Geno Levi
Geno Levi Spirit and Style Salon, Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
BEFORE I OWNED MY SALON: I worked my way up to supervisor of the cosmetology school I attended and then managed a local salon for about a year.
I OPENED MY OWN SALON BECAUSE: My single mom raised me in her salon where I swept hair and did laundry for her as a child. Her success inspired me to open my first salon at age 20.
MY CLIENTS LOVE MY SALON BECAUSE: It's not just the place they come to look good-it's deeper than that. They leave refreshed and encouraged because we care about their spirit as well.
MY FAVORITE SERVICE TO RECEIVE IS: A hair cut and color (but a good massage, if I ever have the time, is a close second!).
THE BEST HIRE I EVER MADE WAS: My wife. It took me months to convince her to leave her career in economics and join my salon team as our manager.
THE BEST JOB PERK I OFFER MY STAFF IS: The flexibility to design their schedules to enhance the quality of their lives. Our senior staff has the opportunity to work four 10-hour days, either Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday, allowing them to have quality time with their families on the weekends.
MY FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR IN THE SALON: Is during our spring and fall educational sessions.
I AM MOST PRODUCTIVE WHEN: My clients are the most demanding! The pressure to perform and keep everyone happy really motivates me.
MY INDUSTRY HERO IS: Alan Benfield Bush. His Condensed Cutting Method and business training remain life-changing for me.
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