A common misconception about owning a salon suite franchise is that a background in the beauty industry is required to open your location. Phenix Salon Suites welcomes franchisees with a variety of career histories, from dentists and doctors to C-suite executives looking to expand their portfolios.
At Phenix Salon Suites, our semi-absentee model, strong support, and proven systems empower individuals from all walks of life to own a salon suite franchise. We have real-world examples to prove it—our newest franchisee in Tampa, Florida is pivoting from three decades of dentistry to operating his own Phenix Salon Suites franchise. Our support for diverse entrepreneurs involves semi-absentee ownership, defined goals, and more.
How Background Diversity Makes Franchise Systems Stronger
In today’s business landscape, diversity of experience is an asset when you open a salon suite franchise. Entrepreneurs from all professional backgrounds bring valuable skill sets to Phenix, whether that’s expertise in operations, leadership, or financial management. At Phenix Salon Suites, we see this every day: successful franchisees include everyone from healthcare professionals to former C-suite executives. One of the key reasons this works is because of our semi-absentee model, allows franchisees to keep their day job or own multiple Phenix locations and other businesses. Instead of requiring hands-on oversight of daily operations, the Phenix model empowers Lifestyle Professionals to manage their own businesses within the suites. Franchisees focus on property management and long-term growth, rather than salon services. This structure allows individuals from outside the industry to confidently step into ownership, knowing they’re backed by a system designed for scalability.
Case Study – Mike Reale, Tampa, FL
After nearly three decades as a pediatric dentist and 17 years as a professor at a dental school, Phenix Salon Suites franchisee Mike Reale knows what it takes to run a successful business. His background has given him deep experience in both operations and client care—two essential skills that translate well into owning a Phenix Salon Suites location. Mike saw clear parallels in how both dentistry and the salon suites industry rely on personal trust, professionalism, and consistent service.
When researching franchise opportunities, Mike was instantly drawn to Phenix Salon Suites. “Phenix had the qualities I was looking for, from a family-oriented approach to a willingness to help along the way,” he shared. Mike is currently preparing to open his first location in the Tampa, Florida region, where he’ll bring his unique blend of clinical precision and business acumen to Phenix franchise ownership. Stories like Mike’s, of professionals like dentists, doctors, or former C-suite executives looking for their next move, drive Phenix’s growth.
Phenix’s Support for Non-Industry Entrepreneurs
The Phenix Salon Suites franchise fits the career trajectories of professionals from a wide range of industries—including those in high-level leadership roles. For franchisees like Mike, who brings decades of experience in healthcare and private practice, the franchise model offers a natural next step toward diversification and long-term growth. The semi-absentee structure is especially appealing to professionals who aren’t ready to step away from their primary careers, allowing them to build a business in just five to ten hours a week. At Phenix, we recognize the strategic vision, people skills, and operational insight that experienced leaders bring to the table. Our system is built to support that level of talent—offering a platform where franchisees can align ownership with their broader financial goals. Whether it’s a C-suite executive expanding their portfolio or a healthcare provider branching into entrepreneurship, Phenix creates space for career evolution.
If you’re looking for a supportive, flexible franchise model that accommodates a range of career backgrounds, consider opening a salon suite franchise with Phenix. Our development team is here to support you every step of the way. Fill out our inquiry form today!
