President of Great Clips to speak at Saint Mary’s University Jan. 20

WINONA, Minn. – The public is invited to a presentation by Great Clips president Rhoda Olsen Thursday, Jan. 20, at Saint Mary’s University. The event, which details how business dreams can become a reality, is hosted by Saint Mary’s Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies.

Olsen’s presentation — which will begin at 3:30 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall — will include details of how Great Clips grew from four salons with annual sales of less than $1 million in 1983, to nearly 3,000 salons with annual sales of more than $750 million today. Working with franchises has allowed Olsen to connect with hundreds of business leaders around the country.

Olsen brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in various positions at Great Clips and will share with audience members her understanding of what makes successful organizations work. She joined the Great Clips’ executive team in 1987 when it was a regional chain of 180 salons owned by three partners. In addition to specific leadership experience with Great Clips, Olsen has prior experience in human resources, business leadership and consulting with various leading companies, including food and agricultural giant Land O'Lakes.

Salvi Lecture Hall is located on the third floor of Saint Mary’s Hall. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Trevor M. Hall, (507) 457-6978 or tmhall@smumn.edu.