How new AI and automation tools can improve your ability to provide human customer service -- and grow your salon company.

Blake Reed Evans sits down with Heather Meredith and Maegan Moore of Ahead of Hair Salon in Midlothian, Virginian to unpack how a legacy Summit salon achieved 16.76% growth in 2025

A salon owner and leadership coach with degrees in psychology and marriate and family therapy, Araceli Castañeda is here to help.

Beauty shouldn't come at the planet's expense. Founder Shane Price explains how Green Circle Salons can help your salon company recover up to 95% of your waste, and boost your appeal to eco-conscious customers.

Social media influencer and hair colorist extraordinaire Alejandro Lopez chats with Blake about how he established his brand as first a braider and then a colorist - and how he has found success on social media by occupying these niches.

Stacey Soble is editor in chief of SALON TODAY, your source for salon business news.

It's only 20 minutes and you just might save a life. Liz McKeon is UK & Irish Ambassador for Shear Haven Domestic Violence Training.

“He’s been with us for 13 years. He’s the new guy.” When host Blake Reed Evans heard those words on a visit to Three-13 Salon in Marietta, Georgia, he knew we had to talk about this business’ staying power on the show.

Summit CFO Kevin Robinson joins Blake for an essential conversation about financial literacy for salon owners.

It all began with Viola, who's salon did so well that she made more money than the doctor who delivered her son -- in the Great Depression, no less. That son went to hair school and joined the family business too. Fast forward to today, and a small family business has become large and legendary: Viola's great grandchildren own and operate a four-location salon company and a Summit Salon Academy.  Our guest this episode is Chris Huffstutter, owner of Summit Salon Academy Portland, shareholder at Anastasia Salon, and a Summit School Coach. Listen for a fun and frank conversation on the joys and pitfalls of working with your siblings, and learn how the Huffstutter brothers draw on their dad's wisdom and the latest tech to bring more happiness to their family and employees.  Reach out to Chris about cosmetology school coaching here. Follow Summit Salon Academy Portland on Instagram @summitsalonacademy_pdx. You can catch Chris's brother Luke on a previous SUMM IT UP episode,  Stop losing money on color ft. Vish's Tim Howard with Les McFadden and Luke Huffstutter. Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. SUMM IT UP  is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlockedFind host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at [email protected]. Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry. SUMM IT UP is produced and edited by Andrea Muraskin. The executive producer is Tim Fisk.