Cory Couts
|
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.
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