“Data’s Like a Bag of Chips: Insights from the Kim Report”

Ever wonder what’s really driving salon revenue, services, and staffing trends? Tom Kuhn sits down with Alain Audet of the Kim Report to reveal the latest anonymized data from thousands of U.S. salons. From revenue growth driven by price increases to why adding staff doesn’t always mean more profit, this episode shows why in the beauty industry, “data is like a bag of chips—you can’t just stop at one number.”

Tune in for real insights, lightbulb moments, and the numbers that are shaping the industry.

Kick off 2026 with clarity, focus, and a fresh game plan. In this solo episode of Lightbulb Moments, Tom sets the tone for the year ahead with a powerful reset on intention, focus, and action. He shares Qnity’s word of the year Focus and explains why “not more, but better” is the mindset salons, spas, and med spas need right now.From there, Tom dives into two bold, community-driven challenges designed to tackle the industry’s biggest pressures head-on:The +1 Profit Challenge: a first-of-its-kind cohort helping companies uncover just one extra percentage point of profitability proving that small, focused moves can unlock massive impact.The National 17% Growth Challenge: a proven, team-based approach to sustainable revenue growth that’s already generated millions in new sales and helped practitioners reset their “normal” for good.Packed with real data, practical frameworks, and an energizing call to action, this episode is equal parts strategy session and pep talk. If you’re ready to refine your business, rally your team, and make 2026 a year of momentum, not just motion this one’s a must-watch.

Beauty industry visionary. Inspired leader. Impassioned teacher.

Debra Neill Baker serves as Chairman of Neill Corporation with a leadership philosophy rooted in possibility, creativity, and human potential. Known affectionately as the company’s “Chief Energy Officer,” Debra champions a culture where people are encouraged to think bigger, dream bolder, and bring their fullest selves to the work they do every day.Her calling is to inspire deeper, more curious thinking—sparking curiosity, expanding perspectives, and surrounding teams with fresh ideas, new inspiration, and innovative voices. Debra believes that leadership isn’t about directing; it’s about creating an environment where others can thrive, grow, and discover their own brilliance.

In this episode, Tom talks with Chris, head of the tax department at Boyum & Barenscheer, about what salon owners need to know for 2025 taxes. Having guided hundreds of beauty businesses through PPP, ERC, and ongoing tax planning, he breaks down the new rules and how to avoid costly mistakes. Chris shares clear, actionable tips on the tip credit, deductions, and smart strategies for growing or multi-location salons. Whether you handle taxes in-house or work with a CPA, this episode gives you practical guidance to keep your salon profitable and compliant.

This week, Tom chats with Kacy Smith, General Manager of James Griffith Salon, and Tina Ruiz, Operations Director and Managing Partner of Ruiz Salon Group. Kacy, who has spent the past 11 years growing within James Griffith Salon, shares how a front-desk role transformed into a calling rooted in teamwork, healthy challenge, and genuine connection, fueling her passion for creating a culture where both teams and clients feel cared for.Tina brings a contrasting yet complementary perspective, drawing on her Marine background to bring discipline, strategic clarity, and operational excellence to Ruiz Salon, while also exemplifying commitment through achievements like completing an Ironman. Together, they offer insights into leadership, culture, and continuous improvement — grounded in Kacy’s heart-centered approach and Tina’s systems-driven expertise.

In this episode of Lightbulb Moments, Tom sits down with Erin Kuhn Bhansali, President and Partner of Qnity for Schools, to explore the exciting launch of MONEY EDU 3.0, an elevated approach to financial literacy for beauty and wellness schools. Erin shares fresh insights on Gen Z's financial habits, reveals eye-opening survey results from students, and explains how this program is empowering the next generation of salon, spa, and med spa talent with the financial skills they need to excel in their careers post graduation. Discover how schools and employers can tap into this opportunity, connecting with Qnity Schools facilitating the MONEY EDU program to build a financially savvy workforce and fuel economic empowerment across the industry.

Industry Wisdom from a Beauty Powerhouse with Reuben Carranza

Join host Tom Kuhn with Reuben Carranza, Group CEO of Bansk Beauty and Board Director for Amika, Eva NYC, and Ethique. With four generations of family history in beauty and 24+ years leading multi-billion-dollar brands like Pantene, Olay, and Olaplex, Reuben brings unparalleled perspective on what it takes to elevate professional beauty businesses.Discover why "the beauty industry touches more people every single day than any other profession" and how that creates extraordinary opportunity for salon and spa owners. Reuben shares insights on navigating rapid industry change, the capital markets' bullish outlook on beauty, and his personal "Pep Talk" system for staying grounded as a leader.From someone who "grew up folding towels and sweeping hair" to transforming iconic brands, learn why authentic human connection remains the irreplaceable foundation of our industry—and how to leverage that as your competitive advantage in an AI-driven world.

“Scaling with Soul: Lessons from Milk + Honey’s CEO, Phil Murray”Join us as Phil Murray, CEO of Milk + Honey, shares how he partners with founders to grow their businesses while preserving the vision and culture that made them successful. From pandemic-era expansion to creating luxurious, revenue-driving spa environments, Phil dives into leadership, operational excellence, and the power of designing experiences that keep customers—and employees—coming back.

Business Succession Planning - The What, Who, When & How

In this episode of Lightbulb Moments, Tom sits down with Heath Smith, Director of Advisory Services, to dive deep into one of the most critical yet overlooked aspects of business ownership: succession planning.

Whether you're considering selling your salon or spa in the next few years or simply want to future-proof your business, this conversation breaks down the essential framework every owner needs to understand.

Tom and Heath share insights from their collaborative work helping beauty business owners navigate the complex decisions around their company's future.

They explore the four key pillars of effective succession planning:

What - Defining your business's true focus and value proposition

Who - Identifying potential successors, whether internal leaders or external candidates

When - Understanding the optimal timing for transition planning

How - Implementing the right strategies and support systems

Beyond just exit strategies, this episode reveals how succession planning can actually strengthen your current operations while preparing for whatever comes next. Tom and Heath emphasize the importance of bringing in the right advisory resources to help you make informed decisions that protect both your legacy and your financial future.

If you've ever wondered "what's next" for your business or felt overwhelmed by succession planning, this conversation provides the roadmap you need to move forward with confidence.

The Financial Health Check with Rebecca Ezolt

Join host Tom Kuhn with Rebecca Ezolt, Qnity for Business Profit Advisor and former CEO of LL Salon Group. With her journey from Brand and Marketing Director to CEO in the pro beauty industry, Rebecca brings unique insight into salon and spa financials.

Rebecca reveals why your P&L statement is like a medical exam for your business—providing the diagnosis and roadmap needed for sustainable growth. She understands the beauty industry runs on creativity, not spreadsheets, but like choosing broccoli over candy, embracing financial analysis is essential medicine for long-term business health.

Discover actionable insights to transform your salon or spa from surviving to thriving, from someone who's mastered both sides of the beauty business.