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 Michelle Butler, who helped Tammy Eickhoff rebuild the culture at her three Fantastic Sams locations near Kansas City. Their sales are proof that their efforts are paying off, and the locations are consistently placing in the Top 100 Fantastic Sams locations. (Today, Fantastic Sams has more than 500 locations and is part of Dessange International, a global leader with three diverse brands in the franchise space.)

Manager: Michelle Butler

Nominated by: Franchisee Owner Tammy Eickhoff, Fantastic Sams Cut & Color

SALON TODAY: What about Butler’s background made you believe she’d be a good fit for your business? 

Eickhoff: “Michelle Butler joined us out of beauty school in her thirties, determined to build a real career to support her two daughters. She asked me how to grow fast, and I told her: work the hours with the most walk-in guests and build deep connections so they'd keep coming back. Michelle didn't hesitate, she worked every weekend and most evenings for over nine months, doing what others wouldn't. She quickly became our fastest-growing new stylist and someone everyone could count on.

“In 2018, I remember telling Michelle that I was tired of dealing with mean-spirited, entitled people who believed they deserved more than others. I told her I wanted to create something better—a culture of kindness, professionalism, and fairness—and I asked if she'd help me do it. She said, ‘Hell yes!’ And together, even through a pandemic, we kept our promise to every teammate who chose to go all-in with this culture shift.

“I opened my first Fantastic Sams Cut & Color salon in 1989 and had never cracked the Top 100 Fantastic Sams salons in the U.S. But with Michelle by my side, everything changed. In under four years, two of our salons hit that list, one even made the Top 50 in 2022. Michelle's own salon landed in the Top 100 and continues to rank consistently month after month.

“Even more impressive, we did all this with fewer guests, fewer stylists, and reduced hours, without raising prices until 2023. It's proof that culture matters. And we believe our Overland Park salon, which just relocated, is well on its way to joining that top tier too.

“Michelle didn't just rise through the ranks, she helped build a movement that changed everything.”

SALON TODAY: What personality characteristics does she possess that make her a good manager?

Eickhoff: "Michelle leads with compassion, integrity, and purpose. She sees the best in every person and treats everyone as a valuable human being. While she is kind and empathetic, she also handles business with focus and professionalism.

"She stays calm under pressure and believes strongly in supporting those who may not be able to support themselves. Michelle brings fun and positivity into the salon, uplifting teammates and guests whenever needed.

"As a leader, she is always teaching, not the easy or fast way, but the smart way to grow and succeed. She believes that education is the foundation of success in this industry, and not just technical education. For Michelle, growing as a kind human being is just as important as growing as a stylist, and this is exactly where my heart and mind are as well, which is why I believe we connected so deeply as both leaders and people."

SALON TODAY: What are the three most important tasks Butler takes on at the salon?

Eickhoff: “1. Growing and supporting the team; 2. Keeping the culture positive and professional 3. Driving performance and business goals.”

SALON TODAY: How is she held accountable for the performance of the business?

Eickhoff: “The key measure is how many stylists show up for monthly team meetings and education sessions. Michelle consistently brings a strong turnout, especially for classes with top product brands like CHI and Malibu C. Educators have said they've never seen so many engaged stylists asking questions as in our salon.

“Additionally, we offer these paid education classes free to nearby Fantastic Sams salons, showing our commitment to team growth and leadership beyond just our location.”

SALON TODAY: How often do you meet with this manager and what do review?

Eickhoff: “We aim to meet every other week, but consistently hold at least 12 leadership meetings a year and a monthly all-team meeting. Our meetings are always focused on learning and lifting each other up, never negative. Any issues are handled privately, off the floor, with the person involved.”

SALON TODAY: What types of continuing education do you offer this manager? 

Eickhoff: “We provide ongoing access to the latest leadership training from Fantastic Sams, including conventions and company resources. If the manager sees a class or program they're interested in, we always consider it a possibility and do our best to support it.”

SALON TODAY: How has Butler helped you grow the business? 

Eickhoff: “Michelle has been a true blessing to me and to the business. I believe she is a gift from God to me and our teammates at Fantastic Sams. She believed in my vision when I was tired of working around unkind or entitled people. She said "yes" to creating something better, and she meant it.

“Before Michelle, I was working long hours in my salons and rarely had a day off. unless I was out of state, which was rare. But now, I get to work on the salons instead of being stuck in them every day, and that has made all the difference in the world.

“Together, we stopped focusing just on the numbers and started growing the people, and that was the key. Michelle helps carry the load with heart, kindness, and consistency. I trust her fully. She hasn't just helped grow the business; she's helped me grow as a person too.”

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