Success stories often begin with opportunity. Haley Haar’s began with a challenge.
When Haley and her husband purchased an AlphaGraphics location in downtown Kansas City in 2009, they weren’t stepping into a thriving business. Instead, they inherited a location with a poor reputation, limited market share, and strained customer relationships. Many prospective franchise owners would have walked away. Haley saw possibility.
In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Haley shares the story of how determination, leadership, and a commitment to serving others helped transform a struggling franchise into a respected business and trusted community partner.
Betting on Themselves
One of the most interesting aspects of Haley’s journey is that she knowingly purchased a business that needed significant work.
Part of the decision came down to affordability, but it was also rooted in confidence. Haley and her husband had extensive experience working within the AlphaGraphics system and understood the industry. Rather than viewing the business’s challenges as obstacles, they saw them as opportunities.
They knew they weren’t starting from scratch. They already understood the business model, customer needs, and operational side of the printing industry. That experience gave them the confidence to tackle a turnaround.
Rebuilding Trust
After taking ownership, Haley quickly learned just how damaged the business’s reputation had become.
Some former customers were willing to give the new ownership team a chance. Many were not.
Rather than spending all their energy trying to win back every dissatisfied customer, Haley made a strategic decision. She focused on building relationships with businesses that had never worked with AlphaGraphics before.
Instead of looking backward, she looked forward.
By introducing new customers to the company’s capabilities and focusing on service excellence, Haley steadily grew market share and rebuilt the brand’s reputation throughout Kansas City’s business community.
Learning the Power of “No”
One of the most valuable lessons Haley learned came during the early growth phase of the business.
Like many entrepreneurs, she initially said yes to every opportunity that came through the door. More projects meant more revenue, and more revenue meant survival.
Over time, however, she discovered that not every customer or project was a good fit.
Some jobs generated little profit. Others consumed valuable resources that could have been better invested elsewhere.
Her advice to business owners is simple: learn what not to say yes to as quickly as possible.
Growth isn’t just about adding business. It’s also about understanding which opportunities align with your goals and which ones distract from them.
The Transformational Power of Mentorship
A major influence on Haley’s leadership development came through the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentorship Program in Kansas City.
The three-year mentoring experience paired her with an experienced business mentor while also connecting her to an extensive network of entrepreneurs and subject matter experts.
The timing couldn’t have been better.
During her participation in the program, Haley faced significant challenges, including losing a key employee and one of the company’s largest customers. Having a mentor helped her maintain perspective and navigate those setbacks without losing sight of the bigger picture.
Her experience highlights an important lesson for entrepreneurs: success doesn’t happen in isolation. Strong mentors and supportive networks can provide invaluable guidance during difficult seasons.
Kindness Versus Niceness
Perhaps the most memorable part of the conversation centered on Haley’s leadership philosophy.
She believes strongly in kindness. However, she also draws a distinction between kindness and niceness.
Kindness means treating people with respect, supporting employees, and doing what is right. Niceness, on the other hand, can sometimes become people-pleasing.
For Haley, true leadership requires the courage to stand up for employees, establish boundaries, and address difficult situations directly.
Sometimes the kindest thing a leader can do isn’t the easiest or most comfortable.
This philosophy has shaped both her company culture and her approach to leadership.
Breaking Barriers as a Female Business Owner
When Haley entered the printing industry, she often found herself as one of the few women in the room.
As a young business owner in a traditionally male-dominated field, she frequently encountered assumptions that she wasn’t the real decision-maker.
Rather than allowing those perceptions to define her, she used them as motivation.
Over time, Haley established herself as a respected leader by consistently demonstrating expertise, confidence, and results. Her story serves as a powerful example for women entrepreneurs navigating industries where they may still be underrepresented.
Innovation in a Changing Industry
Many people assume printing is an old-fashioned industry. Haley strongly disagrees.
She describes today’s printing world as one of rapid innovation and technological advancement.
Digital presses, automation, sophisticated color management systems, and workflow software have transformed how modern print businesses operate. What once required extensive manual labor can now be accomplished with remarkable speed and precision.
At the same time, Haley believes technology has created opportunities for greater creativity. Her team regularly collaborates with artists and organizations to bring complex ideas to life while maintaining exceptional quality and attention to detail.
Final Thoughts
Throughout the episode, one theme remained consistent: determination.
From competing in trap shooting as a young girl to rebuilding a struggling franchise and establishing herself in a male-dominated industry, Haley has spent a lifetime proving that challenges can become opportunities.
Her journey reminds us that successful leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to learn, adapt, stay true to your values, and continue moving forward when others might quit.
For franchise owners, entrepreneurs, and business leaders alike, Haley’s story offers a powerful lesson:
Success isn’t determined by where you start. It’s determined by what you’re willing to build.