Picker Aligns with the Haircare Franchise’s Values and Charitable Initiatives
Floyd’s 99 Barbershop, a full-service haircare franchise, has named Howard Picker vice president of franchise development. In this role, Picker will serve as the main point of contact for franchise owners to ensure their growth and success. He brings more than 30 years of franchising experience to the position.
Picker and his three sons were already fans and customers of Floyd’s when he browsed a digital business platform and saw that Floyd’s was looking for someone to help scale the brand. Prompted by his passion for growing brands, he extensively researched the haircare company to learn more. “Looking back, I think I pursued them more than they were looking for me. Everything happens for a reason!”
Working remotely for three years also caused him to long for the days of being in front of people, and the position with Floyd’s offered a return to having face-to-face conversations and got his entrepreneurial spirit flowing again. He said he looks forward to utilizing his skills to deliver results and nurture a culture that demands “the triad of success”: clarity of mission; a harmonized voice resonating with all members; and an actionable plan forged by the franchisor. “Together, the franchisor and franchisee craft not just great business, but legacies,” he added.
Paul O’Brien, co-founder and co-owner of Floyd’s, lauds Picker’s extensive background in franchising. “We’re confident he will play a vital role in driving our franchise development initiatives forward and strengthening our position as a leader in the haircare industry,” O’Brien said.
In addition to providing a great service, Floyd’s is committed to charitable initiatives, such as its annual fundraising efforts for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Floyd’s has donated almost $2 million over the last 10 years to the JDRF.
“Giving back not only demonstrates corporate social responsibility, but also fosters a positive brand image. It shows that the brand cares about making a meaningful impact beyond its products or services, which can resonate with customers and employees alike,” Picker said. The initiative hits close to home for him because he has family members affected by diabetes, he added.
Entrepreneurship and Passion
Picker comes from an entrepreneurial family; he remembers growing up with a grandfather who owned locksmith shops, citing him as inspiration for going into business for himself. Throughout his career, Picker has held leadership positions with various franchisors including Huntington Learning Center, Mathnasium, FranLift, Servpro and K1 Speed; owned multiple units of the Great Clips haircare franchise; and founded the eco-friendly Speed Raceway business.
Picker previously worked as a mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry and at IBM. He since has been driven by his passion for franchise development and helping others achieve their dreams. Picker said the brands he’s worked with align with his values of “passion for the business, strong branding, a positive company culture, potential for growth and expansion, and a compelling foundation and narrative.”
