Today’s guest, Dave Kirby, came up in a salon culture that valued top-down authority and long, grueling hours. And as a shareholder, board member, and Senior Director of Training for Summit Salon Business Center, by all measures he’s been successful. But now that Dave is 38 years into his career, his point of view on salon leadership has shifted; and he says that’s largely thanks to listening to the younger generations.
Members of four generations are currently working in the salon industry: Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. Each generation has its own values and ideas about how to build clientele, how to run a company, and how to manage work-life balance. The beauty industry is constantly changing, and while experienced leadership is essential, we need fresh ideas and young voices at the table in order to thrive.
Today’s guest, Dave Kirby, was one of the founders of Summit Salon Business Center, today the largest salon and spa consulting company in the world. Dave is a shareholder, board member and serves as the Senior Director of Training for SSBC. Dave came up in a salon culture that valued top-down authority and long, grueling hours, but now that Dave is 38 years into his career, his point of view has shifted. And he says that’s thanks to listening to the younger generations. Host Blake Reed Evans, a Millennial salon owner, makes a perfect conversation partner.
SUMM IT UP is produced by Andrea Muraskin, with editorial support from @Tim Fisk.
Visit summitsalon.com/calendar to sign up for Dave Kirby’s online business courses for stylists and salon owners.
Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon.
Follow host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans. His DM's are always open!
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