profitability.”
The support system includes advanced analytics, responsive leadership, and resources that drive real results. “I’ve developed strong relationships with the team – I know exactly who to ask for guidance, I get answers promptly, and they’re always finding new ways to help us succeed.”
Expert Insights for Prospective Franchisees
After 15 years of successful operation, Kitty shares valuable insights for entrepreneurs considering Bishops:
“Focus on volume and efficiency. It all comes down to keeping those chairs busy. With the right location and great service, you can build consistent traffic that supports strong profitability.”
Her formula for success? “Stay open to learning and growth. The Head to Toe team has incredible experience and proven strategies. When you combine their expertise with your local market knowledge, that’s where the magic happens.”
The Energy That Fuels Success
What Kitty loves most about the business speaks to its enduring appeal: “It keeps me energized and engaged. It’s such a vibrant business with incredible energy. I’m often twice the age of my employees, but their enthusiasm and the dynamic atmosphere keep me feeling young and motivated.”
That energy, combined with strong systems, community connection, and proven locations, creates a sustainable business model that continues to thrive and grow.
A Proven Path to Entrepreneurial Success
For entrepreneurs exploring franchise opportunities in the expanding family hair care market, Kitty’s story demonstrates the potential for remarkable success with the right approach.
“The beauty of this business is that you can adapt the proven Bishops model to your own style and market,” Kitty reflects. “We offer excellent service at prices that work for families. My employees love the culture we’ve built, and our customers keep coming back because they get great value.”
The combination of a strong brand, comprehensive support, and growing market demand creates an exciting opportunity for the right franchisee partners.
Building Your Success Story
Kitty’s advice for prospective franchisees is both inspiring and practical: “Be open to the process. Listen to successful operators and the support team. Everyone wants you to succeed, and there’s a wealth of knowledge available to help you build something special.”
With proper location selection, commitment to the brand culture, and dedication to serving your community, Bishops offers a pathway to both financial success and personal fulfillment in one of retail’s most exciting sectors.
Bishops currently has franchise opportunities available in select markets. The brand specializes in quality haircuts and styling services for the entire family at realistic prices, combining expert techniques with a contemporary, energetic atmosphere that keeps customers coming back.
