030 How to compete with changing ‘employment models’, the age of ‘specialization’ and the ‘evolving salon retail model’.

I have the pleasure of working with many salon owners all over the world. As a result, I am very fortunate to have inspiring and insightful conversations about the changes that are happening in the salon industry.   But, perhaps, more importantly, I get an insight into how forward-thinking salon owners are evolving their business approach to accommodate the never-ending changes to succeed in the salon business today.   Today’s guest on the podcast is Ben Jay co-owner of ‘The Hair Loft’ salons, a successful family business in Chicago that started in 1980 and continues to evolve with the times.   In today’s podcast, amongst many other things, we will discuss:   What are some of the changes that are impacting the traditional salon business model? The never-ending impact of new technologies. The increase in specialty salons. How the big product brand is evolving and what that means for the salon business.   In This Episode: [01:31] Welcome to the show, Ben! [01:56] Ben shares his background and how he ended up in the salon business. [02:57] How many salons do you have now? How many employees do you have? [04:04] Ben speaks about some of the challenges he faces in his salon today. [06:05] Ben shares his business model and his insight on the new models he sees today. [08:52] Ben believes that the employee-based model dominates in Chicago, but the salon suites model is popping up everywhere. [11:07] With the technology, lifestyle, and business model, it’s almost like the perfect storm for the increase of salon suites. [13:08] How do you keep stylists in your salon and prevent them from leaving to work for themselves? [15:00] Ben gives examples of how he makes his stylists feel like they are getting a more significant share of the commission than they are by adding value. [17:43] Giving his employees by giving them continuing education, scheduling help, and other things to support them daily. [18:35] What do you do at The Hair Loft that bonds people to your brand and keeps them with you long term? [20:07] How do you factor flexibility in schedules into your business model? [23:43] Ben believes that you have to scale hairdressers’ pay so that they can make a good living and break the belief that they can make more on their own. [26:34] Have you ever leased a suite and then wished you had stayed with your salon? [27:47] Ben speaks about the advantages of having a team behind you. [28:55] Ben chats about two new stylists he just brought in and their individuality. [31:56] Ben gives examples of different types of specialty salons. [33:21] Is your salon a full-service salon? Do you have a blow-dry menu? [35:11] Ben describes the color room in his salon and who works there. [38:55] Ben shares about professional product brands and their attempts to cut out the distributors. [44:24] What do you do as a salon owner to protect the retail side of your business? [47:00] Ben speaks about the salons online retail store that allows their clients to purchase products and have them delivered or shipped. [49:08] Antony recommends that everyone go to www.thehairloftltd.com and look at their website. [50:04] Ben shares about the unique products they have in their retail store that are made by local Chicago residents. [54:56] Ben speaks about getting their alcohol and liquor license so they can sell wine and beer in their salons. [56:15] How do you promote beverages? Do you have a menu? [57:25] Ben shares about the app they have in their salon. [58:50] Do you have any final words or thoughts for the listeners? [59:46] If you are listening to this podcast and have enjoyed it, please take a screenshot on your phone and share it on your Instagram stories. [1:00:06] Ben, thank you so much for being a guest on the podcast! Links and Resources Grow My Salon Business  Find Ben Benjamin Jay @bnjmnjy Instagram The Hair Loft @thehairloftltd Instagram | Facebook | Twitter