Welcome to our candid interview with Kari Comrov, a veteran in the beauty, skincare, salon, and spa industry, known for her expertise in building a fledgling start-up into a thriving franchise. With her unique knowledge base, she has successfully grown brands, opened over 200 locations in six years and has also started her own concept, Summer House. Acknowledged as a seasoned entrepreneur in 2021, she is now set to franchise Summer House. Comrov leverages her years of experience to assist companies in becoming successful franchise brands, helping them navigate the pitfalls and common mistakes, implementing effective strategies on everything from setting up disclosure documents to offering detailed guidance on sales processes, real estate, and support.

In this article, Comrov reveals her motivations, areas of expertise, and her view on disruptive trends in the franchise industry.

In addition to her impressive achievements, she also shares insightful stories about the most impactful decisions and projects she has been involved in throughout her illustrious career. From sitting in boardrooms with powerful executives to working with celebrities, her most cherished accomplishment is leading by example for her daughter, Brooke, by opening her own business.

What are your areas of expertise?

My expertise is unique in a couple of key ways. I spent many years in the beauty, skincare, and salon and spa industry. It was when I joined a beauty franchise that my expertise in building a startup company as a franchisor reached new heights. Building a franchise is something many companies want to explore! However, less than 10% of all franchises ever reach over 100 open units. I also gained invaluable knowledge by studying and helping the small business owners that made up our franchise become successful operators. When I started my own concept, Summer House, in 2021, people thought that I was a first-time entrepreneur. Technically, though, I had already built and grown a brand and opened over 200 locations in six years (one calendar year, I opened 100 of those!). So I have a very unique knowledge of startups, franchising and founding my own company, which I am going to now franchise based on those principles. I could help any company become a successful franchise brand with this skill set.

What's your main motivation for being an advisor?

I want to help companies fast-forward through common mistakes and pitfalls. I also would love to help the underdogs rise above fear and charge through adversity by building confidence in themselves and their abilities.

What types of situations are you capable of advising on?

Whether or not their company should be franchised. What they can expect with franchising i.e. time, money ROI. I can provide detailed guidance from the first step of setting up their disclosure documents, agreements, manuals, to sales processes, real estate, construction, support and every detail in between. This is my wheelhouse.

Do you see any disruptive trends on the horizon in your industry or position?

Yes, if there is a small recession coming, franchise sales usually increase during those times. Layoffs lead to people that want to be in control of their destiny, and they finally decide to invest in a business themselves. Franchising is also becoming more diverse in their offering, but there is a lot to know and it is extremely worthwhile to have an expert on board to help navigate the waters.

Tell me about the most impactful project or decision you’ve been involved in as an executive.

I have sat in Bentonville, AK with a boardroom full of the most powerful Walmart executives, sold my products to Taylor Swift (with her sitting in the room), worked for Alex Rodriguez (former NY Yankee) as well as had Russell Wilson (former Seahawk; current Denver Bronco) as a franchisee! But the most impactful project is by far opening my own business and leading by example for my daughter, Brooke.

In conclusion, Kari Comrov is not just another advisor.

Her unique blend of experience in beauty, skincare, salon and spa industry, coupled with her triumphs in building a successful franchise and founding her own business, Summer House, offers a remarkable breadth and depth of knowledge. Not many professionals can boast of opening more than 200 ubiquitous locations within six short years - a truly commendable achievement. With her expertise in franchising and start-ups, Kari stands ready and able to steer any business towards success as a franchise brand. Available now on AdvisoryCloud, Kari Comrov is the ideal advisor for start-ups considering franchise growth. Her comprehensive skill set is truly extraordinary and uniquely suited to meet your company's needs. Do miss out on this exceptional opportunity to collaborate with Kari for your business's growth and success.