the Hello Hair Pro podcast

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In this follow-up to "Why Suite and Booth Renters Struggle" [EP:214], Todd and Jen shift the focus to the other side of the industry—commission salons and their employees.

They break down the common mistakes made by both owners and stylists, from leadership gaps and undefined standards to entitlement, lack of systems, and poor communication.

This episode isn’t about choosing sides—it’s about building better businesses and careers. Whether you’re a salon owner or an employee, this conversation will help you understand what drives success, what kills cult...

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A year into renting and still struggling? You’re not alone. In this episode, Todd and Jen break down why so many booth renters and suite owners can’t seem to get ahead — and how to fix it.

They’re not anti-rent or anti-suite (far from it). 

This is about clarity, accountability, and structure. Whether you’re a year in or just thinking about going solo, this episode gives you the tools to stabilize, grow, and actually profit.

Key Takeaways

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Too many salon owners start with numbers such as rent prices or commission percentages when hiring and attracting talent. In this episode, Todd and Jen flip the script with a lesson inspired by Steve Jobs: start with the experience and then work backward.

Whether you run a commission salon or a booth or suite rental space, you’ll learn how to design an environment where stylists and renters feel valued, supported, and inspired—and why that approach keeps people around longer.

Episode Timestamps

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In this episode, Todd and Jen tackle one of the biggest challenges salon owners face: staff retention. 

Instead of relying on non-compete agreements or fear-based policies, they share practical, proven strategies for building a culture where stylists genuinely want to stay. 

From career growth opportunities to education, mentorship, and financial transparency, you’ll hear exactly what’s worked at Hello Hair Co.—and how you can apply it in your own salon.

What you'll learn:

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In this episode, Todd and Jen are joined by Hello Hair Co. stylists, Brooke and Tori, for a special Q&A session. 

Instead of the usual format, the team flips the script—Brooke and Tori bring questions gathered from fellow stylists, salon groups, and their own experiences.

From dress codes and business cards to cancellation policies and side hustles. 

An honest conversation, some strong opinions, and practical advice for salon owners and stylists navigating today’s industry.

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In this episode, Todd and Jen dive into the two pillars of salon growth: retention (keeping clients coming back) and acquisition (bringing in new ones). 

Too many salon owners focus on just one—but long-term success requires mastering both.

You’ll hear practical strategies, client experience tips, and marketing insights drawn straight from the Hello Hair Co. playbook, including how to create loyalty, inspire referrals, and consistently attract new faces without burning out.

Key Takeaways

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In this episode of the Hello Hair Pro Podcast, Todd and Jen tackle one of the most hot-button topics in the hair industry: booth and suite rental vs. commission salons.

They break down the hidden costs of going out on your own, the predatory marketing tactics some rental salon owners use, and why many stylists actually make less money renting than they would in a well-run commission salon.

You’ll also hear about Jen’s unique apprenticeship program, how demand and merit (not time) should drive pricing, and...

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In this episode of the Hello Hair Pro Podcast, Todd and Jen unpack the Evolution Trap — the danger salon and barbershop owners face when they stop evolving their business. 

Complacency might feel comfortable, but in reality, it leads to shrinking profits, bored staff, and clients who notice when nothing changes.

Drawing from their own salon experience and mentoring work, Todd and Jen share practical strategies for staying adaptable, auditing systems, and keeping your business fresh — without overwhelming yourself or your team.

Key Takeaways:

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Are discounts really the best way to grow your salon? Spoiler: they’re not. 

In this episode, Todd and Jen break down why discounting hurts your business long-term and share proven, real-world strategies to fill your books without ever lowering your prices.

From rebooking systems and referrals to solving client problems and improving your marketing, this conversation gives you practical steps to attract and retain loyal clients—while keeping your profits intact.

If you’ve ever felt pressured to run “new client specials” or endless deals, this episode wil...

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In this episode, Todd and Jen break down one of the most misunderstood topics in the salon business — price increases. 

Forget the blanket $5 rule or the “just raise 3%” advice you’ve seen floating around. Those outdated approaches are costing salons profit, stressing out owners, and undervaluing high-ticket services.

What's covered:

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Owning a salon isn’t just about doing great hair—it’s about leading a team, solving problems, and staying steady when chaos strikes. 

In this episode, Todd and Jen pull back the curtain on a whirlwind week of running Hello Hair Co.

From dealing with a busted dryer, a tough staffing decision, and a convincing scam attempt, to unpacking why so many salon owners fall into the “keep all the money” trap, this conversation is packed with hard-earned lessons.

They dive deep into:

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What makes someone want to stay at your salon? This episode answers that question—straight from the people who matter most.

Todd and Jen read real, unfiltered responses from their team about why they choose to stay at Hello Hair Co. 

These messages are full of honesty, emotion, and insights that speak to what stylists value in a work environment. 

From mentorship and leadership to laughter and lizards (yes, really), this is an episode that gets to the heart of retention.

They also react to real...

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Hiring a stylist is hard. Retaining one is harder. Training them from scratch? That’s where most salon owners throw in the towel. 

Todd and Jen believe that’s exactly where the opportunity lies.

In this episode, they break down their education funnel—the system they’ve built to train new hires (especially those straight out of cosmetology school) into fully booked, confident, high-performing stylists. 

From blow-dry assessments to client-ready test-outs, you’ll hear exactly how they do it, how long it takes, and how it leads to stronger...

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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 to attract new talent straight out of school, why “luxury” means nothing if your client experience doesn’t back it up, a...

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In this episode, Todd and Jen dive deep into one of the most common pain points salon owners and independent hair professionals face: retention—both of staff and renters. 

Armed with decades of hands-on experience building a thriving salon culture at Hello Hair Pro, they share what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to keeping great people around.

Candid takes on leadership, the myth of “luxury” branding, how to educate new talent out of school, and the power of clear systems. 

Whether you run a comm...

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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're just starting or scaling up, this is a must-listen.

🔹 Timestamps + Topics

[00:00] - Welcome back & what we covered in parts 1 and 2
[03:00] - Jen’s openi...

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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 insights for salon owners and hair professionals alike.

🕒 Timestamps & Topics:

[00:00] – Opening Takes

[07:00] – Recap of Part 1 + This Week’s Focus: Culture & Hiring

[08:00] – Early Hiring M...

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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 leadership is everything, how to market with intention, and how to avoid the trap of working harder instead of smarter. 

This episode is ful...

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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 the right clients and building trust.

Then, Todd shares a blueprint for treating your salon like a media company—from launching a podcast and building an email list to c...

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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:

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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. 

Todd follows with a discussion on the significance of figuring out who you are and then putting in the work, emphasizing that copying others wo...

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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 cover everything from signs of burnout and creative stagnation to client overbooking and social media comparison traps. 

Whether you’re a stylist, salon owner, or creativ...

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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 stress reading the room, making clients feel special, and creating emotional connections as key factors in delivering outstanding hospitality. 

Furthermore, they underline the importance of leading by example and investing in you...

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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 also share insights on the essential tasks like maintaining cleanliness, conducting real consultations, and the overall importance of creating a welcoming environment. 

With real-life examples and prac...

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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 transitioning from school to professional work, the importance of consultations, and Hello Hair's supportive culture. 

Brooke also shares her favorite types of...

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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 influence of ego, social media pressures, and living in echo chambers on one’s ability to self-assess accurately. 

Todd also shares personal anecdotes from the hair industry and his expe...

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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 shares a surprising statistic about American-made clothing and suggests that great leaders inspire those around them. 

The hosts delve into lessons from the CEOs of Starbucks and Chili's, highlighting ho...

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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 clients and providing exceptional service. 

Jen also highlights the importance of proper nutrition for optimal performance.

The conversation then shifts to the pitfalls of booth rental versus commission salons, the unrealistic expectations se...

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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 "perceived" slow times, the critical role of understanding costs, and methods to diversify suppliers and enhance customer experience. 

Both hosts also share personal insights on maintaining motivation through difficult times and stress the val...

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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 episode covers everything from the impact of poor leadership and lack of growth opportunities to the growing expectation of marketing support for renters and the importance of delivering a hi...

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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 online posts.

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