When icons of the professional beauty industry are mentioned, certain names automatically come to mind: Vidal Sassoon, Paul Mitchell... Michael O'Rourke. As a truly inspiring visionary, he takes his place among the industry's elite. The driving force behind both the Carlton Hair Salon chain and Sexy Hair Concepts, Michael has a clear understanding of the salon and professional beauty care products businesses. He is a man able to observe the world at large and translate it into a pure artistic vision.

Michael's appreciation for simplicity led him to develop his own unique system of cutting to inspire and motivate the world's stylists. Structure in Motion (S.I.M.) encourages perspective and balance in all aspects of haircutting and life and employs principles similar to those of Tai-Chi, which focus on open flowing movements in order to better access energy centers and help ensure healthy body positioning. Michael teaches S.I.M. at workshops and shows worldwide, and in the spring of 2006, he opened the Institute of Courage, a wholly unique learning center in Topanga Canyon, California. The Institute is the fulfillment of a dream for Michael and his chance to give back to his true love: the international community of hair artists.

Michael's work has been featured in numerous industry magazines and beauty trades, including American Salon, Modern Salon, Salon Plus and Canadian Hairdresser. Most recently, his legacy line and "3 Way Hairspray" was featured on the nationally televised morning talk show "The View" in December 2010 and again in January 2011. Michael is featured in the January 2011 issue of international trade magazine "Fringe". In recognition of his lifework and dedication, Michael has been selected to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2011 NAHA awards. The prestigious North American Hairstyling Awards celebrates the artistry and skill of the professional salon industry.

Michael believes in making products that allow stylists and consumers alike to unleash their ultimate creative potential. Founder of both Carlton Hair Salons and Sexy Hair Concepts, Michael has solidified his track record in building viable companies and recognized brands. In 2006, Michael sold Sexy Hair Concepts after growing it to over $200M in annual client sales. Despite his great entrepreneurial success, Michael is first and foremost an artist. Michael's new venture, Institute of Courage, LLC, was founded on the basis of his legacy and a desire to give back to the artist community. In January 2010, he launched his legacy line "Michael O'Rourke" Hair, and made a decision to share this company with the artist community so endeared to him.

The Lifetime Achievement Award, NAHA's top honor, recognizes outstanding contributions to the hair and beauty industry and is limited to licensed salon professionals.

Past winners represent the preeminent innovators from the industry including: Beth Minardi (2010), Vivienne Mackinder (2009), Martin Parsons (2008), Yosh Toya (2007), Michael Gordon (2006), Sam Brocato (2005), Horst Rechelbacher (2004), Robert Lobetta (2003), Irvine Rusk (2002), Renato Brunas (2001), Leland Hirsch (2000), Noel DeCaprio (1998), John Jay (1997), Olive Benson (1996), Geri Cusenza (1995), Arnold Miller (1994), Leo Passage (1993), Vidal Sassoon (1992) and Paul Mitchell (1991).

Many people will tell you that it's the people in their lives that matter most to them. Others never have to tell you, because the life they live demonstrates it more eloquently than words ever could. With more than 50 years in the professional beauty industry, there are few individuals who exemplify this more than Stan Klet, Sr., the owner and President of East Coast Salon Services, a multi-state professional salon and spa products distributorship headquartered in Runnemede, NJ.

You could say that Stan was 'born into the business.' His mother owned a small salon, and his father sold beauty supplies out his station wagon years before distribution companies existed. His parents ultimately opened a beauty supply store in Camden, NJ. Although raised in the business, Stan originally chose to pursue his first passion – one that has remained one of his lifelong loves – music. And this was a serious pursuit; by the age of 16 he was a regular cast member of the ABC weekly TV show “TV Teen Club” hosted by none other than Dick Clark. Stan was such a popular member of the cast that he had his own fan club and was featured on the cover of TV Guide (called TV Digest at the time). Stan's tenure as a teen heartthrob was cut short when he joined the US Army. His musical talent was quickly recognized, and he was drafted into Special Services, where he formed a band. Performing under the name of The Cold Cuts, they appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show after winning the All- Army Talent Competition. Until recently, Stan continued to make time to have fun and play music with his band on weekends.

Stan's real entry into the professional beauty industry occurred after the untimely death of his father in 1958, when he was asked to join the business as co-owner. Stan made the decision to accept this offer, walking away from the spotlight and putting his family first. He also invited his Army friend, Joe Marcelli to join as a partner, and Joe remained a partner for 50 years. Stan's three daughters, Kara, Kim and Kris are also an integral part of the business. State Beauty Supply (as the company was known at that time) eventually became Garden State Beauty Supply and finally, East Coast Salon Services. From the beginning, Stan knew that constant change was a necessity within this industry, and he is known for exuding a spirit of energy, innovation and enthusiasm. In addition to the close and long-lasting relationship he fostered with Redken in its early years, he has continued to search for and partner with small manufacturers that share his vision and spirit. This has resulted in Stan representing many brands that ultimately became major names in the industry.

No matter what the endeavor, all that know Stan would agree that he pursues everything he does with heart and passion. Whether demonstrating this in care for his employees, his customers, or for the charities he has supported over the years, including Susan G. Komen, City of Hope and MANNA, Stan leads by example. Countless lives have been made better in some way because of Stan's joy in expressing his own personal compassion and generosity.

Stan Klet Sr. is the current President of East Coast Salon Services and maintains an active interest in its day to day operations. He resides with his wife of more than 50 years, Cora, the undisputed, profound love of his life.

The Hall of Leaders recognizes outstanding contributions to the hair and beauty industry.

Past inductees into the Hall of Leaders include: Frederic Holzberger (2010), Geno Stampora (2009), Jack Storey (2008), Jim Markham (2007), Carmen DePasquale (2006), Bruno Mascolo (2005), Winn Claybaugh (2004), Ann Mincey (2003), Lee Rizzuto (2002), John Paul DeJoria (2001), Robert J. Peel, Sr. (2000), Robert Oppenheim (1998), Jheri Redding (1997), Sam Lapin (1996) and Paula Kent Meehan (1995).