Salon Today’s Meet the Manager series celebrates and highlights the managers, team leads, and directors in the industry who work to maintain the vision and goals of salons, barber shops, and spas. In today's profile, we meet Juan Mercado-Martini, who could be the poster child for successfully growing from within. Starting at the front desk at Salon Blond in Dunedin, Florida, he became a six-figure stylist, then team lead and now Owner Victoria Marino says she couldn't manage the two locations without him.

Nominated by: Victoria Marino, Salon Blond in Dunedin, Florida

SALON TODAY: Why did you believe Juan would be the perfect fit for your business? 

Marino: “Juan is the perfect example of what it means to grow from within. He was once too intimidated to even approach our table at a career fair. At the time, he was working at a salon in St. Pete, where someone told him he would be a great fit for our culture and encouraged him to check us out. He finally walked through our doors—and I hired him on the spot. I just knew. He looked me in the eye and said he would do anything to be part of this team, and that's exactly what he did.

“He started at the front desk just to get his foot in the door, while working another job to make ends meet. He then became an associate, and it wasn't long before he moved up to stylist. From the very beginning, I saw the passion in him. He fully embraced the Aveda mission and the Salon Blond culture—we like to say he didn't just drink the Kool-Aid, he served it up with love. What makes Juan's story even more meaningful is where he came from—he had a rough background, where no one ever truly believed in him. But I did. I saw something different in him—something special. And he's proved me right every step of the way.

“As his talent and leadership continued to grow, I brought him on to help with our social media, and he later expressed interest in being more involved behind the scenes. That's when I made him our Salon Lead—not because we needed a manager, but because we needed someone who cared deeply about the business, the team, and the guest experience. And no one does that like Juan.

“Today, Juan is an essential part of our leadership team, which includes myself, my sister, and him. He manages our schedules, attends every career fair, mentors others, and supports both locations—including leading content creation at our Palm Harbor salon. He leads with heart, humility, and a deep sense of pride in everything he does.

“He’s a Level 8 stylist charging $90 for a haircut and has built a six-figure income—more than he ever dreamed possible. His story is proof that when someone sees your potential and gives you a chance, incredible things can happen. Juan is not just a success story—he is the soul of our team, and I am incredibly proud to nominate him.”

ST: What personality characteristics make Juan a good manager?

Marino: “He is compassionate, dependable, and leads by example. He's deeply loyal, and communicates with kindness. He treats the salon like it's his own and genuinely cares about the team, making him a natural and trusted leader.”

ST: What are the most important tasks he takes on at the salon?

“Managing stylist schedules, maintaining strong guest retention through exceptional service and connection, and overseeing our social media presence to showcase the brand. He also plays a key role in "putting out fires" and handling unexpected challenges with calm and care.

ST: How many hours a week does he work behind the chair?

Marino: "36"

ST: How is Juan held accountable for business performance?

Marino: “He is held accountable through regular check-ins and open communication. We review social media performance together, talk almost daily, and hold monthly leadership meetings. I'm very present in both of my businesses, so we see each other often and stay closely aligned on goals, performance, and priorities.”

ST: What type of continuing education do you offer this manager?

Marino: “Juan attends all Aveda leadership trainings alongside my sister and me. These experiences help him continue growing as a leader, stay aligned with our brand values, and bring new ideas back to the team.”

ST: How has he helped you grow the business? 

Marino: “Juan has been an absolute rock for me as an owner. He steps in without being asked, handles challenges with calm and confidence, and genuinely treats the business like it's his own. He's helped ease the day-to-day pressure so I can focus on big-picture growth. From mentoring new team members to boosting our social media presence and guest retention, Juan has played a huge role in helping Salon Blond thrive, and I truly couldn't do it without him. He's adorable too, just check out his Insta.”

Got a manager you'd love to celebrate? FIND OUT MORE and access our nomination application.