THE SUMMIT OVERVIEW

I am honored to serve SSBC as its Vice President. I am passionate about organizational development and love working with companies to help them drive growth and achieve organizational effectiveness.

I am proud to be a part of SSBC's Happiness Project. It's a beautiful initiative that aims to spread positivity and joy throughout our industry. Business leaders who learn about their team's dreams make a profound difference in a company's culture, and that's precisely what the Happiness Project is all about. I feel grateful to be a part of such a meaningful project.

I graduated from Auburn University and hold a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Rider University and a certificate in association management from DePaul University.

Prior to joining SSBC, I worked as an Association Executive at Smith Bucklin Corporation, serving as the Executive Director for several professional associations.

I am the proud Mom of two remarkable women, a marine biologist, and a performing artist. I love to travel in my spare time. I have visited 50 states in the US, and I am passionate about leaving the continent at least once a year. The world would be kinder if more people traveled and took the time to learn about other cultures. And, if you want to know about all things Auburn, I am more than happy to discuss. War Eagle!

I serve SSBC as its Senior Director of Development. I've been in the salon industry since 1983. Over the years, I've worked in various roles, including stylist, manager, business owner, educator, and salon management consultant.

In July 1986, I was forced to attend a salon education class. I was a struggling stylist and employee, trying to make ends meet. Little did I know that day would change the trajectory of my life forever. I met Michael Cole in that class, and the rest is history. From that chance encounter, I began to realize that people can change and grow, given the right tools and opportunities. This idea has become the foundation of everything we do at Summit Salon Business Center (SSBC), and it has been my passion for almost 40 years in the beauty industry.

For five years, I was an educator and consultant with Michael Cole's Salon Development Corporation, and in 2002 I joined Summit Salon Business Center. In 2003, I was honored to be named the company's consultant of the year. I'm passionate about helping others succeed in the salon industry, and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to do so through my work at SSBC.

Today, I am primarily focused on teaching classes and ensuring consistency across all SSBC education. I am proud to be a part of such a kind and intelligent community. Whether we meet in person or virtually, I look forward to supporting and celebrating your successes.

I'm also a musician. I play drums and guitar, and I'm currently drumming for a Van Morrison Tribute band called The Belfast Cowboys in Minneapolis. I've been playing music for years, and it's always been a huge passion of mine.

I am proud and honored to represent our industry as a Salon Owner and the Board President of Summit Salon Business Center. Our team of professionals at SSBC are changing the lives of salon owners and salon professionals every day. Why? Because most of them began their journey with us as clients, had a transformative experience of their own and would now like to pass on that knowledge and empowerment to others through the tried-and-true systems that led them to a new level of success.

I’m endlessly inspired by the passion that salon owners and salon professionals have for their guests. I love how the desire to help people and enhance their sense of wellbeing permeates through our industry. I know I am living my passion when a member of our community comes up to me at an event and shares with me the life changing and profound effect that their relationship with SSBC has had on their salon and their life.

I began my career in this industry after graduating from college with a master's degree in finance. I quickly fell in love with the concept of growing people and opened my first salon in March of 1984. This quickly transformed into a passion for attracting, growing and retaining talent and teaching people and salon companies how to become the best versions of themselves and live their best life!! That journey continues to this day...

I am a proud father of four amazing young adults, an avid runner, golfer and seeker of adventure with my life partner Tracy.

I have been a part of the salon industry for many years and love it. But what I love even more than the industry is the people in it. Each person can shape their path and can have a significant impact on the clients they work with. It's not about growing sales; it's about growing people. If we can help people develop their self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem, we can make a difference in their lives.

Our salons have been a fixture in Summit since 2005; I'm proud to be a part of that. I may have been in this industry for a long time, but I never stop learning. I love hearing from others and sharing knowledge with them. Seeing people apply what they've learned to their lives is rewarding.

My "why" is simple: I want to make meaningful changes in people's lives. That's why I love teaching programs and sharing opportunities with others. It allows me to help many people simultaneously and provides hope for salon owners and their teams.

I stumbled into this industry by mistake. I was a sales rep calling on salons and didn't want the job, but I was broke and needed work. However, after ten years of working at Salon Resource Group with Peter Mahoney, I quickly fell in love with the industry and eventually became a shareholder.

I played the trumpet for ten years and refereed semi-pro hockey for eight years. These days, I love spending time with my family and enjoy golfing, traveling, and road biking.

There is something deeply personal for me working in this incredible industry. Not only do I find it to be a place where people are empowered to embrace the best of themselves - I think that this is truly the most incredible community of professionals I have ever worked with.

It is an honor to have the opportunity to pass on the knowledge that someone from Summit once gave to me - knowledge that helped me and my company grow faster, better and stronger than we ever could have imagined.

In addition to my work with SSBC, I own three brands in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts: two hair salons (Herdis the Salon and Parker on Main) and a fashion and lifestyle boutique (Plum).

While I love to travel and meet new people - my heart will always live in New England. I studied Anthropology at the University of Massachusetts, and was a Practical Visionaries Fellow at Tufts University. I have produced theatre in New York City and Seattle, led a community organizing nonprofit, and launched a publishing startup - though nothing compares to working in the beauty industry.

The key to growing a salon lies in taking things one step at a time, and that's why I'm such a big fan of the Summit Salon Associate Program. Working with this program has given me the tools and resources to help my service providers succeed. By helping each team member reach their full potential, our salon environment is both successful and fulfilling for everyone involved.

I started in the industry as a stylist in 1992 and have since become a multiple salon owner and owner of a Summit Salon Academy in Anderson, Indiana.

As a Summit facilitator and trainer, I focus on providing practical guidance and leadership to salon owners and service providers. Over the years, I have enjoyed working with numerous salon companies and helping them succeed by sharing my entrepreneurial expertise. I firmly believe that with the right strategy and approach, any salon company can thrive and reach its full potential. Whether you are just starting or looking to take your business to the next level, I am here to support you every step of the way.

Living on a farm allows me to love all of the animals. Whenever I hear of a dog in need of rescuing, my heart just can't resist trying to help. I am also a mean tambourine soloist and an enthusiast of both horses and donkeys. My donkey, Tito, is a world-famous Instagram influencer @therealdonkeytito

I love nothing more than helping people achieve their greatest potential. Through my salon company, I've provided a roadmap for success in all areas, from financials to leadership and exit strategy, thanks to the Summit systems. As a Summit Coach, watching my clients have that "aha" moment and realizing how far they've come is the most rewarding experience.

My passion for helping people achieve their potential has led me to become a stylist, color artist for a major manufacturer, salon owner, beauty school owner, salon coach, facilitator, and shareholder of SSBC.

I was born overseas in Germany and moved to the United States at four years old, with German as my first language. I also have diverse interests, such as riding horses for 15 years, singing at many friends' weddings, and even doing fire walking once! I would have been a professional storyteller if I weren't in the beauty industry.

During my free time, I enjoy the fall and winter seasons, and if I won the lottery, I would start a rescue organization for dogs. I believe in helping others and making a positive impact on their lives.

I’ve always been a fashion aficionado and pop culture enthusiast, so it’s no surprise I found my home in the beauty industry. Thriving in an environment where passionate creativity meets precision and skill, I constantly challenge myself to think outside the box, going above and beyond to push the industry forward.

Since starting my career, I’ve become a Redken Certified Hair Colorist and have been featured in Modern Salon, American Salon, and First Chair magazine. Being recognized as a “Top 30 Colorist Under 30” was an incredible honor and fuels my commitment to delivering top-notch service and exceptional hair color results.

I’ve been a part of the Redken Artist Network since 2014, sharing my passion for teaching by facilitating classes for salon professionals across the country. In this ever-changing industry, I stay ahead of the curve by using the latest products and techniques in my transformations and sharing my favorite discoveries on social media. Whether I’m behind the chair, on stage, or leading a salon class, I’m all about inspiring and educating others.

With my outgoing personality and focus on building community, I’m proud to be making waves of positive change across the Redken nation. I’m excited to keep pushing boundaries and raising industry standards, one unique style transformation at a time. Don’t forget to check out the latest episode of SUMM IT UP!

My story with SSBC began with a vision, a passion for the beauty industry, and a determination to help salon professionals achieve their full potential. Alongside my fellow co-founders, I embarked on this incredible journey to create a platform to revolutionize the salon business. SSBC is filled with passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I'm honored to be part of an organization that empowers individuals and elevates the beauty industry.

With over two decades of experience in leadership development and coaching, my journey in leadership and mentorship has been so rewarding.

I’m continually inspired by the incredible humans that make up this industry. The kindness, creativity, and drive of salon owners and service providers fuel my passion for this work. I can’t imagine a better place to invest my energy than in a community so rooted in connection and care.

I am inspired by the innovation and relevant solutions Summit provides.