
Rodrick Samuels on The Silent Work, Modern Beauty Education and Why Empathy Wins
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
Take a good, long look at these beautiful images created by the American Crew finalists from their All-Star Challenge, including the winning shot by Jerome Kantner of Germany.
















This image won Jerome Kantner of Germany the title of American Crew All-Star Global Champion 2013-2014. “Jerome’s look exudes classic American Crew with meticulous barbering skills and refined proportions,” said Craig Hanson, American Crew Creative Director. “The wardrobe styling was fresh and masculine, and the art direction perfectly captured an authentic message of the modern man.”
American Crew, the professional men’s grooming line, announced Jerome Kantner, Mainz, Germany, as the winner of the 2013-2014 American Crew All-Star Challenge in Lisbon, Portugal on April 28, 2014. This annual global competition identifies the best men’s groomers around the world, brings them together and challenges them to create a visual interpretation of American Crew masculinity via a timed styling and photo contest.
More than 1100 stylists from 18 countries entered the competition, with the following country finalists chosen to represent and compete in Lisbon. Visit their pages (below) to see the image they created in Lisbon on set with David Raccuglia, founder of American Crew, an interview on their inspiration and process, as well as the image that won them their country title.
“American Crew recognizes that grooming is one of the oldest historical art forms,” said Raccuglia, a renowned photographer. “The competitive arena that we create for these exceptional talents drives the trends and fuels inspiration for hairdressers everywhere.”
2. Bradford Davison, United States
The global judging panel for the competition was: Raccuglia; Hanson; Sandra Nygaard, Senior Fashion and Grooming Director, Men’s Health; Sergi Bancells, General Manager USA, Spain and Latin America, Estetica Magazine; and Pedro Jose Munoz, 2012-2013 All-Star Challenge Global Champion.

MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.

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Ulta Beauty is always innovating to meet professionals where they are. Amazing transformations happened at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in 2025, and Ulta Beauty artistry and education will be everywhere you want to go in the year ahead. Come see all The Salon at Ulta Beauty has planned for you in 2026!
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