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SEARCHStarting at Impressions front desk in 2006 when he was 19 years old, General Manager Paul Petrowsky is a seasoned professional who owner Sarah Taylor says is responsible for much of her own success.
Starting at Impressions' front desk 19 years ago, General Manager Paul Petrowsky is on track to become a shareholder this year.
Impressions
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 meet Paul Petrowsky, general manager of Impressions in Mequon, Wisconsin. Owner Sarah Taylor says Petrowsky’s 19 years of experience at the salon make him an invaluable right-hand-man.
The Manager: Paul Petrowsky, General Manager
Nominated by: Sarah Taylor, Owner of Impressions in Mequon, Wisconsin
Date of hire: February 2006
SALON TODAY: What is Petrowsky’s specific background that makes him an exceptional manager?
Taylor: “Paul grew within the company. He has a great work ethic and started at the desk as a young 19-year-old. Now, with 19 years of experience at Impressions, he is able to handle tasks very well and handles a lot of the salon’s inventory ordering.
“As he matured, Paul seamlessly became a leader and mentor. He works with the salon budget, assisting me with monthly bills. He handles all customer relations and complaints and is involved with one-on-one coaching of all staff. He is in charge of scheduling, and is the resident expert on our booking platform. He has created training manuals and guides on how to be a success.
“Paul is someone that clients often refer to as the heart of our salon. His ability to develop personal relationships with our guests has given the salon an edge over our competitors. I truly do not think we would be a top salon in our area without Paul.”
ST: What personality characteristics does Petrowsky have that make him a strong leader?
Taylor: “Paul is organized, determined, trustworthy, kind, patient, creative, and flexible.”
ST: How is this manager compensated?
Taylor: “Paul receives and hourly wage, as well as a quarterly bonus based on salon profitability. He is in the process of becoming a company shareholder this year.”
ST: What are the three most important tasks Petrowsky handles at the salon?
Taylor: “Executing our monthly meetings, email and website promotions, and client relations.”
ST: How is this manager held accountable for the business’ performance?
Taylor: “Our leadership team is assessed on salon profitability. Because Paul does this full time, it is his job to help me keep all of the leadership team accountable for their tasks. Because Paul is my right-hand man, he has to step in and help me oversee all aspects of running the salon. Therefore, we measure his performance based on numbers and achieving our monthly goals at our manager meetings.”
ST: What types of continuing education do you offer this manager?
Taylor: “We attend Data-Driven Salon Summit as well as many of Summit Salon Business Center’s business classes throughout the year. We also have Summit 365, that gives us access to unlimited online classes.”
ST: How has Petrowsky helped you grow the business?
Taylor: “Paul has helped by being my constant that I can always count on. He has the ability to give me affirmation to get through any problem we encounter. He takes the job seriously, and always follows through. I really don’t think I’d be half as successful without him by my side.”
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