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.
by Anne Moratto
A Pet and Some FitBits Fuel Fuel’s Happy, Healthy Work Environment
It’s not the typical workplace at Fuel. Our Healthy Hairdresser sponsor for the month of July and a manufacturer of styling products, shears and heat tools, Fuel was conceived in a conference room by founders Bryan Batstone, Paul Yu and ...
July 10, 2016
On Fuel’s education team are (left to right): Lindsey Misale, David Young (brand ambassador), Raquel Deanda-Wyatt, Kelsey Higginbotham, Jealissa Martinez, Carlos Gallegos, Ashley Deubel and Steven Salina Ernewein.
2 min to read
It’s not the typical workplace at Fuel. Our Healthy Hairdresser sponsor for the month of July and a manufacturer of styling products, shears and heat tools, Fuel was conceived in a conference room by founders Bryan Batstone, Paul Yu and Richard Strom. The young Ohio-based company doesn’t have only young employees, but Paul Yu, VP of operations, says staffers of all ages are health-conscious. They use FitBits to track ongoing competitions with each other, and in their free time they often hang out together for kayaking, mountain biking or spinning.
“Having the right people on the team makes it fun to do things together,” Yu says. “Our business is family-focused, and we treat everyone as family. We’re there for each other.”
At 37, Yu maintains an active lifestyle that has him at the gym or a work team basketball game five or six days a week—often before work. “I’m up early,” he says. “I like morning workouts, because it gets me ready for the day. Then when I get to work I’m refreshed and very productive.”
The culture at Fuel headquarters organically encourages staff health:
An onsite shower makes it easy for staffers to go from the gym or the basketball court straight to work and clean up when they arrive.
Yu brings his dog to work daily. “I have a big German shepherd with a golden retriever personality,” he jokes. “He’s a soft baby! People in the office take him for walks and stop by my office to pet him. He keeps the mood in the building friendly and funny.”
Employees are free to take a lengthy business call outside so they can get in a good walk as they’re talking.
CEO Bryan Batstone is the role model for healthy eating, and “we all try to promote eating healthy foods in the kitchen,” Yu notes.
A late afternoon, company-wide tea break helps the staff wrap up the day. “We make a pot of tea, and everyone has a cup,” Yu explains. “It’s kind of our spiritual outlet—our detox or meditation.”
The brand’s salon customers come into the fold of the family as well. “We believe in the change we’re trying to create in the industry, and we’re grateful for those we get to do it with and for,” says Fuel Educator Ashley Deubel. “We’re an education company through and through.”
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Career
AI Won't Replace Your Voice—Unless You Let It
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
by Anne Moratto
50 Smart Things Beauty Educators Have Told Us
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
by Anne Moratto
What Salon and Spa Professionals Need to Know About Skin Longevity
Today's clients are hearing more about longevity, biohacking, inflammation, and healthy aging than ever before. This article explores the science and language behind the skin longevity movement, and what it could mean for client consultations, treatment recommendations, and professional credibility.
Financial Educator Anna Manukyan Launches Masterclass for Early Career Stylists
Licensed to Thrive, Anna Manukyan's all-in-one beauty career and financial masterclass, is being gifted to professionals who enroll in L'Oreal LEVEL Rewards for a limited time.
6 Ways Self-Love Will Help You Crush Your Goals
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Heads to Austin: One-Day Beauty Business & Career Education Event for Beauty Professionals
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)
From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.
Ulta Beauty and Beauty Changes Lives Launch “The Possibilities Are Beautiful” Cosmetology Student Scholarship
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
A Path for Everyone: Great Clips Salons Offer Diverse Career Opportunities
Locally owned Great Clips salons offer a wide variety of career opportunities, competitive compensation, supportive salon teams and opportunities to grow your skills, both technically and professionally.
Sponsored by Great Clips
Are Salon Suites Becoming Too Cheap? The Hidden Risks of Low Salon Suite Rent
Salon suite consultant Karen Kaminski explains why cheap salon suite rent can destabilize the salon suite business model and why value-based pricing may be a smarter strategy.
Magical Creatures: Why These Stylists Love Creating Fantasy Hair Color
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
by Anne Moratto
Keratin Complex Launches KC on Tour 2026 with Tabatha Coffey
Keratin Complex is taking education on the road in 2026 with the launch of KC on Tour, a live event series featuring industry icon and salon business coach Tabatha Coffey.
by Anne Moratto
Why Soft Skills and Client Communication Matter More Than Ever in the Beauty Industry
Modern professionalism is evolving beyond hard skills. Technical training is essential but about 85 percent of job success comes from soft skills. In a world where AI and automation are increasing, human connection becomes more valuable, not less.
by Anne Moratto
Author Daniel Cubillo Drops the Blueprint for Building a Career in the Content Arena
In his new book "The Creative Mastermind," a writer and creative executive behind brands such as "Top Chef," "Fear Factor," and "Real Housewives," shares his insider knowledge for navigating today's chaotic content landscape.
What Custom Notifications Tell Us About the Personalized Future of the Salon Client Experience
Personalization is no longer just the cherry on top; it’s the whole sundae. If clients don’t feel like you designed and personalized the experience just for them, they’ll find a salon that does.
Beautiful Careers Happen Here
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!
Sponsored by Ulta Beauty