Pigtails & Crewcuts Leadership Brings 70+ Years of Experience

Pigtails & Crewcuts is a kid’s salon franchise built on fun, family and franchising — and the leadership team behind the brand is what brings those values to life. With more than 70 years of combined experience in the franchise and child-focused industries, the executive team brings a wealth of insight, a strong foundation in operational excellence and a collaborative approach to brand growth.

Each member has played a crucial role in shaping the franchise into what it is today: a resilient, community-oriented brand with a proven model and a clear vision for the future. Here’s a closer look at just a few of the franchise’s leadership team members and their journeys in the industry.

Leadership Team Experience

Wade Brannon has spent his entire career in franchising and has led Pigtails & Crewcuts since 2004, when he purchased the rights to the brand after seeing firsthand how much his own children loved the concept. Having helped grow Heavenly Ham into a 230-location system before its acquisition, Brannon saw in Pigtails & Crewcuts a powerful opportunity to offer both a service families needed and a business model that could fit well into the lives of aspiring entrepreneurs.

“It aligned perfectly with my vision of offering franchisees the chance to run a business that complements their family life, something I knew many were seeking,” said Brannon.

Over the past two decades, Brannon has guided the brand through major milestones — including recessions and a pandemic — by staying true to its core values of community and integrity. He continues to lead with a focus on franchisee success, a mission that has enabled many owners to open multiple units and grow with the brand.

Franchise Operations Support

Michelle Holliman has been with Pigtails & Crewcuts since 2005 and brings decades of franchise experience to the table, including prior roles at Heavenly Ham, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Planet Smoothie. She played an instrumental role in helping Brannon build the franchise program from the ground up.

Throughout economic shifts and operational pivots, including the brand’s move from walk-ins to appointment-based service during the pandemic, Holliman has stayed committed to supporting franchisees and fostering innovation through feedback and collaboration.

Franchisee Guidance and Support

Theresa Vona joined Pigtails & Crewcuts in 2012 and currently serves as Vice President of Franchise Support, overseeing operations, marketing, and training. With 37 years in the child-focused industry and 21 years in franchising, Vona offers unmatched insight into what it takes to launch and grow a successful children’s salon.

“What drew me to join the Pigtails & Crewcuts leadership team was the brand’s clear commitment to providing a fun, welcoming experience for children and families, paired with a strong, values-driven culture at the franchisor level,” Vona said. “I’ve always been passionate about customer service and team development, and I saw an opportunity here to make a real impact — both in the lives of young customers and in supporting the growth of franchisees and team members.”

Vona has supported franchisees at every stage and continues to offer hands-on guidance rooted in real-world experience and a deep understanding of the customer. “My experience allows me to guide new franchisees through the entire process of launching and running their kid’s salon with confidence,” she said.

Ben Rigel has been with Pigtails & Crewcuts since 2016, originally joining the team as a Franchise Support Specialist. After nearly eight years in that role, he transitioned into real estate and now serves as the director of real estate, helping franchisees find the right sites for long-term success.

Rigel draws on his own real estate investing experience and his deep knowledge of franchise operations to guide site selection that supports profitability and operational efficiency.

“When I’m looking at their lease, I’m looking at their construction and negotiating their costs,” he said. “It really helps me understand how it will affect their operations in the future.”

“We are one giant family,” he said “We know how everyone works and how everyone works together… and with that, it helps us all operate efficiently and effectively together in order to best support our franchisees.”

Together, the Pigtails & Crewcuts leadership team combines decades of franchise knowledge with a deep commitment to family values and operational excellence. Their shared vision and experience ensure that every Pigtails & Crewcuts franchisee has the tools, support and confidence to grow a thriving business that brings smiles to families nationwide.