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SEARCHIn this Meet the Manager profile, we learn about Diane Palumbo, General Manager of Ohana Salon in Scottsdale, AZ, and owner Chandra Chriswisser’s trusted right hand.
Left to right: Owner of Ohana Salon Chandra Chriswisser, Manager Diane Palumbo, with Hillary Vizcardo & Wayne Brawner
courtesy of Chandra Chriswisser
SALON TODAY's Meet the Manager series celebrates the managers, team leads, and directors in the industry who work to maintain the vision and goals of salons, spas, and barbershops. In today's profile, we learn about Diane Palumbo, General Manager of Ohana Salon in Scottsdale, AZ, and owner Chandra Chriswisser’s trusted right hand. Since the tumultuous year of 2020, Palumbo has led the team at Ohana by fostering the growth of each individual team member, taking a lot of work off the plate of a grateful Chriswisser.
The manager: Diane Palumbo, General Manager
Nominated by: Chandra Chriswisser
Date of Hire: July 2020
SALON TODAY: What about Palumbo’s background made you believe she’d be a good manager for your business?
Chriswisser: “Diane has over 30 years in the industry. She was a licensed stylist and worked as a director for two of the biggest Aveda Schools in Ohio and Indiana. She really understood how to manage beauty professionals and the ins and outs of our industry.”
ST: What personality characteristics make her a good manager?
Chriswisser: “She is compassionate and fair. She leads by example and is not afraid to uphold the policies and procedures of the salon.”
ST: How is Palumbo compensated?
Chriswisser: “Hourly + bonuses based on sales goals.”
ST: What are the three most important tasks she takes on?
Chriswisser: “Coaching and growing the team, upholding our values and culture, and enforcing procedures to keep things running smoothly.”
ST: How is Palumbo held accountable for business performance?
Chriswisser: “We have set benchmarks for her that are based on overall sales goals, profitability, and the growth of the team.”
ST: How often do you meet with this manager, and what do you go over?
Chriswisser: “Bi-weekly, and we go over any challenges she has had with clients or team members and solutions. We go over set benchmarks and create any plans going forward to help team members who may be struggling with growth.”
ST: What types of continuing education do you offer Palumbo?
Chriswisser: Any management training that is available from Data Driven Salon Summit or other industry trade shows. We also do training through our CRM software.”
ST: How has this manager helped you personally or professionally?
Chriswisser: “This manager has become my right hand, allowing me to free up more of my time to focus on strategic business growth and giving me more quality time with my family. She has helped grow the business by leading our apprenticeship program and growing the team to hit their goals, which helps the salon as a whole reach our sales goals. She is instrumental in keeping things on track and leads from a place that has gained respect from the team and the clients. I could not do what I do without her.”
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