15
franchise.co.nz – PUTTING PEOPLE IN BUSINESS
Rodney Wayne
www.rodneywayne.co.nz
Contact
franchising@rodneywayne.co.nz
Advertiser Info
hichever way you look at it, the Rodney Wayne franchise brand is
a star performer.
It’s where exceptional franchisees, backed by outstanding support,
can continue to experience true success in their business careers. The
evidence lies in the track record of this franchise, which has built and
maintained an enviable market position for years and, in doing so,
enhanced and enriched so many lives.
Not surprisingly, Rodney Wayne franchisees and stylists have featured
prominently in national awards over the decades. One of the most recent
recipients is Rodney Wayne Creative and Education Director Newton
Cook, who was recently crowned the 2024 Viva Magazine’s Beauty
Awards Hairstylist of the Year.
Newton is a key member of Rodney Wayne’s industry-leading support
team, which delivers outstanding training and innovation to all of
Rodney Wayne’s franchisees and stylists. He is a multi-award winner
and L’Oreál colour partner who is passionate about nurturing the
next generation of talented hairstylists. He regularly shares latest
advancements in the hair world on social media platforms and during his
regular in-salon training sessions for Rodney Wayne stylists.
Exceptional franchisees: No previous
experience necessary
This year has been another stellar year for Rodney Wayne franchisees.
Again, this is reflected in two of those owners being named finalists
in the Retail & Hospitality Franchisee of the Year category at the
prestigious 2024 Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards. They are
Kathryn Darroch, the owner of Rodney Wayne Whangārei, and Gaye
McLaren from Rodney Wayne Sylvia Park, who has had an amazing
journey from hairdresser to business owner (featured on page 35 of the
summer 2023/4 edition of Franchise New Zealand magazine). Gaye’s
salon, which she owns with its associated Shampoo ‘n’ Things store, was
named the Rodney Wayne Salon of the Year for 2023.
Hard work delivers real benefits
Kathryn Darroch has a military and corporate background and was
recently honoured by the Rodney Wayne franchise with a Ten-Year
Service pin. She purchased her Whangārei-based Rodney Wayne
franchise back in December 2013, wanting to work hard and reap the
rewards within a proven, popular system-driven franchise business.
Kathryn believes having solid commercial acumen and an understanding
of a creative business is important for anyone who may be considering a
Rodney Wayne franchise. Both the training and the marketing are major
strengths of the business, she stresses, which make for total consistency
and trust. “That, for me as a salon owner, is absolute gold,” she says.
Trust, she believes, is also a big factor when running a business. As
such, she is proud of her hands-on management style and open-door
policy with staff. “As a team, we all trust each other and rely on each
other to do our best every day.
“In a small town like Whangārei, it’s important to walk the talk,
too, so local sponsorship helps to keep putting the Rodney Wayne
name out there. It’s about building that authentic trust in the
region’s communities.”
Another strength is the way in which success is celebrated across the
whole company, says Kathryn. “If somebody achieves something, then
we celebrate as a family.”
Ongoing training opportunities are another aspect of the business she
prioritises for her team, achieving this by partnering with Whangārei
tertiary education provider NorthTec, among other industry specialists.
Exceptional support: Outstanding in
the field
A support office backs up every Rodney Wayne franchisee, with staff
dedicated to the ongoing success of every salon. It comes as no surprise
that Rodney Wayne also produced a finalist for Field Manager of the Year
in the recent Westpac Franchise Awards, in Tracy Kettless.
Tracy says entering the awards this year pushed her out of her comfort
zone, especially when articulating on paper why she believed she should
win. She says being a field manager has always been about supporting
the franchisees and their managers to excel.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to watch individuals grow, develop confidence
and truly shine as they reach their full potential,” she says. Tracy was a
business owner prior to joining Rodney Wayne in her support role,
so fully understands how challenging it can be to manage a business
on your own. This puts her in tune with what franchisees are
facing day-to-day.
“Joining our franchise means you have a knowledgeable and dedicated
support team behind you offering guidance, resources and that
competitive edge in the marketplace,” she emphasises. “Beyond that,
you benefit from a community of long-standing franchisees who are
happy to share their invaluable experience, making sure you never feel
alone along the journey.”
An exciting future ahead
Tracy’s excited about the business opportunities that 2025 looks to
be shaping up to bring. She is also looking forward to welcoming new
franchisees into the Rodney Wayne family.
“There’s so much potential ahead and
I’m inspired to be part of this
journey working alongside
our franchisees. It’s also an
incredible honour to be a finalist
in the awards this year and
I’m grateful for the chance to
represent our support team here
at Rodney Wayne.”
WHERE THE
STARS COME
OUT TO SHINE
Opportunity: Health & Beauty
The celebrated Rodney Wayne
franchise model continues
to shine, anchored on trust,
consistency and enduring support.
A cut above: Tracy Kettless (far
left), Kathryn Darroch and Gaye
McLaren flanking Rodney Wayne.