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
TEAM SPIRIT: American Crew
“In a world full of women’s haircutting, when you put some attractive men in the mix, you get everyone’s attention.” --Craig Hanson, American Crew Creative Director
October 16, 2013
3 min to read
When American Crew came on the scene in the 1990s, it changed the way stylists thought of men’s grooming.
Craig Hanson
“We were fresh, there wasn’t another company out there focusing just on men and I think that intrigued people,” says Creative Director Craig Hanson. “A lot of people feared cutting men; they would just give them women’s haircuts but shorter. We had a great ability to focus in on the American man and pushing them to be a little more fashionable, a little better groomed, but not losing who that man was. And that is all done by example. You have a team full of men who practice what they preach and women who endorse it. Once women mastered the skill of cutting men’s hair, they realized that men want to be guided, that they were willing to pay for a good haircut. We also saw how much women influence the men in their lives. Women are probably responsible for a huge part of our success.”
Today’s American Crew education leadership team consists of: Craig Hanson, Creative Director; Paul Wilson, Artistic Director; Theri DeJoode, Technical Director; and UK-based Dominique Rohde, “Artist at Large.” “Our team started really organically. We worked very closely with David Raccuglia (American Crew founder) and he pulled people onto a small team who did everything—photo shoots, in salon classes, trade shows—so we really got to know our stylist community first hand. But we grew so quickly so we had to create a bigger team and meet their needs.”
Together, the education leadership team creates the collections each year for American Crew and guides Team Crew, a group of regional educators, as well as the elite squad of American Crew All Stars, 38 stylists and groomers who represent American Crew to the world.
Coming up for Crew is “Opening Night,” a celebration of men’s hairstyling held in the company’s home base of Denver, CO. During Opening Night, American Crew will announce the U.S. winner of the All-Star Challenge, debut its 2014 collection to the to the media and the hundreds of stylists in attendance and a spectacular runway show of men's styles.
American Crew's All-Star Challenge is occurring in 15 other countries this fall, with representatives from each traveling to the global finals in April 2014 to determine to best men's hairstylist in the world. “Our All Stars are recognized as the best-of-the-best of men’s cutting as far as an education team. We have our methodology, our visuals, our core values and they make us a leader.”
To help stylists tap-into the American Crew way of doing things, they launched an All-Star online education program.
“It was conceived as a way for us to connect to stylists who geographically can’t come or financially can’t attend but they are very serious about extending their skills,” says Hanson. “We hold your hand through the whole thing.”
Interested in rowing upstream with American Crew? Stylists can attend Academy classes, learn online and watch for salon or store classes in their area.
“When people have their ‘Ah, hah!’ moments--when they are able to do a proper taper with a clipper, when they are able to do a haircut without clipper lines or lines of demarcation—those are life changing. “
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