Own Your Future

Adele Flett knows better than most just how transformational owning a Rodney Wayne salon can be for anyone who wants to control their own career.

Her path had taken her from office work to solo mum in Rotorua before eventually moving to Auckland to manage a thriving downtown hair salon. The owner of that salon just happened to be her brother – Rodney Wayne himself. Having seen the management potential of his sister, he awarded her the very first franchise. In May 1990, Adele opened her own salon in Newmarket and has never looked back.

It’s a lovely family success story, but perhaps the most inspiring thing about it is that, before joining Rodney, Adele had zero experience or training in hairdressing. What she did have was management ability and a determination to succeed – and, all these years later, those are still the most important criteria for success as a Rodney Wayne franchisee.

‘The beauty of the Rodney Wayne franchise is you don’t necessarily need to have any hairdressing experience,’ says Adele. ‘You can run the business with qualified staff, or be your salon’s front-of-house manager. Equally, if you are an experienced hairdresser, you can take on the duties of floor manager. Either way, it’s a challenging yet fulfilling, exciting ride.

‘The other thing you need is social and communication skills, because that’s how you build a large client base – creating a welcoming and professional environment that keeps people coming back.’

Award-winning franchise

Of course, the franchise has changed a lot in the last 23 years. Not only is Rodney Wayne now one of New Zealand’s best-known brands, but it offers franchisees a level of training, systems, operational support and coaching that has seen it named Supreme Franchise System of the Year in the 2022 Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards. That support extends beyond franchisees to their managers, stylists and apprentices, and ensures that the brand continues to thrive.

The company has also developed the Shampoo ’n’ Things retail stores chain, which franchisees can operate either within their own salons (as in Newmarket) or as a complementary stand-alone outlet within their salon’s territory (like Adele’s second store in Auckland’s Commercial Bay shopping precinct).

Despite all this, one thing hasn’t changed, says Adele. ‘The most successful franchisees are the ones who get totally immersed in the day-to-day running of their business. No matter which role the franchisee takes on, it’s very important that they enjoy working with young people. A lot of apprentices within the industry have not long been out of high school, so you’ve got to nurture and train them and work alongside them.’

Adele says it’s rewarding and exciting to watch new recruits grow to become talented hairdressers and unleash their creative potential. Often their skills and careers can be encouraged further through styling hair for magazine shoots and hairdressing awards.

Standout benefits

With her unique understanding of the Rodney Wayne franchise model, Adele is clearly an authority on why it makes such a great business opportunity for anyone looking to take their career to new heights.

‘When you become a franchisee, you tap into the formidable buying power that comes with having over 50 salons and retail outlets around the country. It’s such a well-known and well-loved brand that it constantly attracts new clients to your door. And each franchisee’s business also benefits from regular professionally-developed marketing campaigns across a number of platforms.’

Adele says the brand’s success also comes from the quality people franchisees can call on, not just the experts in the franchise team but the other Rodney Wayne franchisees around the country, too. ‘We all share lessons and stories and bounce ideas off each other and, although we’re all individual owners and have a bit of a competitive streak, at the end of the day we’re all in this together, representing the same brand and helping each other.’

Now’s good

Is 2023 the right time for people to invest their career in a brand new business? Having run her salon through all the ups and downs of the last 23 years, Adele has no doubts. ‘It’s an excellent time because, when people face challenges, that whole look-good, feel-good factor comes into play. They like to treat themselves, and hair is top of mind. Look at how everyone missed their hairdressers during lockdown! It’s a quick, affordable personal treat.’

Rodney Wayne has new opportunities available in many areas around the country, as well as the occasional established salon which becomes available when existing franchisees retire. Investment levels vary according to location.

‘Remember, you don’t have to be a hairdresser, just a good manager or experienced businessperson,’ says Adele. ‘As with any business, it’s a matter of meeting customer expectations – it’s just that this business is a bit more fun than most.

‘If you’re interested in owning your future, contact the franchise team, learn more, and arrange to spend some time in a salon to get a feel for how things work. It could be the start of a whole new look – or a whole new life.’   

See this advertorial on page 15 of Franchise New Zealand magazine Year 32 Issue 2

Contact details for Rodney Wayne

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We welcome links from other websites to this article. Please note that this article is copyright © Eden Exchange NZ Holdings Limited, Franchise New Zealand magazine and Franchise New Zealand On Line. While it may be downloaded for personal use, no part may be reproduced on any other website, in electronic or printed form or in any other form whatsoever.