In 1994, the Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation was started by a prominent industry expert, Rick Goldberg, a dedicated board member until his passing in 2013. It was Rick’s vision to establish this Foundation in recognition of the life and achievements of Joe and Flo Francis, founders of The Barbers Corporation and the franchise systems: Cost Cutters, City Looks Salons, and We Care Hair, now Regis Corporation subsidiaries.

Joe Francis’ story is literally one of rags to riches, beginning with his first job as a shoeshine boy for a local barber school. His labors eventually led him to enroll as a barber student where his entrepreneurial spirit flourished and his lifelong career in the industry took off. He built state of the art hair salons and began franchising first as The Barbers Hairstyling for Men and Women, Inc.

He took his company public and established The Barbers Corporation. The Barbers grew to 1,200 franchise hair salons in the United States and Europe. Flo became Chairwoman of the Board of the Barbers International Corporation after Joe passed away in 1994. Under her leadership the corporation thrived and strengthened its position as a leader in the international salon industry. Together, they were recognized for their industry leadership and inducted into the International Franchise Association Hall of Fame. Joe was inducted posthumously into the National Barbers Hall of Fame. The impact of their tenacious entrepreneurial spirit on the haircare industry is forever their legacy.

Daughter, and President of the Foundation, Barbara Francis, announced, “My parents worked tirelessly to strengthen the industry and elevate the hairstyling profession. They believed it offered a path to self-fulfillment and reward. Joe and Flo were determined to help deserving individuals launch their career, wanting to give back to an industry that gave them so much.”

Applications for future scholarships are accepted from January through June 1st of each year, with award notifications made each September.