128 Navigating Change in the Salon Industry with Robert and Mary Cromeans

My guests on this episode have been on the show before. In fact, they were the very first guests I had, way back in March 2018! They are Robert and Mary Cromeans who have a salon business based in San Diego. Aside from our conversation in 2018 they were also part of a group podcast interview I did with them when Covid first reared its ugly head about two years ago…  Two years is a long time in business, especially in today's world, and Robert and Mary have never been afraid to change their business, so it is interesting to see how their salons and their thinking has evolved since we last spoke… In this episode we discuss: How their salon business has changed What flexibility looks like for them and their team  Positive things have come out of Covid for them And lots more! In this Episode: [04:15] What Robert and Mary’s lives looked like prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, and how they have drastically changed since.  [12:20] Challenges that Robert and Mary have experienced recently with regard to staff turnover. [14:19] The training model which has been instituted at the Cromeans’ new salon, The Cutting Room, and how its first 6 weeks in business have been.  [21:41] Culture that is being cultivated at The Cutting Room. [24:13] How Mary has elevated her game as a hairdresser, and the hands-on role that Robert plays in The Cutting Room.  [27:44] Putting some numbers to the Great Resignation concept.  [28:42] Flexibility that hairdressers are looking for, and how the Cromeans’ are adapting their salons to respond to these desires.  [37:17] Why virtual consultations are so valuable (in and out of pandemic times).  [40:40] Examples of how client requests have changed since the pandemic.  [43:26] The deskless, cash free system that the Cromeans’ have adopted in their salons.  [47:33] What hairdressers often don’t realize when they transition from being an employee to a freelancer.   [48:57] “Fewer clients, more services;” why Mary and Robert have continued with this model, despite Covid restrictions being lifted.  [54:20] The “Trifecta of Success” that the Cromeans’ aim to achieve in their salons.  [56:00] Retail elements of Robert and Mary’s business.  [58:18] Mary and Robert’s thoughts on at-home hairdressing services.  [1:02:12] Salon Scale; how it works and why it’s a must-have!    Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!  They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.  I also love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Just click here to review, scroll to the bottom, tap “Ratings and Reviews” tap to rate with 5 stars and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you for your support! Special thanks to Robert and Mary for sharing their insights with me for this week’s episode. Until next time! Antony   Links and Resources: Grow My Salon Business  Website | Facebook | Instagram Mary Cromeans  Instagram Robert Cromeans Instagram | Facebook Salons A Robert Cromeans Salon | The Cutting Room | Walk In Salon Scale Website