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The Brand Builder
Having been at Thompson and Co. Salon Parlor for nine of its 10 years in business, Manager Lauren Marck has been instrumental in helping Owners Kayla and Bobby Thompson expand and launch a barbering concept. Her background in communications and marketing helped shape the brand's identitiy.
by Staff
October 2, 2025
3 min to read
Lauren Marck of Thompson & Co. Salon Parlor takes a selfie.
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 salon, spas and barbershops. In today's profile, we meet Lauren Marck, who has been at Thompson & Co Salon Parlor nine of its 10 years in business, helping build the brand as it adds new locations and a barbershop concept.
The manager: Lauren Marck
Nominated by: Bobby and Kayla Thompson, owners of Thompson & Co Salon Parlor in Iowa City, Iowa
Date of Hire: April 2016
SALON TODAY: What in Marck’s background made you believe she’d be a good manager?
Kayla Thompson: “She has a degree in Communication Marketing and Writing with a minor in Public Relations from the University of Iowa. She is very loyal, structured and a charismatic leader. We can always count on her to work in the best interest of the company."
ST: What are the three most important tasks she takes on at the salon?
Thompson: "Staff relations, client relations, and social media/marketing."
ST: How is she held accountable for the performance of the business?
Thompson: "We oversee the tasks she handles to ensure everything is being done and running smoothly. We also conduct a yearly review to support her continuous growth within the company."
ST: How often do you meet with Mark, and what do you discuss?
Thompson: "We talk daily, as we often are in the salon together, as well as communicate through phone and email. If she has a list of questions or concerns that need to be addressed, she will create a document laying them out so we can go through and answer them accordingly."
ST: What type of continuing education do you offer this manager?
Thompson: "We often take Lauren with us to hair shows or educational outlets to ensure she stays up to date on all things related to our industry. She has also been able to attend multiple leadership conferences for her own personal growth and development."
ST: How has Marck helped you personally or professionally?
Thompson: "Lauren has been with Thompson & Co. for nine of the 10 years we have been in business. In those nine years, we have expanded into two salon locations and one barbershop. She has been an integral part of our expansion. Laruen helps Bobby and I manage not only our team but also our business schedules, which allows us to focus on our staff and guests. She has helped build our brand into something unique through her social media and marketing presence. Lauren is always pushing herself to grow personally and professionally, and we are so lucky to have her as a part of our team and family.
Got a manager you'd love to celebrate? FIND OUT MORE and access our nomination application.
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