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Important Notes to Established Salons in a Private-Suite World

Oliver Steinnagel and Steve Reiss (along with PBA Executive Director Steve Sleeper), held a powerful seminar at the most recent Intercoiffure Atelier in Boca Raton, Florida.The three shared thoughts on the impact of the private suites and booth ...

Maggie Mulhern
Maggie MulhernBeauty and Fashion Director, MODERN SALON
Read Maggie's Posts
April 14, 2015
2 min to read


Oliver Steinnagel and Steve Reiss (along with PBA Executive Director Steve Sleeper), held a powerful seminar at the most recent Intercoiffure Atelier in Boca Raton, Florida.

The three shared thoughts on the impact of the private suites and booth rental in the salon industry. MODERN caught up with Steinnagel and Reiss after the presentation to get an overview of the situation. In this short video, Reiss, MODERN SALON's publisher, gives an overview of the salon suite world, and Steinnagel, owner of Oliver's Hair Salon in Overland Park, KS, chats about some the changes an established salon must make to stay competitive.

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"You have to worry about what you're doing, not what they're doing," Steinnagel says. "And you have to think of yourself as a leader, not an owner. Most importantly, education is the main component of success."

Oliver Steinnagel's Top 10 Leadership Practices:

1. Principles:

  • We run a business, not a beauty shop

  • Reputation produces results

2. Systems:

  • Timing in/out — even commission staff

  • Proper tip reporting

  • Employees being paid for meetings and education if the don't make at least minimum wage

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3. Consistency:

  • Within your operations

4. Culture:

  • What's yours?

  • Treat others the way you wish to be treated.

5. Leadership:

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  • Be a leader, not an owner!

  • Promote key people from within.

6. Flexibility:

  • Shift stations-- 6-hour shifts

  • Fewer days, longer shifts

  • Scheduling for different peak times

7. Teamwork:

  • No room for "It's not my job!

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8. Educational Reward:

  • Attend high-level education without paying for it.

9. Reward Staff:

  • Invite them out for lunch/dinner.

10. Say thank you.

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  • Giving kind words



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