Our Story



Slam-dunk Business idea


In the early 1990s, Gordon Logan recognized the huge potential, and relative lack of competition, in the men's and boys’ haircut market. He wanted to create a place where guys could take care of one of life’s necessities – a haircut – and say “This is my kind of place, I feel comfortable here” when they walked in the door. Assembling a group of passionate industry professionals, Gordon and his team worked together develop the unique Sport Clips Haircuts concept we know today. While Sport Clips’ logo and store design have changed since the first location opened in Austin, Texas in 1993, Gordon’s goal, and Sport Clips’ mission, to provide a “championship haircut experience in an exciting sports-themed environment” remains the same.

Prior to founding Sport Clips, Gordon served as an Aircraft Commander in the U.S. Air Force, after which he worked as a financial planning and control consultant with Price Waterhouse & Co. in Houston, Texas.  He is a graduate of MIT and The Wharton School of Business, at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a retired CPA in the State of Texas. Gordon later owned and operated salons throughout Texas, an experience which proved to be invaluable in his journey toward creating one of the most successful haircut franchises in the nation.

 


Game plan for growth 
 

Soon after the first Sport Clips opened Austin, Texas in 1993, Sport Clips expanded into Houston and Dallas, and, based further expansion plans on where Southwest Airlines flew to keep travel expenses at a minimum. It took five years to open the first 50 stores, and by 2007, Sport Clips celebrated the opening of its 400th and 500th store in the same year. In 2012, the franchise expanded into Canada.

Sport Clips now has more than 1,800 locations open in the U.S. and Canada. When you ask Gordon if he knew Sport Clips would be one of the fastest-growing franchise systems today, he’ll answer you, “Yes, I just didn’t think it would take this long!” 

 


Teamwork with heart


At the heart of Sport Clips’ culture is our values system, which was inspired by the same core values Coach Lou Holtz used to build championship football teams: "Do Your Best. Do What's Right. Treat Others the Way They Want to Be Treated.” Gordon and his family put these values in action in 2013 when they pledged to donate $1 million to Georgetown, Texas-area nonprofits, where Sport Clips, Inc. is based, and have been recognized for their philanthropic work with numerous programs including Habitat for Humanity, R.O.C.K, and the Boys and Girls Club.

As a veteran, Gordon has also made it his mission to support the military. He has received the VFW’s famed “Citizenship Award”, and since 2007, Sport Clips stores across the nation have worked together to raise $3 Million for the VFW Foundation through our annual “Help A Hero” fundraiser, which has helped thousands of deployed and hospitalized U.S. service members call home through the VFW’s Operation Uplink™ and is providing scholarships for veterans transitioning to civilian careers. Sport Clips, nationally and at the local-level, is also a proud supporter of the American Red Cross Blood Services, Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation, the Aleethia Foundation, Honor Flight Austin, and others.

 

 

 

 

 

Canadian Master Franchisor:

Our company is built on the personal values and experience of our leaders; we look forward to getting to know each other!


Peter Kowal

President and Chief Operating Officer

As one of the most experienced franchise consultants and architects in the industry, Peter Kowal was a natural choice for President of Sport Clips’ Canadian expansion. After working with Sport Clips for over a year as a consultant, Gordon recognized his powerful insight and offered him the opportunity to become Sport Clips Canada’s first Master Franchisor. A Canadian citizen, he is excited to continue building the success of Canada’s entrepreneurs and hair care business owners throughout every province.

Peter has been working in franchising in various high-level capacities since 1991. He has provided his expertise and insight to companies such as Cruise Holidays International, ByeByeNOW.com, and later Carlson Companies. He eventually founded and led a new multi-million dollar division, within World Travel Partners.

In 2004, Peter founded his own company devoted to helping franchise start ups establish themselves and develop into strong national businesses. He has worked with more than 40 different franchise companies, ranging in size from start ups to 900+ franchised location operations. His expertise has helped franchises achieve success in a wide variety of industries, including food, fitness, decorating, service, and hair care.