the Hello Hair Pro podcast

"Send us a message!" Real Talk on Hiring, Culture, and Why People Stay. After a technical hiccup on Monday’s episode (sorry if you caught the glitchy one!), Todd and Jen are back with a full redo—and it might be even better than the original.  This episode covers team retention, leadership, and how to build a salon culture that people don’t want to leave. They cover everything from how t...

"Send us a message!" In this final episode of our commission salon business mini-series, Todd and Jen break down how their roles as salon owners have evolved over time—and what it really takes to build a sustainable commission-based business. From systems and structure to trust, delegation, and team culture, this episode is packed with real-world insight and hard-won lessons. Whether you...

"Send us a message!" In this milestone 200th episode, Todd and Jen continue their in-depth exploration of what it takes not only to build a successful commission salon but also to sustain one.  From emotional intelligence behind the chair to their refined hiring process, leadership growth, team retention strategies, and handling conflict like pros—this episode is loaded with actionable i...

"Send us a message!" Is running a commission salon even worth it anymore? Should you go solo, rent a suite, or bring it back to commission?  In this episode, Todd and Jen dig deep into what it actually takes to run a successful salon in 2025—from ditching discounts to building strong foundations, leading new generations of hair pros, and why most salon owners burn out. You’ll hear why le...

"Send us a message!" In this episode of the Hello Hair Pro podcast, Jen and Todd dive into what it really takes to build a standout salon business in today’s industry. They kick things off with a personal story about a salon owner's dress code and her grandmother's influence, which leads to a broader conversation about the role of professionalism and presentation in attracting...

"Send us a message!" Is being the 'boss' really the freedom it's hyped up to be? In this episode, Jen and Todd break down some of the biggest myths in the salon industry — from the glamorized idea of being your own boss to the realities of chair rental and independent work. You'll hear: Why summer is a strategic season for planning and promotion The most common mistak...

"Send us a message!" Do What You Love. Figure Out Who You Are & Do the Work In this multi-topic episode, Jen and Todd share their thoughts on the importance of passion and self-discovery in both personal and business life.  Jen starts with a heartfelt story about a client who was moved to tears after Jen transformed her hair with extensions, reminding Jen why she loves her work.  Tod...

"Send us a message!" Feeling uninspired? Overwhelmed? Just going through the motions in your salon, studio, or behind the chair?  You're not alone—and you're not broken.  In this episode, Todd and Jen tackle what it really means to be in a professional slump, why it's more common than you think, and how to pull yourself out of it with simple, actionable strategies. They co...

"Send us a message!" Leveraging Hospitality to Boost Your Salon Business In this episode, Jen and Todd reflect on their past month's experiences and dive into the differences between hospitality and service within the hair industry.  They emphasize how leveraging honest hospitality can enhance client retention and attract new clients, ultimately growing your salon business.  They st...

"Send us a message!" The Art of Preparedness in a Hair Salon In this episode, Jen and Todd discuss how preparedness will set your business apart.  They touch on the importance of growth opportunities, freedom in the workplace, and the value of supportive mentorship.  The episode highlights how using technology and innovative practices can enhance both client and staff experiences.  They...

"Send us a message!" Finding Your Place in the Hair Industry with Brooke Wrobel Todd is joined by Brooke Wrobel, one of the hair pros at Hello Hair.  Brooke shares her journey into the hair industry, from her decision to skip college and attend hair school at Empire in Hookset, New Hampshire, to her experiences behind the chair.  They discuss various topics, including the challenges of t...

"Send us a message!" Self-Awareness: The Key to Personal and Professional Growth In this solo episode, Todd explores the critical topic of self-awareness and its impact on both personal and professional life.  Todd opens with a light-hearted take on family bonding over NBA basketball, underscoring the importance of real-life connections in an increasingly digital world. He discusses the...

"Send us a message!" Transformative Leadership Insights: Lessons from Starbucks and Chili's CEOs In this episode, hosts Jen and Todd kick off their discussion with engaging opening takes on the importance of self-care and effective leadership qualities. Jen discusses her career in the hair industry and the crucial role of self-care in achieving longevity in the profession.  Todd sha...

"Send us a message!" Navigating the Beauty Industry: Debunking Myths and Bad Advice from Schools In this episode, Jen and Todd discuss the misinformation and bad advice being spread by cosmetology schools, particularly regarding business models in the beauty industry.  They share personal anecdotes about leadership and client care, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's c...

"Send us a message!" Overcoming Business Challenges: Strategies, Tariffs, and Optimism In this episode of the Hello Hair Pro podcast, Jen and Todd discuss the fears and concerns surrounding tariffs and other business obstacles.  They emphasize the importance of proactive business strategies over reactive panic.  Key points include the significance of proper preparation for "perceive...

"Send us a message!" Addressing Salon Challenges: Why You Might Be Losing Staff, Renters, and Clients In this episode, Jen and Todd delve into the pressing issues that might be causing salons to lose staff, renters, and clients.  They analyze the root causes from three distinctive angles: staffing issues in commission salons, booth renter challenges, and client retention problems.  This...

"Send us a message!" Hello Hair Pro brings on its first two educators! In this episode, Jen and Todd talk about promoting two of their hair pros to educate for their company. Public classes for in-person education will be announced soon. The two highlight the importance of creating opportunities for employee growth. They end the episode with some thoughts on recent social media and onlin...

"Send us a message!" Building a Culture of Excellence: In-House Education and Innovation at Hello Hair Co. In this episode, Jen and Todd discuss the importance of continual education and innovation in their salon, Hello Hair Co.  The conversation turns to strategies to keep their staff engaged and their services top-notch.  They discuss the detailed planning and execution of their educat...

"Send us a message!" Navigating Challenges: Hospitality Insights and Salon Leadership In this episode, Jen and Todd discuss their experiences and insights on hospitality and service quality, drawing from personal stories about recent restaurant and hotel visits.  They emphasize the importance of client service in salons, comparing it to the hospitality industry to highlight what makes bu...

"Send us a message!" Navigating Salon Ownership: Tackling Staff Issues, Price Setting, and Maintaining Professionalism In this episode, Jen and Todd dive into various topics for salon owners and hair professionals.  The hosts discuss building a fully staffed salon, setting appropriate service prices regardless of location, and the importance of systems in a business.  The episode also co...

"Send us a message!" Solo Episode (I'm alone!): Answering Some Common Salon Business Questions In this episode, Todd addresses various topics related to running a salon business. Todd reacts to some common questions from social media posts.  Topics covered include the elusive 'best salon software,' hitting a million-dollar revenue mark, the reality of fully staffed salons,...

"Send us a message!" Profit Margin vs. Revenue: Why a Million Dollars Doesn’t Make You a Millionaire In this episode, Jen and Todd discuss why profit margin is more crucial than revenue in determining business success.  They emphasize the misconceptions surrounding hitting a million dollars in sales and explain why a high revenue does not equate to high profits.  They also delve into the...

"Send us a message!" Accelerate Your Growth: Speed, Systems, and Smart Strategies In this episode, Jen and Todd discuss actionable strategies to accelerate your progress in business ownership and personal career growth.  They emphasize the importance of speed, mentorship, taking risks, and creating effective systems.  Tips for business owners include investing in mentorship, efficient sy...

"Send us a message!" Navigating Business Challenges and Embracing Education In this episode, Jen and Todd discuss various topics, including handling snowstorms in New England, the importance of communication and patience in business, and the strategy of empowering staff to handle challenges.  They also delve into how to create a scalable business, the benefits of education and leadership...

"Send us a message!" Maximizing Workplace Efficiency & Emotional Intelligence Through Effective Meetings In this episode, Todd and Jen discuss a follow-up to their recent meetings, detailing the successes and areas for improvement in their salon's operations. They share insights on maintaining workplace cleanliness, addressing staff concerns, and the importance of coming from a...