Harry Nilsson , Simon Sinek , Malcolm Gladwell .
What makes you say , “ Yes , now that ’ s why I do what I do !”? Helping provide a safe , fun environment for all stylists where they can make a good living with career options such as assistant managers , managers , area managers , technical trainers , business coaches , marketing specialists . It is so rewarding to hear “ I love my job .” I am also inspired by encouraging and mentoring those who are interested and have the grit to succeed .
Market
What trends are you seeing with consumer spending habits in your stores ? More attention to beards and beard oil . More awareness of men to new products and a willingness to spend to look good .
Has the economic recovery reached all of your customers ? We have been fortunate overall and the vast majority of our guests have weathered the storm , but there are still challenges in certain industries and regions of the country .
How is the economy driving consumer behavior in your system ? We seem to be in a sweet spot of a high-value , highquality service in the affordable category . Our clients value our “ affordable luxury ,” which is way more than “ just a cut ” at a really good price point . We have our team members to thank for that . And the economy seems to be making affordable cool .
What are you expecting from your market in the next 12 months ? We are optimistic our same stores sales will remain strong as we are doing very well , but there is always room to improve .
Are your franchisees bullish or bearish about growth and adding additional units ? We are projecting 160 to 180 North American units . This is in line with our steady growth plan .
Are commodity / supplies costs any cause for concern in your system ? All costs are a concern but this is an area we are managing well .
Personal
What time do you like to be at your desk ? As I mentioned earlier , I don ’ t like ceoprofile
to be at a desk . We are a people business , and when I am at the support center I walk around and continually check in . The rest of the time I am out in the field . My desk is a stand-up desk we found at an antique shop in Georgetown . It was originally in a railroad station in south Texas and was used as a ticket counter almost 100 years ago . Even they knew we should be standing up at the “ office .”
Do you socialize with your team after work / outside the office ? Many conventions include social activities , as you know , so I participate with my team there . We also occasionally will have a beer after work on a Friday at the local biker bar , Hardtails , which I renamed “ Hogwarts .” That moniker happened when I first arrived here and couldn ’ t recall the exact name of the place .
Last two books read : Big Data by Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and Kenneth Cukier and Contagious by Jonah Berger .
What technology do you take on the road ? iPad , iPhone , iWatch , Dell Latitude .
How do you relax / balance life and work ? I play guitar and write and record songs . I attend concerts and listen to bands and still have an extensive vinyl collection . A couple of years ago I accidently bought the remaining inventory of a record shop in St . Louis , so I have 8,000 to 9,000 LPs . I also don ’ t believe balance is the right word . Today , with all of the technology in our lives , the best we can hope for is a healthy “ blend ” of our lives , and that is what I strive to do . More like blending a fine wine , not balancing on a seesaw . The problem with the seesaw is when one side is up the other is down . Therefore your life is set up to be win-lose with work and family on opposite sides of the scale .
Favorite vacation destination : My lake cabin in Minnesota . ( No , I don ’ t fish .)
Favorite occasions to send employees notes : I send a note when they need personal support or a pat on the back and it is important to them that I do it in writing .
Favorite company product / service : Our MVP haircut service , including a legendary hot towel / shampoo experience , is the best anywhere . Experience is the last differentiator in the digital world . And it takes great people to provide great experiences .
Bottom Line
What are your long-term goals for the company ? Our goal is to continuously get better at what we do and continue to provide the best environment we possibly can for our stylists . We even have a fund that provides money and support to stylists who are going through difficult or extraordinary struggles as a result of sickness , hurricanes , tornadoes , or other personal or natural disasters . It is funded by all of us through donations and independently managed by a third party as a nonprofit . It is unique in our industry as far as I know . Living our values . As we get better , bigger will take care of itself .
How has the economy changed your goals for your company ? The economy hasn ’ t really affected our goals . We see any challenge as an opportunity to be more competitive .
Is capital getting easier to find ? Finding capital is not a constricting variable for us . Money is attracted to well managed , predictable , recurring revenue streams that are not directly affected by Internet sales .
How do you measure success ? I measure success based on the positive impact we can have on those around us . If their lives are better , happier , more fulfilling in some way and I have helped to make that possible , then I see that as success . The short version : “ Exceeding your dreams .”
What has been your greatest success ? Mentoring executives and people who attain their dreams .
Any regrets ? Should have signed more leases in 2009 .
What can we expect from your company in the next 12 to 18 months ? We are excited to be launching our new mobile check-in software / hardware package and plan to have it fully functional by next summer . The ability to have our guests go online / phone and see wait times , pick their favorite stylist , and get in the queue will be really good for our experience . Basically , if there is a wait we will be using the latest technology to allow our guests to plan accordingly and in essence “ wait ” wherever they choose . In 18 months we will also be approaching 1,800 units in North America . n
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