Sola Salons Franchisee To Open in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona

After working with AAMCO corporate and as a multi-unit franchisee, Scott Lefkowitz knew the franchising world well. He was successful in his business, but he found himself consistently traveling between locations, always on the phone and less than fulfilled. While auto repair shops are a necessary business, Leftkowitz said they’re not one that many consumers are thrilled to be visiting.

So, Lefkowitz made the decision to begin selling his AAMCO franchises and looking for what he called his “ice cream shop” — a business that would be joyful both for him to run and for his customers to visit. He focused on the salon suites franchise industry, knowing it would be fulfilling to provide beauty professionals with a space to build their businesses while offering clients and customers a place to enjoy their self-care services.

Toward the end of his due diligence process, Lefkowitz ran into an existing Sola Salons franchisee on a golf course, and that made him even more confident in his decision to pursue franchising with the brand. Then, after signing a single-unit franchise agreement — and in the midst of development for his North Phoenix location — an opportunity arose to open another unit in the Scottsdale area, and he signed for another two franchises.

Franchisee background

Lefkowitz took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Scott Lefkowitz: I started my career in CRM software sales during the early 2000s, back when the tech world was insane. After a few years in that space, I decided I needed a change, so I moved into the automotive industry. I worked for AAMCO, starting as a corporate employee, and eventually became a multi-unit franchisee, running several locations for about 15 years.

Though the business was successful, it was emotionally draining. I would often tell my wife that I wanted to own an “ice cream shop” — metaphorically speaking. I wanted to be in a business where people were happy to be there — somewhere positive, unlike the stressful, uncertain atmosphere of the auto repair world.

For years, I searched for that “ice cream shop,” and a few years ago, I was introduced to the salon industry. I explored different concepts but didn’t pull the trigger right away. Then, about two years ago, I finally decided this was the direction I wanted to go, and I chose Sola Salons.

One of the most interesting parts of this story is that I signed with Sola for two additional units before I even opened my first. I saw the numbers and the process, and it all made sense. An opportunity and piece of real estate that I just could not pass up came to my attention, and that’s why I committed to additional units.

Franchising experience

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Lefkowitz: There are a couple of things I wish I had known. When I worked for AAMCO corporate before becoming a franchisee, I had a pretty good understanding of what I was getting into. But with Sola, I didn’t have that same insight, other than from the people I spoke with. My past experience helped ease some of that uncertainty.

The other thing I’ve realized is that, even though I’m part of a franchise, it’s still ultimately my responsibility. I’m the one who has to put food on the table. No matter how much support I get, it’s not the franchisor on the line — it’s me. That was something I didn’t fully grasp at first. With AAMCO, I initially thought if I just opened the doors, people would magically show up — but it’s not that simple. It takes a lot more effort and strategy to make it work.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Lefkowitz: Sola was my metaphorical ice cream shop. The Pros are happy to be there because they love what they do, and their clients are happy to be there getting services, too. I also love that the model gives the Pros a bit more independence. I don’t have employees to manage. I’m not in charge of making sure the Pros show up to work. They’re entrepreneurs, too, and it’s their decision to make and their business that will be impacted.

Business plans

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Lefkowitz: I have an agreement for three total locations. My plan is to get these first two open then take a big, deep breath before starting on the third. I’m 53, so once I’m operating and acclimated with all three locations, I might consider opening additional locations, but only if the circumstances are perfect. I do not want to scale like I did with AAMCO and find myself in a position where I’m in the car with the phone glued to my ear all day, just going from one location to another to make sure everything is functioning well.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Lefkowitz: My wife will be working alongside me to operate these. She’ll be the first line of defense for helping the Pros, and I’ll be the support staff — handling maintenance issues and such. We have defined roles, and I’m excited for that. As an entrepreneur, you can never fully “turn off” the business, but I’m excited to step into a scenario where I’m not needed 24/7.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Lefkowitz: People really need to understand that it’s not a scenario where “If you build it, they will come.” Having the backing of a franchise really helps, but you do still have to do the work. Make sure you’re prepared for that.

In 2004, Sola Salons was established with the opening of its first location in Denver, Colorado. Now with more than 725 locations open in the U.S.

and Canada, Sola is proud to offer 20,000+ independent beauty professionals the freedom and benefits of salon ownership without the risk and overhead of opening a traditional salon. Its innovative salon model empowers hairdressers, estheticians, nail techs, massage therapists and other like-minded professionals to take control of their lives and their careers. Sola provides beauty professionals with beautiful, fully-equipped salon studios alongside the support and tools they need to launch their salon business in no time.