Strategies Corporate Staff
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Neil Ducoff | CEO and Founder
Over the last 38 years, Neil Ducoff has coached countless businesses on how to achieve the highest levels of success and profitability, while creating a positive, rewarding workplace.
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Neil Ducoff | CEO and Founder
Over the last 38 years, Neil Ducoff has coached countless businesses on how to achieve the highest levels of success and profitability, while creating a positive, rewarding workplace.
Over the last 38 years, Neil Ducoff has coached countless businesses, including Aveda, Gillette, Proctor & Gamble, Planet Wings, Canmeng International Taiwan, Profound Beauty Products, Kerastase Paris, EvelineCharles Canada and L’Oreal, on how to achieve the highest levels of success and profitability, while creating a positive, rewarding workplace. He has led seminars throughout North America and in such countries as Taiwan, Spain and Mexico – as well as served as a presenter at major health- care, computer, manufacturing and franchise conferences, including Jack Stack’s National gathering of games, the 2011 Quality Conference and the inaugural Esthetics China Exhibition and Congress. Neil has gained international respect as the guru of team-based compensation. As well as the award-winning No-Compromise Leadership: A Higher Standard of Leadership Thinking and Behavior, he is the author of Fast Forward Second Edition, the salon and spa industry’s only business reference manual, and the newly released Wake Up!.
He has been honored with the 2005 Art of Business Award, named one of 12 business “Legends and Icons” by the annual Serious Business Conference in New Orleans in 2006, and invited by the B.E.S.T Foundation and the Anderson School of Business
If Neil is speaking or writing about it … it matters. He takes on the issues that seldom get discussed in business that hold leaders back from having the companies they desire. He’s brave enough to shine a light on the areas that many would prefer to leave alone -- like holding leaders accountable is tougher than holding employees accountable. He’s not afraid to stir the pot. The question is, “Are you ready?”
So…when good is no longer good enough…it's time to listen and learn from Neil Ducoff.
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Bruce Hourigan | President, Sales
Over the past 20 years we are honored to have been and continue to be a part of our clients’ successes. It’s the best evidence of our steadfast commitment to serving our clients.
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Eric Ducoff | Vice President, Marketing
Eric Ducoff is the Vice President at Strategies, and a Certified Digital Marketing Professional. His passion, lies in digital marketing and using technology to drive sales and leads.
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Eric Ducoff | Vice President, Marketing
Eric Ducoff is the Vice President at Strategies, and a Certified Digital Marketing Professional. His passion, lies in digital marketing and using technology to drive sales and leads.
Eric Ducoff is the Vice President at Strategies, and a Certified Digital Marketing Professional. Throughout his 21-year history with Strategies, Eric’s wide array of responsibilities have included content development, strategic planning, online education, internal operations and event coordination. His passion, however, lies in digital marketing and using technology to drive sales and leads.
When not working, Eric enjoys spending time with his wife, Krista, and two children, Lillian and Wesley. He’s also an obsessive guitar geek, and has performed across the US and Norway.
Favorite food: Raisin Bran
Favorite show: That Pedal Show
Person he’d like to meet: Keith Richards
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Joanne Davies | Vice President, Administration
Biography currently unavailable
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Shannon Gates | Membership Coordinator
Biography currently unavailable
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Heather Palmieri | Director of Business Development
Biography currently unavailable
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Michael Yost | Director of Education
As a part of the beauty industry since 1991 and a business owner for 16 years, Michael has seen a lot of changes in the industry but also many areas that very much stay the same.
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Michael Yost | Director of Education
As a part of the beauty industry since 1991 and a business owner for 16 years, Michael has seen a lot of changes in the industry but also many areas that very much stay the same.
As a part of the beauty industry since 1991 and a business owner for 16 years, Michael has seen a lot of changes in the industry but also many areas that very much stay the same.
Michael first found Strategies as a new business owner himself, attending Incubator in the Fall of 2001 in Chicago. The information he heard as an attendee changed his view on his business and how to move forward for the future. In his 16 years of ownership many things changed around him, but the foundation that was built in that first class stayed the same. Quite simply, it fundamentally changed his approach to our industry.
That one class opened up a relationship with Strategies that has lasted ever since. Michael now has the privilege of teaching, mentoring, and coaching others as to how to reach their business and personal goals using the solid business principles that Strategies teaches.
As a presenter and coach Michael believes that, “There is no magic pill, or easy fix. However a willingness to work hard and stay true to the systems that drive your business will allow you to reach the goals you have set.” His job is to help you stay accountable to reaching that objective, and as a teacher/presenter giving you the tools needed to get the job done.
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Barbara Pierce | Associate Director of Education
Barbara’s career began in education. Her love of learning and educating others quickly became her passion. As a Certified Strategies Coach, she faces every challenge with a positive outlook.
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Barbara Pierce | Associate Director of Education
Barbara’s career began in education. Her love of learning and educating others quickly became her passion. As a Certified Strategies Coach, she faces every challenge with a positive outlook.
Barbara’s career began in education. Her love of learning and educating others quickly became her passion. In 2001, Barbara joined the beauty industry when she met and married Brett Pierce, who along with his family owns a successful salon in Huntsville, Alabama. Since then, Barbara has come to admire and embrace the beauty industry, and has combined her respect and knowledge of the beauty industry with her passion for education to help others develop growth and performance in their own company.
Whether teaching or working in the salon, Barbara lives by the No-Compromise Leadership principles. As a Certified Strategies Coach, she faces every challenge with a positive outlook. “I just want everyone to know the joy of setting goals and reaching them.” Barbara believes the systems and methods taught by Strategies will empower business leaders and equip them to overcome any obstacle. “Our introduction to Strategies all those years ago was a turning point for our company that sparked a period of positive change and growth for us.” Now enjoying the challenges that come with opening a new salon location, Barbara is excited to bring her educational skills and salon management knowledge to businesses seeking to achieve their maximum potential.
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Daryl Jenkins | Director of Coach Development
Daryl has been a Certified Strategies Coach since 2003. Additionally, Daryl is Strategies Director of Coach Development and lead educator at Strategies flagship Incubator course and others.
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Daryl Jenkins | Director of Coach Development
Daryl has been a Certified Strategies Coach since 2003. Additionally, Daryl is Strategies Director of Coach Development and lead educator at Strategies flagship Incubator course and others.
Daryl has been a Certified Strategies Coach since 2003. Today, in addition to coaching salons/spas … Daryl is Strategies Director of Coach Development and lead educator at Strategies flagship Incubator course and others.
Daryl describes his coaching style as “tough but compassionate.” “Business is fun and exciting!” says Daryl. “I like helping people and businesses reach their goals, and get great satisfaction in helping people realize their potential.” That doesn’t mean it’s always going to be an easy ride.
“If you are looking for accountability, be careful what you wish for. I will certainly deliver it,” promises Daryl.
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Kevin Goins | Graphic Designer
Kevin is a Graphic Designer here at Strategies. “I’m a creative soul that likes to learn and play through innovative design, new media and illustration. I’m also a bit of a gamer and movie nerd.”
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Certified Strategies Coaches
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Brett Pierce
Brett Pierce is President and CEO of The Masters in Huntsville, Alabama. Brett grew up in the salon industry, with his earliest influence being his parents, Ann and Gary Bray.
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Brett Pierce
Brett Pierce is President and CEO of The Masters in Huntsville, Alabama. Brett grew up in the salon industry, with his earliest influence being his parents, Ann and Gary Bray.
Brett Pierce is President and CEO of The Masters in Huntsville, Alabama. Brett literally grew up in the salon industry, with his earliest influence being his parents, Ann and Gary Bray, a pair of artistic icons who competed globally and built loyal local followings through excellent customer service at home.
In 1995, Brett’s father passed away. As the mentor and leader of The Masters, Gary’s passing rocked their foundation and left them without a path to follow. With this loss, they allowed themselves to rest on their laurels, and eventually they found themselves struggling to survive.
“I began searching out help for The Masters. I knew that I needed someone to guide us and to provide us with the tools and knowledge to change our present condition as well as create a future for The Masters.” Brett says, “I found everything that I had been looking for when I found Strategies”.
Because of his commitment to the teachings of Strategies, Brett was able to lead his company out of the depths of darkness to create a healthy and viable business that is able to provide a stable work environment and regularly rewards their team while delivering extraordinary customer service everyday.
Since 1992, Brett had been a service provider at The Masters. In September of 2012, he followed a new direction by relying on the skills and resources provided to him by Strategies. Brett dedicated himself to system integrations which allowed for development of a strong team environment, a client-centric atmosphere and a profitable company.
“Becoming a Certified Strategies Coach was a natural progression for me”, says Brett. “Above all else, I love to help others realize their true potential. I encourage business owners to always strive for increased performance. It was ingrained in me at an early age that good enough is seldom good enough. Always fight hard for constant and never-ending improvement!” “Change is inevitable,” continues Pierce, “make sure that you have the tools to be able to react and control that change. The key to my success is my ability to be honest and to deliver on my promises. This allows for the development of fairness and trust.”
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Bridgett DiVohl
Biography currently unavailable
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Dennis Gullo
Dennis Gullo hails from the great state of New Jersey. He’s been recognized nationally by countless publications for his unique and innovative business practices.
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Dennis Gullo
Dennis Gullo hails from the great state of New Jersey. He's been recognized nationally by countless publications for his unique and innovative business practices.
Dennis Gullo hails from the great state of New Jersey, home of the Boss, Tony Soprano, and Frank Sinatra. He began his professional career as a salon owner and stylist in 1978, operating several salons over the ensuing years, and has been recognized nationally by Entrepreneur Magazine, Day Spa Magazine, Salon Today Magazine and the Philadelphia Inquirer for its unique and innovative business practices.
In 2004, Dennis formalized his love of teaching, coaching and consulting by proudly completing a three-year, advanced training program to become a Certified Strategies Coach.
As a Certified Strategies Coach, Dennis is about helping salon owners to bring stability to their business and growth opportunity to their staff through the Team-Based business model. His approach to understanding business numbers has helped many salon owners reach their profit goals – while building a healthy business culture.
Dennis speaks “salon owner” as fluently as he speaks “accountant” – allowing him to teach business information that is readily understandable and accessible. His passion is to bring sound business principles – including integrity, excellence, and profitability by design - into the world of salon and spa owners.
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Gina Bianca
Successful hairstylist and now salon owner Gina Bianca has made a name for herself in the beauty industry due to hard work, consistent education and never giving up on her dreams.
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Gina Bianca
Successful hairstylist and now salon owner Gina Bianca has made a name for herself in the beauty industry due to hard work, consistent education and never giving up on her dreams.
Successful hairstylist and now salon owner Gina Bianca has made a name for herself in the beauty industry due to hard work, consistent education and never giving up on her dreams. Specializing in: color correction, blonde, trend work (balayage, ombre, sombre, color melt) and dimensional hair color as a whole, Gina finds her passion in creating the perfect end result so her guest can always look amazing. She also takes great pride in creating a low maintenance look that fits the personality and lifestyle of each individual.
It all started at Paul Mitchell The School North Haven, where Gina graduated at the top of her class and took every opportunity given to her. After graduation, Gina worked at some of the top salons in the state, then took a leap of faith and opened her own salon in 2014. Gina Bianca Hair was designed to provide a high end experience to all. She wanted to create a place where every day people could have an extraordinary experience and be able to just think about themselves for a few hours. GBH quickly became a successful and busy hair salon in Southington, CT and developed a stellar reputation.
Gina started building her team, slowly but surely, of talented and amazing individuals. The diversity of skill, talent and personality are what set the GBH team apart from any other salon. The amount of education, passion and support the GBH team provides one another is truly inspiring and transfers to how we make each guest happy.
Gina had worked in many other salons, taking in the good and the bad, and what she found is this:
“I believe in our industry so much that I believe we need to take it to another level. Every day, salons pop up all over the place and there is never job security or room to grow. You can either charge more or work more. You either hurt the guest financially or you work so hard that you hurt your own personal balance. As an industry we are better than that. Hairdressers should be able to have a family, achieve balance and create art that they are passionate about; all while receiving a steady paycheck and being able to look forward to growth and prosperity. I want my salon to be different. I want everyone to be able to make a great living in a safe place and be passionate about what they do every single day.”
GBH is proud to be a team based salon. This means that the guest comes first no matter what. It means that team members help and teach each other, so that everyone is on the same level. It means the experience is so consistent that the guest never has to worry when they walk through the door, they know they are being taken care of no matter what.
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Jason Hoopilaina
Jason Hoopiiaina is the former General Manager of Brick Canvas in Lehi, Utah, running both their Vivesque Salon and Sage Leaf Spa.
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Jason Hoopilaina
Jason Hoopiiaina is the former General Manager of Brick Canvas in Lehi, Utah, running both their Vivesque Salon and Sage Leaf Spa.
Jason Hoopiiaina is the former General Manager of Brick Canvas in Lehi, Utah, running both their Vivesque Salon and Sage Leaf Spa. Prior to his employment at Brick Canvas, he received his MBA from the Univeristy of Utah, and his Bachelors Degree from Westminter College majoring in Business Marketing and with a minor in aviation.
Jason was first introduced to Strategies in 2014, and attributes the success of Vivesque Salon and Sage Leaf Spa directly to the tools and coaching that he learned from being a Strategies coaching client.
In 2015, he received the Team-Based Pay Award for Profitability at Vivesque Salon.
After demonstrating a thorough knowledge of the Strategies teachings and what it takes to be a No-Compromise Leader, Jason invited to join the Strategies team and became a Certified Strategies Coach, where he now uses his skills and expertise to help others reach the same levels of success that he did in his own company.
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Kim DeLisa
Kim DeLisa’s passion for the beauty industry began as a young girl in her grandmother’s salon where she learned everything from beehive hairdos to finger waves.
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Kim DeLisa
Kim DeLisa’s passion for the beauty industry began as a young girl in her grandmother’s salon where she learned everything from beehive hairdos to finger waves.
Kim DeLisa’s passion for the beauty industry began as a young girl in her grandmother’s salon where she learned everything from beehive hairdos to finger waves.
Kim has been in the professional beauty industry for 34 years. The last 11 years, she has owned Orion Beauty & Balance, Inc., an Aveda Concept Salon in Binghamton, New York. In 2009, Kim discovered Strategies when she enrolled in a No-Compromise Leadership Boot Camp event facilitated by Neil Ducoff.
Kim believes that the No-Compromise Leadership principles taught by Strategies should not be kept a secret. As a Certified Strategies Coach, Kim stays true her own personal mission to “pass it on”. With a true servant’s heart, she shares her experiences of making the culture shift to No Compromise.
“Knowledge is lost unless it is shared,” says Kim. “Strategies will not only change the way you look at your company and at yourself as its fearless leader, it will change YOU. No Compromise!”
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Rachel Aidan
Rachel Aidan has been working in the beauty industry for 17 years. She’s is an award winning stylist whose work has been in publications like O Magazine and behindthechair.
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Rachel Aidan
Rachel Aidan has been working in the beauty industry for 17 years. She's is an award winning stylist whose work has been in publications like O Magazine and behindthechair.
Rachel Aidan is a passionate Certified Strategies Coach who has been working in the beauty industry for 17 years. Rachel has owned several companies including a medical spa, boutique and several salons. She currently owns Aidan James Salon and is an award winning stylist whose work has been in publications like O Magazine and behindthechair.
As a stylist, artist and business owner, Rachel understands the balance between creative pursuits and business. In addition to her role as a small business owner, Rachel holds an MA from Goddard College in Transformative Education & Leadership, and is focused on teaching and coaching leaders in small businesses and non-profit organizations on how to lead and succeed in today’s economy. “I love the intersections of concrete business and creativity," say Aidan, "and really enjoy empowering others to achieve the successes and growth that they seek in their companies. It requires real work and no-compromise leadership all the way. The results of this kind of leadership are undeniable- and there is nothing like it!”
"Working with Strategies transformed my company," says Aidan. "Strategies turned my fiery pits of hell into a profitable, team-based environment that is exciting and successful. Where there was once fear, debt, IRS trouble, and lack of knowledge, there is now highly-educated leadership, profit, systems that drive action, and specific outcomes we aim for on a consistent basis. If you’re serious about transforming your company, Strategies Education, Seminars, Membership Programs, and Coaches are here to support you in achieving the next level."
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Mary Walker
After 21 years of salon ownership, Mary’s dream came true in early 2011 when she found a successor and sold her salon for a profit – in a down economy!
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Mary Walker
After 21 years of salon ownership, Mary’s dream came true in early 2011 when she found a successor and sold her salon for a profit – in a down economy!
After 21 years of salon ownership, Mary’s dream came true in early 2011 when she found a successor and sold her salon for a profit – in a down economy!
Mary has been in the industry for more than four decades. She believes the foundation for her success was managing cash flow and expenses, mentoring staff, providing growth opportunities and giving warm, caring, professional services to guests.
Mary learned a number of lessons in her years as a salon owner, including being a team-based pay salon for more than 18 years:
Dreaming big didn’t mean going big. “I was able to find the right balance of success and happiness with a small profitable salon,” she explained.
Following your passion and doing what is right can make all the difference.
Stay the course through the peaks and valleys, the fears and the tears. Learn from the past and believe and grow into tomorrow; never stop learning.
Manage your spending as it creates new and greater opportunities. • Show unwavering compassion for others; give them a hand when they are down and a hug with each win.
Structured baby steps can lead you miles ahead of your competitors.
Participate in the industry and your community.
“We are all in this together,” said Mary. “We are stronger as a united team.” “Being successful in business is an ever-changing game of methodical decision-making, smart risk-taking and dedicated account- ability,” she said. “At Strategies we always play to win. I’m focused and passionate about getting others to be the best they can be. I relish the opportunity to share my business savvy to create success stories from each unique situation.”
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Melanie Loboda
Melanie McCain Loboda has been a leader in the industry since 1987. “I’ve always loved the beauty industry’s tremendous energy and inspiration,” Melanie says.
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Melanie Loboda
Melanie McCain Loboda has been a leader in the industry since 1987. “I’ve always loved the beauty industry’s tremendous energy and inspiration,” Melanie says.
Melanie McCain Loboda has been a leader in the beauty industry since 1987, spending 17 years as a salon owner. “I’ve always loved the beauty industry’s tremendous energy and inspiration,” Melanie says. “We have the opportunity to make a significant difference in people’s lives each and every day – I can’t imagine not being a part of it.”
Melanie knew from the start of her career that she wanted to foster a different type of salon environment – one where teamwork was evident, service was maintained at the highest level, and growth was available for all employees.
In addition to thriving on the creative rewards of the industry, Melanie was drawn to the business side of salon ownership – including systems, marketing, and the mentoring of others. Strategies played a key role in developing these passions. “When I first came to Strategies, I didn’t even know many of the basics,” she says. “Learning the numbers was true freedom for me, as it allowed me to separate the truth from my emotions. The numbers always have a factual story to tell.” She attributes Strategies’ systems and culture, including Team-Based Pay, as the foundation for her salon’s success.
As a Certified Strategies Coach, Melanie is committed to helping others achieve their best with compassion and integrity. In addition to mastering business operations, Melanie excels at communication styles and facilitating communications between those with vastly differing approaches.
“It is so gratifying to see the light bulb go off when I’m working with a client,” Melanie says. “I thoroughly enjoy helping others discover how they can reach their full potential in business and relationships simply by looking through a different lens.”
Melanie believes it is paramount to be part of a company that practices what it preaches. “Strategies achieves that with no judgment, true teamwork, and a no-compromise approach to success!"
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Robin Gribbin
Robin Gribbin joined the Strategies business team in 2013 and is currently mentoring and coaching salon owners and managers who want to move their company to the next level.
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Robin Gribbin
Robin Gribbin joined the Strategies business team in 2013 and is currently mentoring and coaching salon owners and managers who want to move their company to the next level.
Robin Gribbin is a Certified Strategies Coach. She joined the Strategies business team in 2013 and is currently mentoring and coaching salon owners and managers who want to move their company to the next level by developing strong systems and business practices through Strategies Team-based Pay concept.
In 2003, Robin founded YOU salon, Inc. in Ellicott City, Maryland which she opened as a Strategies Team-Based Pay company. She developed a well-educated, quality team that surpasses any in the industry today. With a No-Compromise leadership style, Robin created a confident atmosphere focusing on each team members strengths and development for their future. The implementation of Strategies systems enabled her team to raise the bar for others to follow in the salon industry.
During her ownership of YOU salon, the salon's existing client retention rate was 90% or higher, new client retention averaged 70% or better, pre-book rate of 85% or better, productivity of 78-85% consistently and 38-45% of guest buying retail a month. These numbers give clout to the Strategies systems that the YOU salon team implemented and continues to adhere to this day. Because of the strong business practices learned through Strategies, Robin sold her company in August of 2014 for a substantial profit and the company continues to be successful because of the Team-based concept. She now shares her experiences and insight with company's across the country by coaching them to strengthen their leadership, grow their profits and form extraordinary team cultures.
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Steven Swanson
Steven Swanson thrives in helping business owners develop, maintain and achieve their goals. He will assist you every step of the way — becoming the voice and accountability of your company.
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Steven Swanson
Steven Swanson thrives in helping business owners develop, maintain and achieve their goals. He will assist you every step of the way — becoming the voice and accountability of your company.
Steven Swanson is a Certified Strategies Coach who thrives in helping business owners develop, maintain and achieve their goals. Whether those goals include being a better leader, refining best business practices, overcoming/managing cash-flow challenges or driving sales, Steven will assist you every step of the way — becoming the voice and accountability of your company.
Steven has been the owner of Taylor Stevens Salon & Spa in Algonquin, Illinois since 2000. In 2004, Taylor Stevens became a Team-Based salon. “I’ve experienced all the challenges my coaching clients see. I don’t just talk about the systems; I work them every day in my company,” says Swanson. “I know because I’ve been there. I built my salon with my two hands and made my share of mistakes. Strategies was there to guide me and provide me with the tools I needed to help me become the leader and coach I am today.”
Steven joined the Strategies Coaching Team to pay it forward with all the systems he has learned. “I owe it to the salon/spa industry to help make it stronger,” says Swanson, “and I owe it to the salon/spa owner who works hard every day to make others happy — staff, clients and families. Owners matter to me, and I will do everything I can to help them achieve their goals.”
Let’s get started!