T Gordon Salon Talks

Join me, in a fun , moving conversation with Luca Boccia co-owner of Pyure Salon.  Luca has been in the salon business since he was 23 years old. Young and brash, buying a 3000 sq ft salon with no experience, no money and no experience he has emerged as a force on the Aveda scene.  Always emersed in hair, like any other stylist without much regard for the business side of things. What makes people succesful sometimes is what kills another persons career. But then he got involved with the Aveda business college. Three going on four salons and a great system that takes value added to a whole new level. Luca's goal is world class experience for his guests. Join me in discovering the journey of of one of South Florida's premier salon organizations. This fun lively conversation will bring you back to why we do what it is we do. As a stylist how you can make someones day. How you can be part of team. See how Luca's experience has moved and how yours could do the same. 

For more info go to: pyuresalon.com and for more info on my Chicago based salon company go to gordonsalon.com

At 74 years old JIm Pacifico is going on 40 plus years in the beauty business and it appears he isnt slowing down anytime soon. I spoke with Jim about a wide range of topics, starting with Centre Salons in Colorado and Utah to his many years developing systems and products for the likes of Horst Recklebacher, Clairol, Zotos and more. Jim has a unique focus as he owns a finacial services firm that focuses on salons. He understands the bench marks, what makes salons work and what doesnt. He wants to create a place where stylists can be succesful by offering the guest the full Aveda experience. I was surprised to find out his roots are in Camden NJ and after graduating from High School spent time in Army, traveling to Korea in the early 60's. Before getting into the salon industry he had unique jobs including: butcher, metal stamper, etc. Jim is a dyanmic, smart guy who can relate incredible detail about things that occoured many decades ago. Round out your beauty industry history knowledge by listening to this super successful professional.  

Modern Salon Magazine's Steve Reiss gives an overview of the indepth studies undertaken by the industries leading trade publication. Steve's deep knowledge on subjects ranging from booth rental, retail sales, to data driven salons which will help you and your salon. Take a deep dive into information that will raise the bar for your beauty career. 

Drugs, homelessness, jail, abuse, violence and more is how life began. But for the husband and wife barber team of Riico Ramirez Laboy and Lici Febo creaters of Hair Palooza and Hair Palooza Reloaded, what has emerged from all that pain and suffering, is a fulfilling artistic life. Two master barbers have used the ever emerging popularity of the barber art form  and the rise of social media to transform their business together.  What a beautiful story of triumph over exceptional odds. Listen to how these two, use hopes, dreams, a huge determination to survive and thrive. After so much tragedy, the only place is up. The ladder up, was hair!

Oscar Valencia Jr is a former Pro Baseball player that then became a hair stylist. He now helps salons become all they can be. In this great discussion Oscar talks about the correlation between salon life and sports,  baseball coaches and mentoring stylists. What he thinks about many of todays hot salon topics: Booth Rental, Blow Dry Bars, Lash Studios and more. Entertaining and informational. 

Gordon salon and family history has been great with 70 plus employess, but this Top 200 salon has been under the radar. While the Gordon's are a fourth generation salon family and Tony is a 3rd generation salon owner, no one knows us. In the professional salon industry we are incognito. So we are laying out an agressive agenda for where this podcast will go. To the moon? you bet... This new communication push is ready to morph like a chameleon and go where society and technology might take us. The Current plan: YouTube channel, coaching for struggling stylists, speaking gigs and a book even. Go big or stay home!