Daryl has been a Certified Strategies Coach since 2003. Today, in addition to coaching salons/spas … Daryl is Strategies Director of Coach Development and lead educator at Strategies flagship Incubator course and others.
Daryl describes his coaching style as “tough but compassionate.” “Business is fun and exciting!” says Daryl. “I like helping people and businesses reach their goals, and get great satisfaction in helping people realize their potential.” That doesn’t mean it’s always going to be an easy ride.
“If you are looking for accountability, be careful what you wish for. I will certainly deliver it,” promises Daryl.
Brett Pierce is President and CEO of The Masters in Huntsville, Alabama. Brett literally grew up in the salon industry, with his earliest influence being his parents, Ann and Gary Bray, a pair of artistic icons who competed globally and built loyal local followings through excellent customer service at home.
In 1995, Brett’s father passed away. As the mentor and leader of The Masters, Gary’s passing rocked their foundation and left them without a path to follow. With this loss, they allowed themselves to rest on their laurels, and eventually they found themselves struggling to survive.
“I began searching out help for The Masters. I knew that I needed someone to guide us and to provide us with the tools and knowledge to change our present condition as well as create a future for The Masters.” Brett says, “I found everything that I had been looking for when I found Strategies”.
Because of his commitment to the teachings of Strategies, Brett was able to lead his company out of the depths of darkness to create a healthy and viable business that is able to provide a stable work environment and regularly rewards their team while delivering extraordinary customer service everyday.
Since 1992, Brett had been a service provider at The Masters. In September of 2012, he followed a new direction by relying on the skills and resources provided to him by Strategies. Brett dedicated himself to system integrations which allowed for development of a strong team environment, a client-centric atmosphere and a profitable company.
“Becoming a Certified Strategies Coach was a natural progression for me”, says Brett. “Above all else, I love to help others realize their true potential. I encourage business owners to always strive for increased performance. It was ingrained in me at an early age that good enough is seldom good enough. Always fight hard for constant and never-ending improvement!” “Change is inevitable,” continues Pierce, “make sure that you have the tools to be able to react and control that change. The key to my success is my ability to be honest and to deliver on my promises. This allows for the development of fairness and trust.”
Dennis Gullo hails from the great state of New Jersey, home of the Boss, Tony Soprano, and Frank Sinatra. He began his professional career as a salon owner and stylist in 1978, operating several salons over the ensuing years, and has been recognized nationally by Entrepreneur Magazine, Day Spa Magazine, Salon Today Magazine and the Philadelphia Inquirer for its unique and innovative business practices.
In 2004, Dennis formalized his love of teaching, coaching and consulting by proudly completing a three-year, advanced training program to become a Certified Strategies Coach.
As a Certified Strategies Coach, Dennis is about helping salon owners to bring stability to their business and growth opportunity to their staff through the Team-Based business model. His approach to understanding business numbers has helped many salon owners reach their profit goals – while building a healthy business culture.
Dennis speaks “salon owner” as fluently as he speaks “accountant” – allowing him to teach business information that is readily understandable and accessible. His passion is to bring sound business principles – including integrity, excellence, and profitability by design – into the world of salon and spa owners.
Barbara’s career began in education. Her love of learning and educating others quickly became her passion. In 2001, Barbara joined the beauty industry when she met and married Brett Pierce, who along with his family owns a successful salon in Huntsville, Alabama.
Since then, Barbara has come to admire and embrace the beauty industry, and has combined her respect and knowledge of the beauty industry with her passion for education to help others develop growth and performance in their own company.
Whether teaching or working in the salon, Barbara lives by the No-Compromise Leadership principles. As a Certified Strategies Coach, she faces every challenge with a positive outlook. “I just want everyone to know the joy of setting goals and reaching them.”
Barbara believes the systems and methods taught by Strategies will empower business leaders and equip them to overcome any obstacle. “Our introduction to Strategies all those years ago was a turning point for our company that sparked a period of positive change and growth for us.”
Now enjoying the challenges that come with opening a new salon location, Barbara is excited to bring her educational skills and salon management knowledge to businesses seeking to achieve their maximum potential.
Melanie McCain Loboda has been a leader in the beauty industry since 1987, spending 17 years as a salon owner. “I’ve always loved the beauty industry’s tremendous energy and inspiration,” Melanie says. “We have the opportunity to make a significant difference in people’s lives each and every day – I can’t imagine not being a part of it.”
Melanie knew from the start of her career that she wanted to foster a different type of salon environment – one where teamwork was evident, service was maintained at the highest level, and growth was available for all employees.
In addition to thriving on the creative rewards of the industry, Melanie was drawn to the business side of salon ownership – including systems, marketing, and the mentoring of others. Strategies played a key role in developing these passions. “When I first came to Strategies, I didn’t even know many of the basics,” she says. “Learning the numbers was true freedom for me, as it allowed me to separate the truth from my emotions. The numbers always have a factual story to tell.” She attributes Strategies’ systems and culture, including Team-Based Pay, as the foundation for her salon’s success.
As a Certified Strategies Coach, Melanie is committed to helping others achieve their best with compassion and integrity. In addition to mastering business operations, Melanie excels at communication styles and facilitating communications between those with vastly differing approaches.
“It is so gratifying to see the light bulb go off when I’m working with a client,” Melanie says. “I thoroughly enjoy helping others discover how they can reach their full potential in business and relationships simply by looking through a different lens.”
Melanie believes it is paramount to be part of a company that practices what it preaches. “Strategies achieves that with no judgment, true teamwork, and a no-compromise approach to success!”
Dan’s professional career includes Mechanical Designer, Project Manager, and Engineer who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology from Penn State University. When he married into the beauty industry, he and his wife decided to purchase a business. Quickly they faced challenges in surviving, let alone growing the business. After discovering the power of Strategies through another salon owner, the teachings transformed their leadership, team and business. Working in this industry, he was able to see the beauty of personal connection and decided to move beyond engineering.
Inspired to help others, Dan completed Co-Active Life Coach Training and became a Certified Strategies Coach (CSC). He is driven by his passion for making a positive impact in the world by helping build successful businesses and leaders. As a valued member of the Strategies team, Dan utilizes his expertise and experience to guide clients in creating the businesses of their dreams.
Maura is a seasoned Massage Therapist who has been in the spa industry since 2004. She owned and operated the highly acclaimed Heaven & Earth Massage & Day Spa for 16 years, where she received the “Best of the Best” award in Windham, Maine every year of her ownership.
In 2017, Maura discovered Strategies and was immediately drawn to its mission and values. She says, “I sat in my first Incubator class with tears of joying saying ‘Hallelujah, this is what I have been looking for!”
Maura’s passion for coaching and educating began when she worked as a Trainer for Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield. She later became a Massage Therapy Instructor at Spa Tech Institute, as well as a running and health coach. As a Certified Strategies Coach, Maura is dedicated to helping spa owners and teams grow and succeed. She finds great fulfillment in her role and is honored to be part of the Strategies team and community, working towards positive change and growth in the Salon & Spa industry.
Steven Swanson is a Certified Strategies Coach who thrives in helping business owners develop, maintain and achieve their goals. Whether those goals include being a better leader, refining best business practices, overcoming/managing cash-flow challenges or driving sales, Steven will assist you every step of the way — becoming the voice and accountability of your company.
Steven has been the owner of Taylor Stevens Salon & Spa in Algonquin, Illinois since 2000. In 2004, Taylor Stevens became a Team-Based salon. “I’ve experienced all the challenges my coaching clients see. I don’t just talk about the systems; I work them every day in my company,” says Swanson. “I know because I’ve been there. I built my salon with my two hands and made my share of mistakes. Strategies was there to guide me and provide me with the tools I needed to help me become the leader and coach I am today.”
Steven joined the Strategies Coaching Team to pay it forward with all the systems he has learned. “I owe it to the salon/spa industry to help make it stronger,” says Swanson, “and I owe it to the salon/spa owner who works hard every day to make others happy — staff, clients and families. Owners matter to me, and I will do everything I can to help them achieve their goals.”
Let’s get started!
Kristin Stutz is a former salon owner that excelled with the Team-Based Business Model. After selling her company, she became a Certified Strategies Coach, and eventually Director of Education for Strategies.
Currently, Kristin is the Founder of illume Financial Strategies LLC.
She is a dynamic speaker, and loved within the Strategies community. We are SO excited to have her speaking at TBC22!
Michell Bartlein has enjoyed being a hairstylist for over 25 years. She has had experiences in many roles such as an employee, solo artist, and for the past 10 years as an employee-based salon owner of Savoye Salon & Spa in Suamico, WI. Savoye has been a Team-Based company for 8 of those 10 years.
Savoye’s Team-Based success has led to accolades including the Salon Today 200 and Team-Based Pay Awards.
As a Certified Strategies Coach, Michell enjoys helping others reach their goals and true potential.
Michell’s true passion is to elevate the beauty industry and create careers that lift each other up personally and professionally. She has seen the beauty industry evolve, especially over the past couple years, and hopes to bring her experiences to the forefront helping elevate the future of our industry.
