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 Kim Kutchback, director of operations at Salon Blonde, with three locations around Spring Hill, Tennessee. Owner Lora Powell says Kutchback brings the structure and stability she needs to allow her to focus on the bigger picture, and she loves that she brings the laughter, positivity and lightness into even the busiest days at the salon.  

The manager: Kim Kutchback, director of operations

Nominated by: Lora Powell, owner of Salon Blonde in Spring Hill, Tennessee

Date of Hire: February 2019

SALON TODAY: What about Kutchback’s experience made you believe she’d make a great manager?

Powell: “Kim started with us as a front desk coordinator after staying home with her kids  for several years. She had a very professional resume and lots of great experience, but all in all, I just really liked her. She was an immediate asset to the salon. She continuously added value to the company, and we continuously rewarded that. As she took on more and more responsibility, we partnered together to create a position that eventually grew to what it is today. She went from making $12 to a six-figure salary by growing others in the company and proving her worth.”

ST: What personality characteristics does Kutchback have that make her a good manager?

Powell: “Kim has such a naturally engaging personality — she's funny and lighthearted, yet knows exactly when to be serious. She communicates with remarkable clarity and kindness, which allows her to handle even difficult conversations with grace. People always feel cared for and heard when they talk with Kim, and that has built tremendous trust among our team.

“She treats our staff as our most important guests, creating an atmosphere of respect and appreciation that radiates through our culture. At the same time, she has this wonderful "nerdy" side — she genuinely loves data, systems, and numbers. That balance of warmth and analytical precision makes her incredibly effective. She brings both heart and structure to everything she does, and that combination is what makes her such an outstanding leader.”

ST: How is she compensated?

Powell: “Annual salary plus bonuses based on productivity.”

ST: What are the three most important tasks Kutchback takes on at the salon?

Powell: “Operations: Kim oversees the day-to-day operations of the salon and serves as the main point of contact for all of our salon partners — from product representatives to software providers. She ensures our systems run smoothly, our processes are efficient, and our team has everything they need to perform at the highest level.

“Human Capital: Kim leads with heart and professionalism in every area of staff support. She personally onboards all new stylists, trains and equips our guest services team, and coaches our leadership team across all three locations. Her ability to connect with people and develop leaders has been instrumental in maintaining our strong, positive culture.

“Guest Experience: Kim plays a vital role in upholding our 5-Star Guest Experience. She provides the tools, systems, and inspiration that allow our team to deliver exceptional service every time a guest walks through our doors. From refining our software and marketing to elevating our culture and communication, Kim ensures consistency and excellence. Our guests adore her — she's truly a daymaker, and her warmth and professionalism leave a lasting impression.”

ST: How is she held accountable for the salon’s performance?

Powell: “Kim is held accountable through clearly defined metrics and benchmarks tied to business performance, staff retention, and the success of personal development meetings. We also review operational goals quarterly, looking at key factors such as financial health, system efficiency, and team satisfaction.

“Beyond numbers, I hold Kim accountable for developing leaders under her and strengthening our culture across all three locations. Each quarter, we assess not just what she's achieved, but how she's grown her team — mentoring, delegating, and building systems that create long-term stability. For each major initiative, we establish clear deliverables, timelines, and post-project evaluations to ensure consistent improvement. I also expect transparency in financial decisions and open communication around challenges or opportunities.

“At the same time, I give Kim the freedom to innovate — to try new ideas, make improvements, and even fail forward when necessary. That balance of structure and trust has made her an incredible asset and a key driver of our company's growth.”

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

Powell: “Kim and I meet weekly, and each meeting focuses on a specific metric or objective. Because she operates at the top level of our company, our discussions cover a wide range of topics — from financial and operational performance to team development and guest satisfaction.
These meetings are also a time to review updates on current initiatives, identify opportunities for improvement, and align on upcoming goals. It's an open, collaborative space where we can talk through challenges, celebrate wins, and ensure every part of the business is moving forward with clarity and purpose.”

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

Powell: “We provide Kim with a mix of both industry-specific and leadership-focused education. This includes everything from advanced product knowledge and operational systems training to non-industry leadership and management development programs.

“We believe it's important for her to learn from both within and beyond the salon world — it keeps our perspective fresh and allows us to bring innovative ideas back into our business. This blend of education helps Kim stay at the forefront of both operational excellence and modern leadership, which has been a huge factor in our continued growth and success.”

ST: How has Kutchback helped you grow the business?

Powell: “Kim is truly all the best things rolled into one. I have so much respect and appreciation for everything she's done for me, my family, and our company. I feel completely at ease when she's at the helm — she leads with integrity, confidence, and care, allowing me to step away and know everything is running smoothly.

“She brings the structure and stability I need to focus on the bigger picture — to strategize growth and continue expanding our brand. She's detail-oriented, consistent, and always improving herself and our systems.

“But beyond that, Kim is genuinely fun to work with. She brings laughter, positivity, and lightness into even the busiest days. Whether we're traveling for business or tackling day-to-day operations, she makes every moment more enjoyable. She's the perfect mix of smart, steady, and joyful — and she makes our entire company better every single day.”

If you have a manager you'd like to nominate for this series, learn more here.