Great Clips

Great Clips, Inc. was established in Minneapolis, Minnesota by founders David Rubenzer and Steve Lemmon in 1982, a time when most people received haircuts in one of three ways: in full-service hair salons, from barbershops or at home. As a stylist and businessman, David could see that the industry was changing. Customers were looking for a hair salon service that could fit their busy lifestyles and desire for value. To be part of that change – rather than find themselves competing with it – David and Steve developed the then-radical concept of a walk-in haircare salon with weekend and evening hours, offering customers a select list of services, and providing benefits for stylists. After the founders opened several successful hair salons, Ray Barton joined David and Steve as an owner in March 1983. With Ray's help and expertise in franchising, the trio set about growing the Great Clips hair salon brand. That success continues through today.