2-Year-Old Franchise Company Plans Rapid Expansion

Small Business Spotlight: BodyBrite, @BodyBriteUSAWho: Chris HardyWhat: Luxury beauty services at affordable pricesWhere: Minneapolis, MNWhen: 2011How: BodyBrite CEO Chris Hardy launched the pilot location of his beauty-service salon in New York City’s Upper West Side neighborhood. “Basically, our goal is to provide luxury beauty services at affordable prices for the masses,” says Hardy, including permanent hair removal, skin rejuvenation and teeth whitening. Today, the company has 11 locations across the U.S., and Hardy says four more are currently in development, and should be open by the end of October. Biggest challenge: “Like any franchise company, what I say is that the easy part of our business is when the client walks in the door, because we have a simple business model that’s very effective,” says Hardy. “But to get to that point, there’s tremendous heavy lifting.”One moment in time: Hardy is proudest of seeing his business model work, and helping franchise owners build successful businesses.Best business advice: “You have to support your franchisees and be a partner to them. Communicate with them, and you have to allow them a direct line of communication,” says Hardy.