Riley Lee Dorn McMurdo has always understood the power of community, the importance of perseverance, and the value of relationships.  These are qualities that have come to define his success, both personally and professionally. As the President of Operations at TMAC Investments Inc., Riley McMurdo has played a pivotal role in expanding a single Sport Clips location into a network of 19 stores across Colorado and Wyoming. His leadership journey is not one of overnight success. It is the result of intentional decisions, continuous learning, as well as the collective effort of family and team members who share the same vision.

Early Life and Influences

Born on April 9, 1982, in Denver, Colorado, Riley McMurdo was raised by his parents, Ted and Tina McMurdo. His childhood was shaped by several moves, mainly due to his father’s career with Continental Airlines and later Hilton Hotels. He went from Aurora, CO to The Woodlands, TX and then to Highlands Village near Dallas.  Riley experienced the richness of different communities, and forged friendships that would last a lifetime. He developed an early love for sports, participating in basketball, football, soccer, roller hockey, and baseball.  This has been a passion that remained a constant in his life.

In 1996, the McMurdo family returned to Aurora, where Riley attended Eaglecrest High School. It was here that he joined DECA, played on the baseball team, and met his future wife, Jessica Fryman. Riley graduated from EHS in 2000 and pursued his higher education at Colorado State University, where he earned a degree in History in 2004.

A Foundation in Work and Family

After graduating, Riley explored various jobs.  This includes roles at Budget Truck Rentals, Wachovia Bank, as well as within both Denver Public Schools and Cherry Creek Schools. Though he initially planned to enter the teaching field, even going as far as earning his teaching certificate, he eventually decided to change direction.

In 2005, Riley reconnected with Jessica, and they began dating. They got engaged in Estes Park in 2006,  and later married on June 21, 2008. The couple built their home and family in Aurora. Between 2013 and 2017 they also welcomed three children, Finnley, Declan, and Delaney.

Family would remain a key pillar in both Riley’s personal and professional life. In 2009, alongside his father, he began researching franchise opportunities. Their shared admiration for the Sport Clips model led to the opening of their first location in Glendale, CO in 2010. Over the course of time, what started as a family venture became a multi-location operation involving several family members. Riley’s mother helped with early administrative tasks.  His sister Ashlie joined in 2017.  His brother-in-law Jason later became involved in operations. And Jessica now manages human resources and payroll.

Building a Sustainable Enterprise

Today, Riley serves as the President of Operations for TMAC Investments Inc., overseeing 19 Sport Clips franchises. His management philosophy emphasizes being the “employer of choice.” He is deeply committed to creating a workplace culture built on respect, growth, and accountability.

In interviews and public statements, Riley often highlights the importance of valuing team contributions while maintaining confidence in leadership decisions. His approach combines empathy with high expectations. “I lead by example,” he explains. “I ask questions. I empathize, but I also have high standards for performance.”

One of Riley’s most notable qualities as a leader is his willingness to support employees through personal challenges. When an employee arrived at work under the influence, Riley chose compassion over immediate termination. He helped guide the individual into a rehabilitation program.  This was an effort that resulted in her long-term recovery, and continued success within the company.

Decision-Making and Leadership

Riley McMurdo‘s leadership style is rooted in collaboration and continuous learning. He regularly attends franchise conferences to stay informed about best practices and emerging trends. As a member of the Team Leader Advisory Council for Sport Clips, he remains connected with leaders from across the country by exchanging insights and strengthening the broader franchise community.

His decision-making process involves valuing input from his team while maintaining a firm grasp on his business goals. “You have to value other people’s opinions and contributions,” he says, “but still have the confidence in yourself to make the tough decisions.”

To ensure consistency across all 19 locations, Riley and his team utilize monthly profit and loss statements, as well as year-over-year comparisons and spreadsheets to track store performance. These metrics help identify areas for improvement, not to mention maintain operational efficiency.

Riley admits he’s a “bit of a control freak,” but also acknowledges the importance of delegation for maintaining balance. Delegating responsibilities to trusted team members, including family, has helped him manage stress and avoid burnout.

Community and Personal Life

Outside of work, Riley and his family are active and engaged. They enjoy traveling to the mountains and Arizona, spending time with extended family, attending sporting events, and going to the movies, a passion Riley has held since childhood. The McMurdos also dedicate time to supporting their children’s sports activities and maintaining family traditions.

Riley has also used his professional platform to contribute to community-based initiatives. According to a feature in Sea Isle News, his vision of business success includes environmental sustainability and community development. His company has adopted environmentally friendly practices, and regularly gives back to the communities in which they operate.

Thought Leadership and Continued Growth

Riley McMurdo has also begun sharing his insights and reflections more publicly. In a Medium article, he recommended “The Energy Bus” by Jon Gordon, a book he believes everyone should read at least once. The book’s themes of optimism, leadership, and team-building align closely with Riley’s own philosophy and serve as a reminder that mindset and collaboration are central to any successful enterprise.

When asked how he motivates his team, Riley’s answer is both practical and personal: “Let them know that we care about them. They aren’t working for me, they are working for themselves, for their families. Being more productive makes more money for the company, but it also makes more money for them. Have goals and dreams, and let me know how I can help you achieve them.”

Legacy Through Leadership

At its core, Riley McMurdo’s story is one of intentional leadership, shared responsibility, and deep community roots. His professional journey, from history graduate and middle school baseball coach, to president of a multi-location franchise business, is marked by a consistent theme. Success is best achieved together.

With the support of his family and a commitment to building a business that values people as much as profits, Riley McMurdo has crafted not only a thriving enterprise, but a legacy built on trust, compassion, and purpose.

As TMAC Investments Inc. continues to grow, Riley remains focused on the values that got him there. Teamwork, resilience, and a belief in the potential of others. Whether it’s guiding a team member through a personal struggle, or sharing ideas with fellow franchise owners, Riley McMurdo exemplifies what it means to lead with both heart and strategy.