The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), whose mission is to advocate and fight for the rights and professionalism of the beauty industry, is urgently seeking donations for the Disaster Relief Fund to help those affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles.

As an industry built on creativity, care, and connection, it’s time for us to rally together and provide the support our peers so urgently need.

For many, these fires have not only destroyed homes but also livelihoods. Salons, tools, and products have been lost, leaving countless professionals struggling to rebuild their lives and businesses.

This is where we can step in. The Professional Beauty Association’s Disaster Relief Fund is providing critical aid to those affected, ensuring they have the resources they need to begin again. Whether it’s helping to replace lost equipment, supporting salon rebuilds, or easing personal financial strain, every donation makes a real difference.

Now is the time to show the strength of our community. Let’s come together to make an impact. No contribution is too small—every dollar brings hope.

Ready to help? Donate today: www.probeauty.org/disaster-relief-fund

Each year, Keller international offer one lucky – and, indeed, deserving – student the Keller International Scholarship. This year, the winner of the scholarship is Russell Maidlow. The barber, from the barbershop Allied Barber & Supply in Davenport, Iowa, has had a life wrought with difficulty – but has proved that, through resilience and a genuine passion, you can make it through the other side.

Keller said: “We are proud to announce Russell as the recipient of this year’s Keller International Scholarship! Russell’s passion for barbering began at the young age of twelve, when he first walked into a barbershop and was captivated by the artistry and talent he witnessed. This early experience inspired him to pursue a career in barbering, where he hopes to blend his creative skills with his desire to help others.”

We caught up with Russell to learn how the scholarship has changed his life. The barber told us that when he received the scholarship – he was facing many hardships, including family illness mental health issues and financial strain.

“This was an incredibly difficult period – trying to pay attention at school, keep my shop open, and monthly doctor visits for my wife has made this probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done… and my life has by no means been easy,” Russell told us.

Despite facing mental health challenges throughout his life, Russell has used these experiences to shape his understanding of the importance of mental wellbeing and self-care. In addition to his love for creating handmade soaps, Russell now wants to take his artistic side further by honing his craft as a barber, not only to make his clients look great but to offer them a safe, supportive space where they can feel comfortable discussing their personal challenges. Keller International told us more about Russell’s plans, explaining: “Russell’s goal is to build a barbershop that is more than just a place for haircuts; he envisions it as a holistic space where clients can care for both their image and their mental health. By sharing his own journey, he hopes to create an environment where people can feel heard, supported, and uplifted. We are incredibly inspired by Russell’s vision and dedication to combining artistry with empathy. Congratulations, Russell!”.

Vagaro Enhances E-Commerce Capabilities with Introduction of Product Variants

Vagaro, the leading software for businesses in beauty, wellness, and fitness, has announced the launch of its new Product Variants feature, offering businesses even greater flexibility in managing their retail sales all in one place.

The new feature allows businesses to easily manage product variations, such as different sizes, shapes, or colors, by simply indicating these details in a dropdown menu. This eliminates the need to enter each variant as a standalone product, simplifying the inventory process. Additionally, users can manage essential product details such as ingredients, instructions, and size guides, all from one centralized page.

The launch reflects Vagaro’s commitment to being a comprehensive, all-in-one solution for beauty business owners. Industry data shows that retail sales contribute between 15-40% of revenue in the beauty industry. With the addition of product variants, users can maximize these product sales directly from their Vagaro account.

“Beauty & wellness professionals know that time is money. Our product variants feature will give some of that time back while also helping them improve their retail sales; enhancing their revenue in more ways than one,” says Vagaro CMO, Charity Hudnall.

Businesses can efficiently manage and sync their entire online inventory without the need to dedicate excessive time to stocking or updating multiple platforms. Vagaro AI also offers businesses the ability to craft product descriptions and details quickly, further enhancing the efficiency and professionalism of their online stores, especially when used in combination with product variants.

In Conclusion: The addition of product variants streamlines the retail experience for beauty professionals, enabling them to manage their inventory and product details with ease. With this new feature, Vagaro continues to help businesses grow by simplifying complex tasks and enhancing revenue potential.

For more information on how product variants can help businesses thrive, visit Vagaro.

When it comes to precision styling, the right clipper makes all the difference. GA.MA Professional, the global hair tool leader, is excited to announce the launch of their new Lumine Beetle Clipper. Small in size but packed with all the features of a larger trimmer, this compact powerhouse is the perfect choice for detailed work like finishing touches, intricate designs and precision cuts.

Designed with both ergonomics and durability in mind, the Lumine Beetle Clipper (Price: $47.20) is ideal for stylists who need accuracy without sacrificing performance. With a 6000 RPM motor, it effortlessly delivers professional-grade results, whether you’re perfecting a sharp fade design, refining edges around the ears, beard, or sideburns or tidying up the nape. Its lightweight beetle-inspired design prioritizes safety, enhances productivity and allows for faster work to keep up with the fast pace of salons and barbershops.

What sets the Lumine Beetle Clipper apart is its Professional Sintered Blades. These blades blend the durability of forged steel with the lightweight feel of synthetic materials, created through a cutting-edge sintering process. This advanced technique fuses metal powders into a corrosion-resistant structure that’s built to thrive in wet environments like salons. The result is a blade that’s as reliable as it is precise.

Additional Features:

• Cord: Professional Cord/Cordless
• Additional Professional Sintered Blade Included
• Battery: Lithium Battery
• Autonomy: 90 min.
• Hanging Hook
• Minimum Cut: 0.3 mm

For added convenience, the clipper includes three comb attachments (1.5 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm), perfect for tackling a variety of hairstyles and fade techniques. Whether you’re working in a salon or on the go, this compact tool can even easily slip right into your pocket, delivering pro-level results wherever your styling journey takes you.

With its advanced technology, ergonomic design and powerful performance, the Lumine Beetle Clipper is the ultimate creative partner. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this clipper helps unlock your potential and keep your work sharp, precise and inspired.

The Lumine Beetle Clipper will be available for purchase at www.gamaprofessional.us.

Vagaro Launches Connect App to Enhance Real-Time Communication for Businesses and Clients

In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective communication is more important than ever. Vagaro has introduced Vagaro Connect, a two-way messaging platform designed to improve communication between businesses and their clients, as well as among team members. Accessible via the Connect App or Vagaro Desktop, the app enables seamless, real-time conversations, empowering businesses to deliver a personalized experience to clients while improving team collaboration.

The dedicated business communication channel within Vagaro Connect ensures that work-related messages are kept separate from personal messages, allowing business owners to set clear boundaries. This helps improve professionalism while maintaining effective communication.

What is Vagaro Connect?

Vagaro Connect is an extension of the Vagaro Pro apps that provides an easy-to-use platform for direct messaging between clients and businesses. By enabling two-way chat for both client and team communications, Connect helps simplify the process of staying in touch, with all features fully accessible through the Vagaro Pro app on desktop and mobile. Full functionality is available with Vagaro’s text messaging (SMS) feature, making it easier to stay connected at all times.

While many business owners already communicate with clients and employees through emails or phone calls, Vagaro Connect offers a more streamlined and efficient solution. Unlike traditional methods, Connect enables real-time, personalized communication that’s more efficient and easier to track.

Turn Conversations into Conversions

In addition to facilitating communication, Vagaro Connect helps businesses convert positive client interactions into booked appointments or upsell opportunities. When communicating with clients through the app, business owners can send appointment links directly to their calendars, allowing clients to book services on the spot. The integration with the Vagaro Calendar makes it easy to send clients links that go straight into a service provider’s schedule, ensuring that every interaction has the potential to turn into revenue.

This seamless integration between chat and scheduling simplifies the booking process for clients and helps businesses secure revenue quickly. The combination of fast response times, personalized service, and easy scheduling ultimately enhances the customer experience and boosts the likelihood of repeat business.

Acquire Client Information Quickly & Easily

In today’s fast-paced environment, speed and accuracy matter. With Vagaro Connect, businesses can quickly obtain important client details through direct communication, without the need for time-consuming phone calls or emails. By enabling text messaging, businesses can immediately gather essential information, update appointment details, or request feedback, all while ensuring a personalized and efficient interaction.

The platform also includes an internal notes feature, allowing businesses to leave relevant client details within the chat history. This keeps all team members informed about a client’s preferences, upcoming appointments, and any other important information, ensuring a seamless experience for the client at every touchpoint.

Clear Communication Across Multiple Platforms

Another standout feature of Vagaro Connect is its ability to maintain consistent communication across various platforms. Clients can reach out via the Vagaro Marketplace, your Branded App, or your MySite. Once a client initiates a conversation, the message icon will appear across all platforms, so businesses can respond quickly, regardless of where they are.

Even if the conversation doesn’t proceed in one uninterrupted stream, Vagaro Connect allows businesses to pick up right where they left off, ensuring continuity and preventing any information from falling through the cracks. With access to message history and internal notes, your team can stay aligned on client interactions, no matter where they take place.

Improved Team Communication

Effective team communication is a cornerstone of any successful business. Vagaro Connect enhances internal communication by allowing team members to engage in one-on-one chats or group chats, helping managers communicate with employees about important matters, including:

• Scheduling and shift changes
• Payroll and staffing updates
• Training opportunities
• New inventory or promotions
• Daily deals or special events

In addition, Vagaro Connect syncs with employee calendars to provide a real-time view of each team member’s availability, ensuring that scheduling issues are addressed quickly. Whether it’s ensuring that a team member is free to take a client or sharing important business updates, Vagaro Connect improves operational efficiency and promotes a more informed, connected workforce.

Better Work-Life Balance

While it’s important to be available for clients and employees, it’s equally important to maintain personal boundaries. Vagaro Connect helps business owners preserve their work-life balance by keeping professional communication separate from personal messages. By using the app, business owners can respond to clients and employees when needed, without worrying about personal conversations mixing with work communications.

This not only maintains professionalism but also prevents the mix-up of private and business messages, offering a much-needed distinction between the two. By allowing business owners to manage all their communications in one place—without using personal phone numbers or email addresses—Vagaro Connect helps maintain the right balance.

Conclusion

As businesses seek more effective ways to manage client and team communications, Vagaro Connect emerges as a crucial tool. The app enhances the overall client experience, streamlines internal communication, and supports a healthy work-life balance for business owners. With its seamless integration with Vagaro’s other tools and features, Connect enables businesses to manage real-time communication more effectively and efficiently.

Businesses looking to improve communication, streamline client interactions, and enhance team collaboration can start a FREE 30-day trial of Vagaro Connect today and experience its impact firsthand.

V’s Barbershop, the leader in authentic men’s grooming since 1999, is excited to announce the addition of Patrick Butler to its leadership team as the Director of Barbershop Experience, effective January 1, 2025. Butler brings over 30 years of industry expertise and a proven track record in education, operations, and grooming products.

“Patrick is the perfect fit for V’s Barbershop as we continue to improve every aspect of the patron experience,” said Emily Brown, Chief Operating Officer of V’s Barbershop. “I’m thrilled to work closely with him at industry events and in our shops to ensure our franchisees and barbers have the training, tools, and inspiration needed to deliver exceptional in-store experiences. His expertise strengthens our commitment to being the authority in men’s grooming.”

A respected industry veteran, Butler has built an impressive career spanning the globe. As an International Educator with American Crew, he played a pivotal role in establishing technical academies across North

America, Europe, and Asia, teaching advanced men’s haircutting and grooming techniques in 10 countries. His career also includes leadership roles in sales and operations with Peel’s Salon Services (later SalonCentric) and Floyd’s 99 Barbershops, where he focused on education, content production, franchise support, and building strong relationships with manufacturers.

In his role at V’s Barbershop, Butler will focus on strengthening franchisee support through improved training programs, ensuring consistent service quality across all locations, and introducing innovative customer engagement strategies. He will also lead efforts to expand V’s beyond its traditional barbershop model, building on its existing product line by exploring new opportunities in product development e-commerce, and digital educational resources designed for all customers, addressing the grooming needs of the modern man.

“Patrick’s addition to our leadership team represents an exciting step forward for V’s Barbershop,” said Jim Valenzuela, Founder and CEO of V’s Barbershop. “His wealth of experience and dedication to education will help us redefine the men’s grooming experience both inside and outside our barbershops.This hire signals our commitment to expanding into new areas while staying true to our core mission of delivering premium barbering services to gentlemen everywhere.”

The holiday season is a busy time for the beauty industry. Together with Zowie, the unmatched customer service platform, Booksy powers beauty and barbering businesses across the globe with platform features that allow beauty professionals to master scheduling, market to clients, minimize no-shows and reduce last minute cancellations during peak holiday seasons when providers see a surge in bookings. 

Booksy is being featured in a Zowie digital billboard campaign showcasing how the two brands power beauty across borders and both platforms help business owners run and streamline day-to-day business operations with ease.

The campaign will be supported digitally on @Booksybiz’s Instagram in partnership with Booksy’s top US and Global ambassadors and via the website. Stay tuned to social and digital platforms for exclusive content.

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Manage Your Time, Money and Clients with Booksy

Online booking has transformed the beauty and barbering industry, Booksy has been ahead of the game since the beginning. We’re the global leader in business management for nail techs, hairstylists, barbers, etc. helping you speed up scheduling, increase revenue, and grow your business.

No more back and forths on DMs trying to book a client, only for them to cancel on you at the last minute. It’s simple – Booksy makes it easy for you to get organized and run your business so you can focus on what you do best and get paid your worth.
Get to know the fastest-growing scheduling app for beauty and barber salons. Take appointments, market your business, protect your bottom line, and build your brand.

Stay booked, without the back and forth

Keep your calendar full and build a loyal clientele with 24/7 easy online booking, automated marketing tools, and more visibility for your business.

• Full Calendar Control: Set your schedule and control how clients book.
• Fewer DMs & Calls: Let clients book, reschedule or cancel their own appts 24/7.

Break free from busywork, focus on your clients

Keep total control of what’s important, but don’t sweat the small stuff. Streamline the admin and focus on creating an unforgettable experience for your clients.

• Your Time, Protected: Require deposits to reduce last minute cancellations and no-shows.

Build a business you’re proud of

Bring in more money and save time as you level up your business. Our platform meets you where you are – and adapts to where you’re going.

Keeping It Clean: How to Care for Barber Clippers, Shears, and Trimmers

By Alyssa Cink

Hair clippers maintenance and barber cleaning supplies may not seem like topics for a barber to “mullet” over. Insurance claims from dirty barber clippers don’t happen that often…do they?

Unfortunately, clipper care claims do plague the barbering field. It happened in 2017, a mother rushed her seven-year-old son to a hospital after visiting a local barbershop.

At first, the child’s scalp was red and irritated, reported Dana Griffin for KCRA 3 News.But as the days passed, it became itchy, then bloody, then full of pus bubbles. The boy had a painful infection known as folliculitis. His mother complained to their state’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and accused the barber of using unclean barber tools and equipment.

Lack of clean and sterilized tools can cause more than folliculitis. Scalp ringworm, impetigo sores, lice, tetanus, and even the spread of blood borne viral infections are possible, too. 

Improper sterilization can also cause dulled blades, meaning more frequent deterioration and replacement of expensive tools–not to mention potential nicks and cuts.In fact, clients can still accuse you of unsanitary practices even if you aren’t at fault.

Truthful or bogus, accusations of a so-called “dirty” barbershop can tarnish a barber’s reputation—sometimes beyond repair.To keep your barbering business safe, we’re reviewing how to clean and care for barber clippers, shears, and trimmers.

How to Clean Barbering Instruments and Protect Your Business

Knowing how to properly clean your equipment protects youand your clients from infection and contamination. It also keeps your tools in top shape for longer, which saves you money. Moreover, it keeps you compliant with your local laws and regulations and boosts your professionalism. Nonetheless, proper maintenance isn’t always public knowledge. Let’s explore some common questions

1. How often should you clean and maintain your barber tools?

Sanitizing, disinfecting, cleaning, and oiling barber tools should happen between EVERY client. Naturally, if you drop an instrument on the ground, that’s also a good time to clean it.Meanwhile, experts suggest doing a deeper, more intense clean once a week on top of those regular cleanings. What about sharpening? Sharpening every six months is a good rule of thumb, but testthe tension often to check for necessary touch-ups.

2. What do barbers use to clean and disinfect their tools?

Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting are different steps that require different products. While soap and water help you clean, Barbicide immersion, sprays, and wipes are what sterilize and disinfect. Once your clippers are sanitized, you can use compressed air to remove extra clogged debris and a lightweight, heat-resistant clipper oil to keep the tools lubricated. Meanwhile, wear gloves while you clean to protect your skin from harsh chemicals. 

3. What’s the best way to clean and sterilize barbering tools?

To clean and care for most of your tools, follow these simple steps:

• Wash: To prevent infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend cleaning surfaces and tools before sanitizing or disinfecting. So first, clean your equipment with soap and water to remove debris.
• Immerse or Spray: Next, fully immerse them in Barbicide for 10 minutes. Remove all cleantools before replacing them with dirty ones, to avoid contaminating the clean ones. Can’t immerse? Spray disinfectant and let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping it off.
• Oil: After your clippers and trimmers are dry, apply a few drops of oil across the teeth of the blade and one at the back of each rail. Oil daily or even after each use.
• Store: Keep your clean tools in a clean container. Store dirty equipment separately.Most importantly, learn how to properly clean barber equipment per your local and state barber shop sanitation regulations. 

Keep your hands clean with WellnessPro. Even if you keep your tools clean, clients can still have a bad experience and make accusations against your barbering business. They may say you “ruined” their hair. They may blame you for their allergic reaction. Or they might slip and fall in your barbershop and send you the bill.

As you focus on keeping your tools clean, let us keep your hands clean by handling insurance claims against your business. With barbering policies as inexpensive as $159 a year, you can have peace of mind and protection in one clean sweep.

The latest issue of BarberEVO is OUT NOW! 

As the last issue of 2024, and the first issue of 2025 – this edition is looking to the future, with a sense of optimism and, of course, innovation. Pulling together a collection of exclusive content from our esteemed columnists and industry titans – and the best barbers in the biz’ – we’re helping you to kick off your year right! With Brosh in the spotlight on our front cover… this issue is set to be the one that gives edge. Featuring everything from Winter and New Year Styling, Business, and Tech, to Interiors, Advanced Techniques and Hygiene – we’re bringing the heat this season! With all of this… and even more, this issue is one to remember!

COVER

In this issue, we have the iconic Brosh Educator and Ambassador, and Mr Brothers Cut Club Founder Tomoya Nishimori taking the cover with Brosh. The Japanese brand is renowned for their uniquely Japanese take on Americana-style barbering. Combining classic iconography, with contemporary quality – Brosh are blowing up the barbering scene. In the cover piece we delve into our Barber of the Edition, Tomoya Nishimori’s story. Discussing his journey to become a celebrated figure in the global barbering community. In this piece, we also look into his pivotal role as Ambassador and Educator for Asia’s No.1 grooming brand – Brosh.

WINTER

Welcoming us into winter, we have San Diego barber, Ro Silva, talking trends that have evolved into staples. We also have the ultimate festive gift guide from 18.21 Man Made – thanks to the brilliant barbershop Scissors & Scotch. Our esteemed columnists, Tyler Kelbert and Byrd Mena also join us, talking winter wellness and goal setting. We also take a look back over American Crew’s 2024, with our columnist Phoenix Thomson.

RISING STAR

Chico Boom, as always, is bringing the BOOM! And in this edition, he’s also us bringing our Rising Star’s. Talking mentorship, building a career with longevity – and always paving a path for those yet to come, Chico’s column this month is one radiating positivity. He also takes the time to introduce us to our rising stars, Cherry the Barber and DJ Cut It.

BUSINESS

Kicking off business, we have Rob Hopper joining us from his bustling barbershop, The Commodore. With four locations, Rob Hopper is a great example of a great example for BarberEVO readers to boost their business. Also featured are Floyd’s 99, who take a look back at their year; V’s Barbershop, who are celebrating 25 years; and Rolda Ambassador, Jorge Massas. We also sat down with the inspirational Fred Helou, CEO and Founder of Vagaro, to learn more about his story to world-renowned businessman. Don’t forget – we also have all the latest in the world of tech!

INTERIORS

Our Barbershop of the Edition is the stunning Low Ear Barbershop in NYC, led by Mari De Monte. The beautiful shop is inspired by the Japanese Hi-Fi aesthetic and is the culmination of Mari’s purposeful career. We also stop by the barbershops, Mane Studio and Symmetry to chat with Shah the Barber and Kenna Taylor about their subsequent styles… and how Keller helped them along the way. We also learned about RR Head Labs, who don’t only have a pretty face (thanks to Collins) – but also a powerful story, where founder James Repenning ensures that his barbers are creating art with a purpose.

ADVANCED TECHNIQUES

Next up, we have L3VEL3 bringing color craziness to our Advanced Technique feature. The brand talked all things color, design, and the all-important products that you need to bring your vision to life. We also sat down with Igor Sadurskii, who revealed all his secrets when it comes to using his coveted Heiniger clippers. Also in this section, we touch upon SMP and perming.

HYGIENE AND SANITATION

Closing out this edition, we have Andis’ Angie Perino talking clipper hygiene in the barbershop. We also have Wellness Pro delivering their top tips for how you can keep your entire barbershop sparkling clean – and WHY you need to. UK-based celebrity barber, Mark Maciver, [JP1] also offered his advice, taking from his own personal experience in the barbershop.

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Fred Helouis is the driving force behind Vagaro, launching one of the longest standing scheduling software systems. Here, fred tells us about the triumphs of building a business from the ground up, and his commitment to empowering professionals with cutting-edge tech.

“I was born in Lebanon, and I came to the United States when I was 18 years old, fleeing the Lebanese Civil War,” Fred told us. “I went to school to learn computer programming, which was a skill I developed in my first job at a very small company. I found out that I had a real passion for it, finding the quick results you could create very rewarding.”

Fred’s idea for Vagaro originated over 20 years ago, and although it didn’t happen right away, the spark for his innovation never quite died. During one of many work trips to Korea for a computer company, Fred thought to himself, “Man, I really need a haircut when I get home.” But in order to get one on the books, he was going to need to spend $3.00 a minute to make a call to the shop – and even if he did, the time difference meant he would have to make the call in the middle of the night. That’s when he thought, “I wish I could just do it online…”

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Early days

Once that seed was planted, Fred had the idea of creating a scheduling software for salons and barbershops in the back of his mind for years.

“I got a job at a new company, and I was trying to focus at the job at hand, even though I had this great idea,” he explained. “Anyway, my background was in programming robotics, not website programming. I was just like, ‘How do you even start a company? How do you get money to start a company?’ I had no idea how to do any of that.”

“When I started to investigate other businesses, everything had an E in front of it, so initially I called the business eappointment.com and bought the domain for that website. Every time I would mention this to one of my friends at work, they’d laugh,” Fred told us. “It took 10 years until I fully launched the business. I had been laid off during the 2008 recession and took that as a sign to dive in. That’s when I decided that to create my own company and decide my own destiny.”

“I went to Dubai and started working on a business plan. I had my sister and a couple friends invest in the business, so it’s nice knowing that the company was started by four Lebanese people. Two years after that, we were profitable. Now, 15 years later, we have become a household name in the industry – and it’s pretty cool that we were the first app of our kind on app stores.”

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Five star culture

Customer relations are at the forefront of Vagaro, which prompted Fred to develop his five-star company culture. “The way I explain this is that if you go to a restaurant, you should receive excellent service – the water comes right away, and the waiter takes your order, and your food comes… but it’s stone cold,” Fred explained. “The whole time you were having this five-star experience, but one person on the team messed up.”

“It could be either the cook or someone else in the team, which brings your entire experience down to two-stars. So, at Vagaro, we work with this concept in mind that we are a team, and if one of us lets the customer down, then we all do,” he explained. “The entire team is committed to the five-star experience, and that’s not just about customers. Internally, I want everyone in the company to treat each other with respect.”

And how does Fred ensure that this ethos is met across all aspects of the business? It all starts before the customer has even signed up to Vagaro, he explained: “From a customer experience, we want our quality to shine through, right from the advertisements to our webpage. Then, when you get to the point of signing up, we want to ensure the customer still feels like they’re having the same experience. Sometimes, once you sign up for a software, it looks like you’re about to pay taxes on the government website,” Fred laughed.

“We want the experience to be always modern. When you call us for support or you want your information, our employees will treat you with respect and friendliness, while offering you support. We aim to answer the phone in less than two minutes. We offer 24/7 support so people can reach us, whether it’s by phone, chat, or email. We’re more than happy to talk to them, and we want to be relentless in our support. We’re not going to hang up the phone until the customer feels like their question is answered or their issue is solved.”

Fred hopes that this 5-star experience then reflects on the end user. As a barber, you might give 5-star service and haircuts all day long, but if your client’s booking experience was strenuous or frustrating, that could be as detrimental as cold soup during a nice meal.

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Values

And a huge part of Vagaro, is the values and hope they instill in their customers – something Fred feels extremely passionate about. “Our ideal for business is that if our customers prosper, then we prosper with them,” he told us. “We’ve been profitable in business for the last 14 years doing what we are doing, and we just want to ensure we are the best value salon and barbershop software out there.”

“There’s nothing for free in this world, trust me. So many other companies will draw you in with an offer of something for free, but there will be hidden costs. Unfortunately, that’s just the hook to get people in the door. Whereas our aim is to be responsible, we want to support our customers throughout their business journeys, and be a steady, reliable constant, in this ever-changing world.”