school of rock franchise complaints school of rock franchise complaints

School of Rock Franchise Opportunity. 2023 School of Rock LLC. Do the right thing. I saw 8 instructors quit in a month. None of them seem to be able to speak up to the board either which is a shame. What I was expecting were solutions to the problems, or even maybe an ounce of sympathy. Defending defaults takes money and time, and owners tend not to have much of either, so they dont risk it. Theres now a collective calm over the organisation. In answer to the Admin question if we have attempted to communicate this to Sterling, the answer is yes. I believe Ms. Homan tells them we are a handful of disgruntled owners who do not know what we are doing and that her team provides direction that we do not follow. I have not talked to her in person or email in over three years. School of Rock franchise owners claim that they are threatened and bullied by School of Rock management. Jul 26, 2021, 10:00 ET. 2023 School of Rock LLC. "It's incredibly rewarding to be a top 200 franchise for 2022 and to know that franchisee satisfaction in the system is high," said Rob Price , CEO of School of Rock. The only advertising I see is to sell new franchises. Find out more about, 70% of School of Rock employees would recommend working there to a friend, Get started with your Free Employer Profile, upper management loosened their reins, ceased micromanaging employees, and embraced. We have a really good GM at our school too and she makes it fun. Having the ex-CEO of School of Rock opting to build his own franchise system seems to speak volumes about him having faith (or lack of) in the SoR system. CEO Dzana Homan allegedly dismantled the School of Rock Franchise Advisory Committee (FAC) and refuses to recognize the Independent Franchisee Association (IFA) formed after she took the helm. I do not feel her goals are remotely aligned with the owners with all of us striving for success. SOR was a business for people who didnt expect to get rich, but could make a good return on investment, have fun opportunities, and work with some amazing people. Ms. Homan had previous educational franchise experience with FutureKids, Goddard Early Learning and Huntington Learning Centers. Black Rock Coffee Bar . We are a music education program that needs a strong and legitimate curriculum with a strong training/educational team supporting it. Now, there is ZERO music department, no curriculum, no on going training, and no corporate staff in charge of improving the product we sell to our clients. This is the . Announces company strategy at first conference as increase top line revenue and increase bottom line revenue. Except that isnt a strategy that is the outcome of a strategy. We have asked for editable marketing materials to use in local markets only to be met with demands for phone calls to be called down by the principal and berated. I feel ripped off that I have to pay Corp 11% off the top PLUS $8 for every email address I have PLUS a fee for the software they require us to use (which, by the way is not specifically designed for music schools but is partially owned by the CEO we had prior to Ms. Homan) . It is also interesting to speak with corp staff off the record as they seem to all be afraid of her and frustrated as well. "It's gratifying to be ranked among the top 200 franchises once again, said Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock. Growth with little support and a completely dysfunctional relationship with the CEO. Article pretty much holds to our experience as well. Examples of this are, many unpaid events and demands because we are "family". She is in the wrong position with the improper qualifications and the absolutely wrong personal makeup, and her senior team, the School of Rock LLC Board and Sterling Partners are all at fault for letting this charade continue. An adaptation of the 2003 Jack . She has done a great job of demoralizing staff and owners through her adversarial tactics. CANTON, Mass., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- School of Rock, the leader in performance-based music education, was recently named to Franchise Business . School of Rock was recently named a Top Franchise for 2023 by Franchise Business Review. This is one more thing that the franchisees are being required to pay for and did not plan for. That is definitely a type of support. This is a music education business with no product VP no one in charge of music education, curriculum development or training. No-Nonsense Hype-Free Franchise Issues & Discussion Site. Owners got into this to make a positive difference in the lives of others, and many have developed health issues, relationship issues, and have drained retirement savings. Congratulations to @SchoolofRockUSA for being a top place to work. its very disappointing to have such a hostile relationship with the franchisor, especially, the CEO. On Fishbowl, you can share insights and advice anonymously with School of Rock employees and get real answers from people on the inside. In fact, one of the executive members was adamant that there was a No A$$Hole Rule. The owners continue to ask for meaningful and effective marketing campaigns delivered within enough time to make an impact in their markets but campaigns are typically rolled out late in the game. Additionally, Veterans receive a special discount on their initial franchise fee. I have no doubt that this system can be nurtured and can grow, but not with this administration and this CEO. If you love music and you love kids, you'll thrive here. She has behaved aggressively towards staff and owners and refused to recognize or interact with the independent franchisee organization after essentially disbanding the FAC. Our Shorewood location has had a significant impact, having reached thousands of families with our community-enriching program and introducing them to the ever-evolving and powerful language of music.". the franchise advisory committee (FAC) was essentially dismantled when the new CEO took over and the Independent Franchisee Association (IFA) formed in 2015 has not been recognized by the franchisor owners have been contacted by the CEO for speaking out on unfair practices on closed Facebook group forums as well as statements they have made to prospective franchisees, a practice we have coined as being called to the principals office. CANTON, Mass., Jan. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- School of Rock, the leader in performance-based music education, was recently named a Top Franchise for 2023 by Franchise Business Review. Shouldnt they be marketing our business so as to become a household name? Now, that the world is out. SOR has become every other shady franchise that none of us wished to buy into. We are a MUSIC EDUCATION brand. The total investment necessary to begin operation of a School of Rock business is stated to be $136,850 to $339,100. Worked for the most privileged folx that had no concept of people surviving off of their wages. Each of the companies on our list of the Most Innovative Franchises has developed and implemented products, processes, or services that enable and sustain growth and long-term relevancy. . Dzana is stubborn and/and or ignores us ftanchisees, Adittionaly she shows no interest in franchisees outside the US, no longterm goals for the brand, and she also sweeps problems under the rug, and has made false promises. The relationship with the executive management team is not a nurturing one, and is often confrontational, with considerable effort put on compliance and very little on finding ways to make the franchise owners money. By continuing to use our site, you are agreeing to our cookies policy. School of Rock's approach to music education is unique. Franchise Business Review publishes its rankings of the top 200 franchises in its annual Guide to Today's Top Franchises. It is a . Join the fastest-growing music education experience in the world. As we look to the future, we are excited to broaden our impact and provide more young people with the opportunity to receive music education and unmatched performance opportunities in this thriving market.". [Source: The Franchise Mall] Bach to Rock offers music education to all ages. UPS Customer Centers: On-site UPS Evening hours are the hours of each day between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. the time after office hours and just before the sun sets. Weve received complaints about the stability of the School of Rock management team since the appointment of a new CEO in 2014. At the end of 2016, there were a total of 168 School of Rock locations, comprised of 152 franchise and 16 company-owned locations. I love that I get to work with kids and share my passion of music with them. Otherwise, stop charging US for the work that YOU are supposed to be doing. Despite numerous attempts to receive all of the survey results from SoR Corp and Ms. Homan, the franchisees have still yet to receive the results other than a lot of numbers. We pay very high royalties fees and brand funding fees with little to no national marketing campaign. 4 stars. The program serves children as young as four years old through grandparents who want to release their inner rock star. Who We Are. It looks like someone else mentioned that there are other franchises who have opted to take their investment money and put it elsewhere. School of Rock franchise disclosure document, 2017 School of Rock Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), Is Dzana Homan an Abusive CEO? Franchise Business Review publishes its rankings of the top 200 franchises in its annual Guide to Today's Top Franchises. The fact is that at 11% its pretty hard to make this business financially successful if there is no robust ability to stuff the pipeline with new students on a regular basis. Royalty Fee. She did so much damage, it may be unsalable. When I was sold this business, I was told I would break even at 70 students, I am not at 140 students and am hardly making enough to pay my loan payments. She claims that she is approachable, yet has not even acknowledged the last three emails that I have sent much less given a response to my concerns. Please share your opinions and thoughts with a comment below, or email us in confidence at UnhappyFranchisee[at]gmail.Com. The first School of Rock was opened by the musician Paul Green in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1997 and did business under the name Paul Green School of Rock Music (Since January 2010, they have conducted business under the name School of Rock.). Sure changes have been made, it would be unfair to say there has been zero progress, but the pace is sluggish and the quality is lacking. MILWAUKEE, March 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- School of Rock, the leader in performance-based music education with over 325 schools across 15 global markets, is looking to expand its presence in Milwaukee to meet the demand for quality music education programs. The total investment to be expected is seriously understated. Basically her direction with this is how to fly under the radar, but no real solution. Failure to acknowledge owners assoction to have 2 way communications with owners since 2015 the members have created an Independent Franchise Association to try to bridge relationships between owners and corporate and work together to fix problems and grow the business and the brand. School of Rock, the leader in performance-based music education, has been named the Grand Champion of the 2023 Global Franchise Awards, the most prestigious Global Franchise award. How much does School of Rock franchise cost? She has targeted high profile franchisees and initiated default proceedings against several of them. Basically acquiring a location with no risk and with the grunt work of community awareness spear headed by the initial investment of the trust fund kids. Promises made at owners conferences not realized is typical of School of Rock. Talk about a hostile work environment. I make no money, even though my school is busy. I wonder if the door hit her in the ass on the way out. I spent my life savings on this business, and have received nothing in return. Corp school employees have been moved into positions for which they are not necessarily qualified and there is a revolving door for the Franchise Business Consultants (formerly known as Director of Franchise Operations), leaving the majority of the owners without any type of support for months. Seems like the complaints stopped after the leadership change. We strive to empower them with the skills, confidence, and creativity needed to succeed in both music and life. She should be fired, and I should be reimbursed. Revenue comes from individual and group lessons, branded merchandise, parties and . Were still collecting data to inform categories such as Age, Disability, Sexual Orientation, and Veteran Status. It is almost like she cant make the connection that the more successful we are in the schools, the more successful they are. I would like to see what a franchisee from say Dunkin Donuts gets and what their royalties and brand fund fees get them. Mark Sheffield was nominated by the School of Rock franchise leadership team in the Freshmen category for a 2021 Franchise Rock Star Award. If our shared brand fund contribution is to be used it should be for something I cannot afford like complete turnkey advertisements that have a consumer message that has been researched and works. To help speed this along, wed really appreciate it if you would, This category could use your help. Anyone else out there agree? She points to these calls as demonstration that she is engaging but this is not engagement. School of Rock, Sterling Partners Controversy Grows, UBuildIt Responds to Forbes Worst Franchise List, SUPERGREEN SOLUTIONS Cease & Desist Letter. Take 30 seconds to, Feb 11, 2023 - Instrumental Music Teacher, School of Rock has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5, based on over 308 reviews left anonymously by employees. School of Rock franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including training & support . We do it as a labor of love. School of Rock has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5, based on over 306 reviews left anonymously by employees. Zack Wylde, the lead guitar player in Black Sabbath Ms Homan on national television embarrassing the brand. There are other business issues that are pretty bad in this franchise. Ironically, communication and respect for franchisees as business owners are areas where Ms. Homan is drawing fire from some franchisees. They answer questions on a help desk part time for a network of 200 schools This is like have a corporate store owner in a food business available on a chat wall to answer questions about recipes while they are making sandwiches. The current leadership of Dzana Hohman is not visionary, collaborative, inclusive, innovative or interested in building a partnership model with owners, and this approach has spread down the chain like wildfire. What market are they researching? According to the 2017 FDD, "Dzana Homan Chief Executive Officer Ms. Homan became our Chief Executive Officer on June 9, 2014 and is located in El Segundo . Hangs up the call, waits for one franchisee who attended in person to leave and then plays Another One Bites the Dust on her computer in corporate office and laughs in celebration at the thought of them humiliating themselves in front of the company. 12 reviews. Search reviews. We are sent graphics to use locally. Ive done private instruction before but its cool to see kids make friends here and get to experience performing at venues. Ms. Homan has effectively alienated the owners and made them afraid to speak up lest they be the recipient of retaliatory actions. School of Rock: 8% franchisee fee, liquid capital of $100,000 and a total investment of $192,000-$422,000. He currently owns four schools in Latin America : Los Dominicos in Chile , Santiago in Chile , Polanco in Mexico , and Bogot in Colombia ( Colombia ). In order to have a successful school we had to invest 3-4X what we were quoted. According to the Item 19 Financial Performance Representation in the FDD, the Average Gross Sales for selected company-owned units is $513,260 (4 Company-owned Schools, or 26.7%, were at or above this figure) and Median Gross Sales are $412,952 (7 Company-owned Schools, or 46.7%, were at or above this figure). School of Rock has the franchise fee of up to $49,500, with total initial investment range of $169,350 to $399,100. It always seems that issues are raised, then ignored. By continuing to use our site, you are agreeing to our cookies policy. New guy seems to be in place to facilitate the sale of SoR to another company, GOOD LUCK WITH THAT! [untrue]. Wondering if any of the former franchisors miss her? Considered among over 300 franchise brands, School of Rock remains a strong contender providing high satisfaction in areas like training & support, operations franchisor/franchisee relations and financial opportunity. Dont let this reflect on the owners. The companies on this year's list of Top Franchises are the top-ranked brands in the key areas critical to their franchisees' success.". I have had great success in my market and even recognised by corporate as a big success. Required fields are marked *. You should consider the 21 units as failed franchises in this case until SoR proves differently. Double Dipping? When a board member has to take the stage at an owners conference to defend the CEO, because we have trouble working with her style its a glimpse into the delusion of the board members. Maybe a few vodka and orange juices will help. This has happened to me and there is no mistaking that the intent is to instill fear of losing your school. Little has been said about the real heroes in this business. There were a lot of promises of support but very little delivery. Filter by rating. Largest School of Rock Investor investing in programming schools Best Children's Service and Education Franchise for Third Year in a Row. School of Rockdoesnt ask that its franchisees can play "Sweet Child o Mine" on the bass guitar, but it simply asks for a love of music, and a passion for education. This is why you dont hire women with kids, children are a weakness.-Ms. Homan when she found out an employee was pregnant and had limited travel ability. Bern R. Paradise, NV. This leads to trust fund people who have an interest in music to open a franchise who then puts the burden of the company on it's instructors. We need more students and our franchisor either has no idea how to do that or chooses not to spend to grow the business.