Great Clips CEO to speak at July 21 meeting

Rhoda Olsen has been associated with Great Clips, Inc. since 1984. Initially, Olsen was a consultant involved in developing and delivering the first Franchisee Orientation and in writing the first Operations Manual. In 1987, she became a full-time member of the Great Clips executive team as Vice President of Human Resources and Training. Over the years, she assumed additional responsibility for several other functional area including Marketing, Communications, Operations, and Facilities and Purchasing. Olsen was promoted to Executive Vice President of Franchise Services in 1989. In 1998, she was promoted to President/Chief Operating Officer, making her fully accountable for the Great Clips organization.

 

During Olsen’s tenure as President/COO, Great Clips grew from just over 1,000 salons in 1998 to over 3,700 salons in 2013. During that time, Great Clips also grew system revenues four-fold increasing from $200 million to just over a billion dollars. Today, Great Clips is the world’s largest salon brand with locations in more than 180 markets across North America. In February 2011, Olsen was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Great Clips. As CEO, she will drive the long-term vision and success of Great Clips. Her focus is on building a legacy brand through continued collaboration and strong relationships with Great Clips franchisees. She will also increase Great Clips' presence in the broader industry and business community. Olsen also clearly understands the importance of a customer-driven brand that creates success and opportunity for employees throughout the organization.

 

Olsen holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Minnesota State University—Mankato. Prior to joining Great Clips, Inc., she held human resources and training-related positions at the Human Effectiveness Institute, North Central Companies, and Land O' Lakes. She has also served as a guest professor for Minnesota State University—Mankato, the University of Minnesota and the University of St. Thomas. Olsen has held a variety of Board of Director positions, including Sobriety High School, St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota, Kabara Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies and the International Institute for Franchise Education (IIFE). 

 

Olsen is married, with three adult sons and two incredible grandchildren. She is committed to positively affecting the lives of thousands of employees and the customers they serve.