
You Don't Own a Salon. You Own A Business.
In his latest blog, Leon Alexander Ph.D., challenges industry conventional thinking to help owners add more to their bottom lines.
With a six-location operation headquartered in Powell, Ohio, Charles Penzone Salons depends on VNC Viewer to minimize problem-solving downtime when computer issues arise. This virtual network computing (VNC) technology allows Penzone’s IT ...

Sheema Masood, technology and strategic planning team leader of the Charles Penzone Salons, located in Columbus, Ohio.
With a six-location operation headquartered in Powell, Ohio, Charles Penzone Salons depends on VNC Viewer to minimize problem-solving downtime when computer issues arise. This virtual network computing (VNC) technology allows Penzone’s IT team the ability to remotely view a computer terminal and “quickly react to situations when away from the office or even out of the country,” says Sheema Masood, Penzone’s information services manager.
“Since we have over 100 terminals across our six salons and call center operations, we are often tasked with many technology challenges at the same time. Being able to remote into our terminals allows for our team to react quickly and solve challenges in a timely manner,” says Masood. This technology benefits the team by allowing them to prioritize issues the team needs to handle for the day.
Penzone also implements Shadow Protect, an imaging solution that backs up their entire system, including servers, databases and applications, every minute. The program allows the IT team to restore a user back to their current state if something goes awry. “This technology allows us to hedge the risk of being debilitated by a computer virus or malware,” Masood says.
Penzone used a multi-year, phased approach to implement these systems, allowing the team to react to the change and come on board, says Masood. “Technology, especially the infrastructure of your organization, is extremely important to the longevity and sustainability of your business,” Masood believes.

In his latest blog, Leon Alexander Ph.D., challenges industry conventional thinking to help owners add more to their bottom lines.

In her latest blog, Amy Pal helps you develop your own clear guidelines around complimentary free employee services.

From managing air traffic on busy days to handling frustrated guests' complaints, your front desk team often serves as the salon's emotional shock absorber. From a customer service lesson from the DMV to a list of strategies for caring for your front line, our experts offer ideas for alleviating stress, celebrating wins, and setting goals.

According to the KIM Report, top-line salon revenue appears steady or slightly up, but that growth is driven primarily by service price increases. Beneath the surface, retail performance and client visit frequency (appointment drift) are under real pressure. In his latest blog, Alain Audet offers strategies for keeping your salon's retail sales strong.

Putting your family to work in the salon offers some real tax benefits, but you have you have to play by the rules of the tax code to claim them. Azarvand Tax Law's Leticia Skrabut, Esq., shows you how.

Discover how to create a true “WOW experience” for every client by first building a culture where your team feels engaged, empowered, and inspired. Drawing on Calvin Stovall’s Iconic Framework, this blog explores how salon, spa, and clinic leaders can strengthen culture, elevate customer experience, and build a business that stands out for the long term.
Sponsored by Phorest Salon Software

The wellness industry is growing fast, and salons and barbershops already are an important part of it. In her first blog, Tracy Rado shares where the wellness dollars are heading, and how salons can grow with this movement.

While salon sales are increasing, owners often feel they're working harder for the same or less profit. Leverage Q2 data from The KIM Report, Alain Audet reveals some of the structural changes that are dampening your growth and why your region and your salon size matters.

Weaknesses in your business are amplified during the Holiday Season. Spark Pro Global's Lucy Randall shows you five things to do now to have the strongest holiday season yet.

In Kati Whitledge's latest blog, she shares how salons have moved away from dress codes and embraced appearance standards. But by removing strict dress codes, some businesses may have unintentionally lowered their appearance standards. Whitledge helps you explain to your team why an appearance standard is important and how to smoothly implement a new appearance policy.

The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit for for-profit businesses that provides a financial incentive for eligible employers who offer health insurance coverage to their employees. Leticia Skrabut, Esq., walks you through how to claim that credit.

Developing strong work habits early in one's career supports long-term success in the salon industry. Jesse Linares offers new stylists his top five tips.

Most salon owners have no idea what these numbers are. You can hit record sales and still have a profit problem. The difference comes down to four numbers almost nobody was taught to track.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™

A five-area audit every owner-dependent salon needs to run. You built something that looks successful. Now find out if it can survive without you.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™

Every month you put off fixing the problem, it gets bigger, more expensive, and harder to solve.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™

At Janet St. Paul Studio for Hair and Beauty, Director of Operations Natasha McMillen helps bring her wife Janet St. Paul's vision to life, elevating every system from education to operations.

Expand your color service menu with the Pinstripe technique. Brooks and Brooks' Marlon Hawkins walks you through the technique.