An Interview with Cory Couts, President of KPSS

Cory Couts was named president and CEO of KPSS, Inc. where he will direct the growth of both the Goldwell and KMS California brands throughout North America. Previously he was CEO of the consulting firm co3co, specialists in the global hair and skin care industries, where he worked with Anthony Pucciarelli, president and CEO of KPSS GmbH. A former vice president, global business development at KMS California, he spoke to MODERN SALON about rejoining KPSS.

MS: Tell us about your history in the salon industry.

CC: I refer to myself as an "accidental expert" in the salon industry. I was selling and installing mainframe computers for IBM in the 1980s when I agreed to help a friend and long-time hairdresser open a salon. I helped my friend create a business plan and secure financing for the salon, which was opening in San Francisco's Union Square, one of the most expensive retail rental locations in the country, but was immediately recruited to manage the new salon from the ground up. I had corporate experience, which was rare in the salon business at that time, and I used that background to develop management skills, build service and retail sales and create a reputation for the salon as a style and fashion leader.

One of our salon's leading product lines was KMS California and the company asked me to tour internationally teaching salons management and retailing skills. I later joined the company and spent 13 years as part of the KMS management team. I left in 2008 to pursue my passion of helping salons build success. I spoke to salon professionals about taking their career and business to the next level and launched salonfixer.com, a subscription-based website designed to offer inspiration and business- building information to stylists, salon owners and managers.

MS: What was the deciding factor in your re-joining KPSS?

CC: The people and the direction of the company made the move back very attractive. Although I left KPSS for a time, I have always maintained an admiration and affection for the Goldwell and KMS teams around the world. As well, I believe whole-heartedly in our Global CEO's vision that our success will be gained through our relationships with the hairdresser and the salon. No matter what my title or job is, I am a salon owner at heart and want to be an active part of anything that uplifts salons and hairdressers.

MS: What are some of your immediate and long-range plans for the two brands?

CC: Our immediate and long-range plans are the same: to be the company that maintains the closest relationship with salons. These plans are much bigger than any brand. It's about an unbreakable bond with our partners.

MS: Are there new initiatives at KPSS to help the company connect even more with the salon professional?

CC: We have huge initiatives in the works but it is all hush-hush for now. All I can say is to make sure to follow KMS California and Goldwell on Facebook and make sure you are the first to know our plans.

MS: Are there any product launches planned that you can share?

CC: We just launched Goldwell Style- Sign (this month), which is the first complete styling range, developed with stylists, specifically for color-treated hair. StyleSign features the advanced FlexShine Protect technology, an innovative formula that gives hair a smooth, glossy look with a natural feel. The line also provides overall color safeguards with the Triple Color Protect System and heat protection. This new line epitomizes our tagline: Dedicated to Color Perfection.

Cory Couts