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 Nicole Ellerhorst, general manager at Zinke Hair Studio in Boulder, Colorado. With an extensive background in management, Ellerhorst quickly gained the trust of Owners Megan Robertson and Jolene Zinke--so much so that they relocated to Florida to open new locations, leaving her behind the run the original location. 

Nominated by:Megan Robertson and Jolene Zinke, owners of Zinke Hair Studio with locations in Boulder, Colorado, and Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, and Jacksonville, Florida. 

Date of Hire: May 2021

SALON TODAY: What in Ellerhorst’s background made you believe she’d be a good manager? 

Megan Robertson: “Nicole came to us with extensive retail management background, managing at Urban Outfitters and a family owned boutique. When she joined Zinke she was completing her bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management with an emphasis on Organizational Development and Communications from Colorado State University's Global Campus. This education, paired with her extensive experience, ensures she brings both practical knowledge and a strategic approach to her role. We started Nicole out as assistant manager and when both owners relocated to Florida and our GM at the time took on another career path we promoted Nicole up to GM. This was a scary leap to move away and leave the business to be run by someone fairly new, but we had complete trust and faith that Nicole would be the very best for the job ahead. Nicole has exceeded expectations in more ways than we can describe. We often get asked how do you have a salon in another state and Nicole is always mentioned as the rock that holds Zinke Boulder together.”

ST: What personality characteristics does she have that make her a great manager? 

Robertson: “She is one of those rare people who love management. She knows how to connect with the team on a level that fosters open communication and trust which in turn gains her respect. Nicole is a good listener who truly cares about each individual. We have had the lowest turnover of all time with Nicole in charge. The team loves her leadership.”

ST: How is Ellerhorst compensated?

Robertson: “She is compensated with a salary and bonus on growth. We also make sure to fully cover expenses for outside education events like Aveda Congress and Serious Buisness to ensure she gets inspiration and personal growth opportunities.”

ST: What are her most important tasks? 

Robertson: “As general manager of one of our locations, Nicole has many tasks, but the most important are hiring, coaching and oversight of day-to-day operations.”

ST: How is Ellerhorst held accountable for salon performance?

Robertson: “We work as a team and talk frequently about the health of the business and what we are working on to grow. Nicole is a self starter and takes tasks on that are necessary but haven’t necessarily been given to her. She truly is fantastic.”

ST: How often do you meet, and what do you go over? 

Robertson: Thanks to Zoom and phones, we meet all the time. I would say it varies from daily to twice a week. There is no set time, it’s definitely organic. We also fly out to Colorado periodically and have in-person meetings as well.”

ST: What types of education do you offer Ellerhorst? 

Robertson: “Nicole gets lots of support through Aveda. We take her on a fully paid trip every year to New Orleans for Serious Business and every two years to Aveda Congress. This coming fall we will be flying her out to Orlando for a Ritz Carlton customer service course that will elevate our salon experience. We value growth at Zinke and are always looking at opportunities to help improve ourselves and our people.”

ST: How has she helped you personally or professionally? 

Robertson: “Moving to Florida to open other locations and have Nicole in leadership to run our Colorado location was a leap of faith and something many might say is crazy. We've been asked so many times: How do you do that? You trust her? Aren't you worried? The truth is, it is possible when you have someone great that believes in the direction and vision of the company. Nicole is polite, organized, integral and a self starter… at times she is telling me what to do. Seriously she is that great! Nicole has allowed our company to grow because she is able to run what we've built while we expand and continue the vision in Florida. We are too new and small in Florida right now to have a manager, but are so excited to find a Nicole here when the time is right. Her shoes are big ones to fill and we are grateful to have her by our sides.”