Doug Warren, Director of Franchising for the GS Beauty Group which includes Trade Secrets, Glamour Secrets and Taylor and Colt has over 24 years of franchise development experience in Canada, United States and around the Globe.
Doug initially worked with Uniglobe Travel in the early nineties before joining Shred-it where he and the franchise development team took Shred-it into the USA and around the world making it the largest on site mobile shredding company in the world. He has established franchises nationally across Canada, all over the USA and in places like Buenos Aires, Singapore. Hong Kong, Kuwait and Dubai, the UK and Europe, Puerto Rico and is presently working on Master franchise deals in Tunisia and India.
Doug established the Aarons Sales and lease Ownership chain from Atlanta across Canada bringing it to Canada in 2006 and selling out the entire country within 3 years.
Doug also opened 3 Trade Secrets stores in Kuwait making it the first Canadian beauty product /spa store ever in the Middle East. Between 2003 – 2006, Doug took Trade Secrets and Glamour Secrets from 15 stores to a total of 75 stores across North America as well as opening 10 areas of the USA.
Doug is presently expanding the GS Beauty Group of companies in Canada, the Uk and the USA.
BeTheBoss.ca: Tell us about the Glamour Secrets beauty concept.
Doug Warren:“In today’s fast-paced world, we’ve noticed that many of our clients have a real need for speed,” says Doug Warren, director of franchising for Glamour Secrets. “Glamour Secrets appeals to the time-crunched working woman or full-time mother that wants quick service but doesn’t want to sacrifice on quality.”
More than just your typical blow and go, Glamour Secrets offers a wide range of services including mini makeovers, manicures, pedicures, laser hair removal, eyebrow and lip waxing and threading, nail painting, hair extensions, shampooing and blow-drying, teeth whitening, and body slimming. The company’s mission is to have clients shampoo, blow, polish, wax and whiten before they go.
“We may be fast but we still have a keen eye for detail and quality,” Warren says, adding that clients won’t need to worry about making an appointment. “We pride ourselves on being both prompt and professional.”
The services are offered in a colorful, upscale atmosphere where the franchisee can service up to 30 customers at a time.
BTB: How and when did you become involved with Glamour Secrets?
DW: I started the franchise program at Trade Secrets in 2003 and grew the company to 80 stores. The GS Beauty group was formed to be the umbrella company for Trade Secrets, glamour Secrets, Cut Above and the new concepts of Taylor and colt and Glamour Secrets which I have now been part of for 9 years.
BTB: What was your background prior to joining GS Beauty Group?
DW: Prior to joining the company I was Director of Franchising for franchise chains such as Uniglobe, Shred-it and Mail Boxes Etc. and Aarons and have consulted for many others.
BTB: What are some of the advantages in being a Glamour Secrets franchisee?
DW: As a Glamour Secrets franchisee, you will have the advantage of being in the Trade Secrets family with over 25 years of beauty retail and salon experience which you can leverage. You will have an experienced team that that can assist you with site selection, leases, buildout, training and ongoing support. There is a clear system and clear marketing strategy with the market growing at 30% per year.
BTB: Who is your ideal franchisee?
DW: Ideal franchisee is financially qualified with a natural passion for the business, business experience preferably with owning or running a business, high energy, focussed and goal oriented. Multiple store franchisees desired.
BTB: In your opinion, why do you think that Glamour Secrets would be a great opportunity for someone?
DW: The beauty industry is one of the largest industries by numbers in the world. It is a daily regimen for the world's beauty conscious females and has been recession proof for decades. The esthetical beauty part of the business has been growing by 25% per year for a decade as the population ages but desires to look and feel young.
BTB: What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise?
DW: We have learned that it can go into more locations than a franchise like Trade Secrets. There is more potential for non traditional type locations.
BTB: Do you have a mentor and is their someone you use for inspiration?
DW: I have several mentors but have to say the top two are Greg Brophy and John Prittie who I worked with at Shred-it.
BTB: What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?
DW: Look at 4 things above all. Look at the franchisor and its financial strength, strategy, advertising and position in the market.
Look at the potential for the service or product that the franchisee is offering now and 10 years into the future. Talk to all the franchisees for validation, make sure working capital projections are accurate and check to see how many multiple store owners there are which indicates a strong concept.
BTB: In your opinion, why do you think that Glamour Secrets would be a great franchise opportunity for someone?
DW: Great design, amazing locations with all the in demand services under one roof in a fragmented market. Not labour intensive, does not require professional labour. Investment is reasonable, high repeat business and hugely growing market.
