Newly introduced to Cosmoprof North America was the return of PBA's Learning Lounge, which delivered strategies to Combat Compensation for salon/spa owners, managers and key staff. Attendees had an opportunity to learn from the industry's leading experts on compensation options for their salons.
Larry Kopsa, CPA and partner in Kopsa Otte CPA's, kicked off the program with tips on how to provide fringe benefits while remaining profitable and what employee records to keep to protect your business from lawsuits.
The educational company panel followed with insight into the compensation plans available to salon/spa owners, how to transition from one compensation plan to another and how to turn your largest expense line item into a profit.
"When transitioning, you have to present the new process to everyone together to make sure they're on the same page and then meet with each staff member individually to review where they're at. Then, you have to be open and accepting to their emotions because they will be involved," stated Bert Carder of YBN.
In the afternoon, Ernest Calderón, of Calderón Law Offices, examined some of the common mistakes, myths and hazards facing salon/spa owners around the country in regards to common law issues.
Wrapping up the day, the salon owner panel offered first-hand knowledge and experience on how to retain staff, compensate managers, develop a successful change-over strategy, as well as other topics important to new and veteran salon owners.
When asked about how to compensate a manager, Scott J. Buchanan of Scott J. Aveda Salon and Spa, explained that it depends on the manager. "I implement bonuses for the front desk managers when they reach their goals to keep them motivated. But, my floor managers aren't as goal oriented, so I pay them salary."
John Galietti, of Xena's Beauty Company, sparked many attendees interest when he shared how he and his wife changed their salon's compensation plan. "We redesigned our company structure and implemented regular communication with our team. We led our team with honesty and ethics to the best of our ability to prove to them we valued them and the importance of their salary."
Facilitated by Jeanine O'Neill-Blackwell - Founder, Inyu Training
Neil Ducoff - Founder/CEO, Strategies
Peter Mahoney - Owner, Salon Resource Group of Companies and President, Salon Consultants International
Bert Carder - Founder/CEO, YBN
Facilitated by Cary O'Brien - Owner, Cary O'Brien's Design & Color Spa
Orlando Cumberlander - Noir et Blanc
Marilyn Ihloff - Ihloff Salon and Day Spa
John Galietti - Xena's Beauty Company
Patricia Helmandollar - Savvy Salon and Day Spa
Scott J. Buchanan - Scott J Aveda Salon and Spa