By Jess Noll
Boynton Weekes always wanted to own and run his own business. Now, he and longtime friend George Jackson are co-owners of Fantastic Sam’s salon in Lawrence.
Weekes comes from a family of entrepreneurs. In the 1970s, his father Ralph started Weekes Cab Company. He was the first African-American to own a taxicab service in Atlantic City.
The company has since changed hands but it left a significant impression on Weekes.
Born in Atlantic City, Weekes grew up in Camden and earned a degree from Farleigh Dickinson University in business management. He worked at an insurance company until 2002, planning what he called his “exit strategy” from corporate America. At the same time, Fantastic Sam’s was planning to expand on the East Coast, and Weekes jumped at the opportunity.
“I’ve come from a long line of entrepreneurs in my family and so I knew all long that ultimately I would work for myself on my own company,” Weekes said.
Weekes, together with Jackson, purchased the rights to franchise in the region. Jackson now acts as the group’s chief financial officer, while Weekes is the group’s CEO.
“It was something we did together.” Weekes says of he and Jackson’s decision to become involved with the franchise.
The two have set up 18 salons since they started. Their goal is to open 70 to 80 more salons over the next 10 to 15 years.
Weekes thinks Fantastic Sam’s in Lawrence is a good model for entrepreneurs interested in owning a part of the franchise. Service includes a range of hair care including cuts, coloring, perms, highlights, relaxers, braids, extensions and facial waxing for men and women. Fantastic Sam’s also features its own manufactured line of hair care products, from shampoos and conditioners to styling products such as wax and gels.
Attention to customers’ needs makes the salon a great place to visit.
“You want to make an appointment and not spend all day on a Saturday getting your hair done,” Weekes said.
Weekes said he plans to keep prices competitive in the struggling economy and entice current and prospective customers with special offers and coupons. One recent promotion is the $44 single-color treatment for patrons who come to the salon every four weeks.
The pricing is dedicated to President Barack Obama.
“Fourty-four dollars [to honor] the 44th president of the United States,” Weekes said.
Fantastic Sam’s a sponsor of the Lawrence Soccer League, Lawrence Lightning Football League, as well as several local charities.
Weekes lives in Lawrenceville with his wife Karla, and their three children, Bryan, BJ, and Ariel.
Fantastic Sam’s is the largest full-service hair care provider in the U.S., and the Lawrence franchise was ranked 89th by the company out of its 1,350 salons.
Fantastic Sam’s is located on 2495 US 1, Suite 23A. The salon features 11 stylists and nine stations and is open seven days a week. The salon accepts appointments and walk-in customers. For more information, call (609) 406-0031.
For franchising opportunities, call Weekes at (609) 468-6697 or e-mail him at bweekes@fantasticsams.com.
