All Rights Reserved. Were told there were pilot schools, but its always top secret of what schools and which people participated. I wonder if the door hit her in the ass on the way out. Curious if things have really improved now SoR is under new leadership. What I received instead was, You seem very unhappy, maybe you should sell you school. She has behaved aggressively towards staff and owners and refused to recognize or interact with the independent franchisee organization after essentially disbanding the FAC. School of Rock was identified by Franchise Business Review as one of just 100 franchise brands to be named an award-winning franchise in its 2022 report on the Most Innovative Franchises. 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. But its all in a one-on-one call so there is no record to use against her. By continuing to use our site, you are agreeing to our cookies policy. 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. I have had as many FBCs as the number of years that I have been open and no regular support from any of them. Other franchise owners investing in or starting their own franchises outside of School of Rock Charlotte: They promote a one size fits all approach. What does it say about School of Rock as a smart business investment when owners choose to invest elsewhere: They see all this stuff going on and they do nothing about itbut maybe they are in a position of saying well others have raised issues to the Sterling Board and nothing happenedthen why should I?. I have not talked to her in person or email in over three years. Keeping it fresh, staying ahead of trends and what kids will respond to and what will bring in more students. Just Posted. I unfortunately have to agree with everything above. Wondering if any of the former franchisors miss her? Your email address will not be published. Owners want to get a good return on investment, but will look elsewhere if they cant achieve their goals. I am glad this public forum got set up. I think among the owners there are still many that are concerned about retaliation, and that is why they havent spoken up. I opened the first location in 2014, and in 2015 decided it was not worth the investment to open my second location. Additionally, there is not really much of a community; the work culture is poor. This award is given to one winner who has distinguished themselves most in the franchising industry in the opinion of the judges. For more information, consult the 2017 School of Rock Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). 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.). We have lost VPs of Marketing, COOs, CFOs, and the entire training department, which is now being run by the former IT manager/director. The fact is they have not figured out how to make a turnkey business. Unfortunately I have to concur with most of what is being written in this thread. They are good at squeezing every nickel out of the network, and then if we say ouch they get pissed and say we are a handful of complainers. We are fortunate to have a school that is becoming successful and has gradually gained students, but we also feel the profitability of the school was oversold and we would not suggest that anyone purchase a franchise based on the franchise price, the franchise fees, the cost of a buildout and the challenge to get the right employees to build the right culture. This business used to thrive because of the passion for music education and the culture that was created across all of the schools. The turnover of the organization is so frequent that I have no relationship with anyone at Corporate whatsoever anymore. She also refuses to recognize the Independent Franchisee Association (IFA), and confronts those who dare to complain about franchisee treatment even when those complaints were voiced in private group conversations. The companies on this year's list of Top Franchises are the top-ranked brands in the key areas critical to their franchisees' success.". So does this model make financial sense now? Ms. Homan had previous educational franchise experience with FutureKids, Goddard Early Learning and Huntington Learning Centers. Shes not pretty enough for LA Ms. Homan regarding coworker. . I, for one, dont and would welcome a change at the top. 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. News flashwe are an INTERNATIONAL brand and our marketing content and creative should reflect as such. The relationship with the executive management team is not pleasant one, and is often confrontational. SCHOOL OF ROCK Franchise Complaints. Over the past 3 years weve seen a number of SOR owners invest in franchises outside of School of Rock bread, art schools, programming schools instead of further investing in School of Rock. This rating has improved by 1% over the last 12 months. We've received complaints about the stability of the School of Rock management team since the appointment of a new CEO in 2014. 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. Has call with Franchise Advisory Committee and tells them they are to dismantle. Best Children's Service and Education Franchise for Third Year in a Row. A documentary focused on the murder of Vernon teen Ashley Wadsworth aired on British TV Thursday. I never forgot how it felt to be a franchisee.. Join the School of Rock franchise family today and prepare to change your life! Zack Wylde, the lead guitar player in Black Sabbath Ms Homan on national television embarrassing the brand. First to Review. The average franchise cost of the school of rock in the US is nearly $395,800 - $537,400. She has pushed out every talented corporate staff member, and she only cares about herself. School of Rock, a private music school in Midtown Palo Alto, is facing a civil lawsuit stemming from incidents of sexual abuse against a 15-year-old student by one of its instructors in 2017. School of Rock, the leader in performance-based music education, was recently named a Top Franchise for 2022 by Franchise Business Review. We were told it would take 10-15 minutes to complete, when in actuality it took several hours for most owners due to the comments and feedback that the owners added with their answers. 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. My understanding is that the Sterling Partners Board was made aware of these issues as well as others, and they have done nothing about it. Begins screaming at employee for being insubordinate. They say they have done extensive research. All Rights Reserved. Franchise Business Review, a research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only ratings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. "Milwaukee is a city on the rise with its thriving cultural scene, making it a perfect place for a School of Rock franchise," says Matt McFarland, owner of School of Rock Shorewood. I really appreciate the help! Get your P/L on time or or get a compliance letter, but she can give no real direction on copyright issues. Visit Franchise Business Review's websiteto see the full description of the 2023 Top Franchises. We pay into a Brand Fund that gets us mediocre marketing content that doesnt resonate with the lions share of the schools. From December 2010 to March 2014, Ms. Homan served as the Chief Operating Officer of Goddard Systems, Inc. in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.. Since we are only open after school and close at 9pm some employees have to work 6 days a week yet still don't work "full time" (40 hours). and only payed for time teaching not total time in school. The CEO Dzana Homan is doing a wonderful job at destroying the company that used to thrive because of the culture and passion for music education. Ms. Homan.Owners have come to you with resolutions to issues and you turn a blind eye then call us whiners and complainers when confronted with the hard questions. 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. School of Rock franchise complaints include lack of support, high management turnover, dictatorial management led by CEO Dzana Homan, poor communication and franchise relations. 8%. None of them seem to be able to speak up to the board either which is a shame. $49,900. Franchise Business Review publishes annual rankings of the top franchises in its Guide to Todays Top Franchises, as well as guides throughout the year ranking the top franchises in specific sectors. 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. Management is extremely lazy, very low pay, equipment in the school is consistently broken, wifi doesn't work great which makes it harder to teach, app is shoved down your throat and students do NOT like it. He was chosen by Franchise Business Review from among 200 nominations for his outstanding achievements as a School of Rock franchise owner in Chula Vista, CA. School of Rock has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5, based on over 308 reviews left anonymously by employees. These are kind, caring people who are working double or triple time, and often rely on family members and friends to keep all the balls in the air and pay the bills. Mark Sheffield was nominated by the School of Rock franchise leadership team in the Freshmen category for a 2021 Franchise Rock Star Award. School of Rock, the leader in performance-based music education, was recently named a Top Franchise for 2022 by Franchise Business Review. Constant pressure to work within their app, instead of being able to tailor lessons to students. This rating reflects the overall rating of School of Rock and is not affected by filters. The one and only thing to corp team is concerned with is their how much money are they making. Founded as a single school in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1998, School of Rock has become a rapidly growing international franchise with over 500 schools open and in development across 15 global markets. Then when we collect the fees from the student, Corporate takes their royalty on top of that. These 2o20 pandemic obstacles didn't keep principal Dustin Toth from starting a legacy at Rock Hill High School. The owners, students, and staff deserve a better leader in corporate. Through the power of music, prospective franchise investors have the ability to positively impact the lives of their students and their community as a whole. It is a . This award is given to one winner who has distinguished themselves most in the franchising industry in the opinion of the judges. It was interesting to receive the email from Dzana touting the facts. Not a big problem if you're younger and only need PT work or regularly gig for money elsewhere. Were received complaints that Dzana Homan eliminated the School of Rock Franchise Advisory Committee (FAC) shortly after taking the helm. Overweights and overvalues the effect that School of Rock Musical and Nickelodeon television show will have on brand. There are many smart owners with skill sets that exceed those on the corporate side and to have to work in this environment is really counterproductive. The total investment necessary to begin operation of a School of Rock business is stated to be $136,850 to $339,100. Nineteen-year-old Wadsworth was murdered in the U.K. Feb. 1, 2022, by Jack Sepple, 23, who she had travelled to England to meet after connecting with him online. ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE SCHOOL OF ROCK FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY, STERLING PARTNERS AND/OR SCHOOL OF ROCK CEO DZANA HOMAN? During show seasons I sometimes don't have off for 20+ days in a row. Filter by rating. In fact, one of the executive members was adamant that there was a No A$$Hole Rule. School of Rock Franchise Initial and On-going Franchise Cost. Regrettably, I have to agree with everything above as well, knowing firsthand what it is like to be on the receiving end of the CEOs retaliation tactics. It only takes one wrong hire to ruin something great. I am on our third billing and scheduling software platform and it is highly inadequate for what the owners need. "As an independent research firm, Franchise Business Review is committed to helping prospective franchisees get an objective view of the best franchise opportunities available based on actual feedback from the people who own them. CANTON, Mass., Feb. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- School of Rock, the leader in . Results will vary, but likely for the better. That is not what they told us in the sales pitch. However, results were delivered in a pick your favourite approach, and the real issues were left in the closet. I worked here for a year and it was amazing. Takeaways and action items are like dust in the wind. The initial franchisee fee is $49,500. The numbers tell the story. 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. 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 know both sides of the coin. UPS Drop Boxes: For 24/7 drop-off. For more options and additional information, visit our. Dont let this reflect on the owners. It also takes execution, said Eric Stites, founder and CEO of Franchise Business Review. But Dolly Ravage, who runs the club and is the unofficial . 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. Largest School of Rock Investor investing in programming schools 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) . You aren't paid for anything outside of lessons, so when you show up to set up, or stay late to write notes, you aren't paid for that. There are other business issues that are pretty bad in this franchise. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); All we need is good content. I also am embarrassed by the lack of action of the senior management team. I make no money, even though my school is busy. From what I can see in the FDD fees to corporate havent gone down, but perhaps owners are now getting something for their money. Get to know the community around you. This is a music education business with no product VP no one in charge of music education, curriculum development or training. Founded as a single school in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1998, School of Rock has become a rapidly growing international franchise with over 500 schools open and in development across 15 global markets . The approach is always a defensive one on their part: If you are not doing well its your fault Mr. 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. At the end of 2016, there were a total of 168 School of Rock locations, comprised of 152 franchise and 16 company-owned locations. Question: Has anyone attempted to communicate these complaints to management at Sterling Partners? Skillsandtech 2023 Content can not be published without prior approval. Im sharing some first hand experiences with Dzana Homan as she destroyed an otherwise beautiful company. These new hires include a COO and several Franchise Business Consultants, which are supposed to provide support at the school level. The fact is that you can have many channels of communication set up but if you retaliate against owners who share concerns or who disagree with your approach, there will be no communication, and I think Dzana knows that and has deliberately set it up this way. 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. Dzana states that there are two Music Directors (they were initially announced as managers btw.) With her the kids come last. 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 . School of Rock franchise complaints include an excessively high turnover rate of corporate employees which has resulted in a loss of of experience and knowledge and poor continuity of support. Thanks to the school's performance-based approach, students around the world have gained superior musical proficiency, with some moving on to record deals and larger platforms such as American Idol, The Voice and Broadway. 4 company employees have reportedly resigned in recent weeks. FranchiseComplaints.org was created to (1) facilitate research and encourage discussion of and due diligence on franchise opportunities and franchisors and (2) to help businesses with sales enablement by providing the most accurate franchisee contact lists available. I am a long-time School of Rock franchise owner. I have owned a school for many years and have to say it was the worst business investment I have ever made. For more information on School of Rock visit www.SchoolofRock.com or call 866-695-5515. Were working on it they say . Threatens franchisee of one of the largest schools with kicking her out of the system because the franchisee disagrees with her strategy. People are really left to their own devices, which is maybe ok if you are an experienced owner, but it is not really fair to new owners who buy in expecting a formal franchise relationship with best practices around managing a music education business, when there are none. Having problems? Dzana can claim that the system is growing, but how much more would it be growing if it was healthy? Management is a bit of a nightmarevery high turnover rate reflects this. Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000. Franchisees who have complained of unfair treatment on Facebook are reportedly called to the Principals office and admonished by Ms. Homan. CANTON, Mass. The program serves children as young as four years old through grandparents who want to release their inner rock star. Initial Rent Outlays: $6,000 to $15,500. 124. Ironically, communication and respect for franchisees as business owners are areas where Ms. Homan is drawing fire from some franchisees. An adaptation of the 2003 Jack . Weve received complaints that the School of Rock franchisor has adopted a condescending, bullying approach to its relationship with its franchisees. High royalties, uncooperative leadership, ineffective and expensive technology systems so many reasons to look elsewhere to park your investment funds. Are things better? Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. 4 min read. SOR wanted to bring on bright, savvy business partners to build the brand and the system. She did so much damage, it may be unsalable. Maybe a few vodka and orange juices will help. According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, School of Rock employees rate their compensation and benefits as 2.6 out of 5. We just need the CEO and the Sterling Partners Board to know we have zero confidence in their ability to run this business. To learn more about School of Rock franchise opportunities visit http://franchising.schoolofrock.com/. Join the fastest-growing music education experience in the world. School of Rock's concept is more potent than traditional music programs, combining private lessons powered by the patented School of Rock Method with weekly ensemble practices. The comment above that outline some of the personal attacks she was purportedly made seems like some inside information for her senior team. 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. However, I pay lots of money to corporate and get nothing in return, which eats into my bottom line. 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. It is almost like she cant make the connection that the more successful we are in the schools, the more successful they are. At first you think she cares and understands, but then once you take advantage of the direct communication channel to express a concern or you speak up, she slaps you back.hard. She views any dissent or pushback as a threat to her job/position and she has consistently worked to keep owners quiet. Follow School of Rock on Facebook,TwitterandInstagram. Its hard to make serious money at this business when the royalties and brand fund contribution are so high but the franchise is not well-known, so it becomes a labor of love instead of a way to support yourself. Weve received complaints about the stability of the School of Rock management team since the appointment of a new CEO in 2014. She has done damage to the integrity of the brand and its so unfair to the many beautiful people who dedicated their hard earned money and their time to trying to foster the music in the communities they serve. 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. "As an independent research firm, Franchise Business Review is committed to helping prospective franchisees get an objective view of the best franchise opportunities, based on actual feedback from franchise owners," said Michelle Rowan, president & COO of Franchise Business Review. Defending defaults takes money and time, and owners tend not to have much of either, so they dont risk it. 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. From the U.S. to Japan and every country in between, there are potentially millions of would-be students who are just waiting to release their inner rock star. I will make his life miserable with meaningless work until he quits- Ms Homan on her tactic to not fire someone as to not pay severance. 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.".
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