The REFINE Network

In this episode, Christopher sits down with Joanne to talk about what it really takes for a salon to grow through systems—not guesswork. From resetting her front desk, to grounding her service providers, to bringing an associate through The Artist Academy, Joanne shares the real-time shifts she’s making to simplify onboarding and strengthen her team. They dive into how clarity creates momentum, why training needs to be replicable (not dependent on one person), and how The Artist Academy freed up her educators while getting new artists earning faster. Joanne also talks about hiring consistently, staying ahead of the next associate, and what she learned about timing, communication, and trust throughout the process. To round out the conversation, they touch on vitality—training for a half Ironman, rebuilding routines, and staying aligned personally so you can lead well professionally. This is an inside look at how system-driven salons create sustainable growth. 🔗 Resources & Links 📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/growth-coaching  🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy 📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):Search “The Refine Network” in your app store 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork

In this episode, Christopher sits down with Tim Howard, Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer of Vish, to dive into the technology that’s transforming the color bar — and the profitability of salons everywhere. Tim shares how Vish was born from a simple but game-changing insight: salons were using their most expensive inventory with zero tracking. Together, they break down how color waste really happens, why consistent pricing matters more than ever, and how tech gives salons the boundaries, clarity, and confidence they’ve always needed. They also explore leadership, adaptability, routine, and the power of understanding ourselves — from morning habits to gut health to the Enneagram. It’s a conversation about color, data, and the mindset shifts that help owners lead more intentionally. . 🔗 Resources & Links 📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/growth-coaching  🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy 📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):Search “The Refine Network” in your app store 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork

Leadership isn’t just strategy — it’s resilience, intention, and the courage to keep showing up even when it’s hard. In this episode, Christopher Hartl and Evan Silver sit down with Erin Jenkins, owner of Canvas Salon & Day Spa, live from L’ANZA’s Healing Center Forum in Cancún. Together, they unpack the reality of salon ownership: walkouts, rebuilding trust, strengthening culture, and leading with heart. Erin shares the story of a major walkout that transformed the way she hires, communicates, and protects her vision, along with how her family supported her through one of the hardest seasons of her career. She talks about bringing her kids to this retreat, the intentional rituals that center her (like praying over each station every week), and the role of education and tech tools like Vish and Forest in scaling her business. If you’re navigating growth, leadership, or the ups and downs of salon ownership — this conversation will feel grounding, inspiring, and deeply human. . 🔗 Resources & Links 📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/growth-coaching  🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy 📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):Search “The Refine Network” in your app store 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork

Building a thriving salon team takes more than talent — it takes systems, clarity, and shared language.In this episode, Christopher and Erin dive deep into the evolution of the Refine Artist Academy — a digital education system designed to help salons scale education, strengthen culture, and free up time for owners and leaders. They break down what it really looks like to move from chaos to consistency, how to calculate ROI on training, and why margin — not model — is what drives sustainable growth.If you’ve ever wondered how to confidently hire, train, and retain stylists while elevating your culture — this one’s for you. 🔗 Resources & Links 🎓 Learn more about The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy 📈 Explore Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/growth 📥 Get on the waitlist for SCALE 2026:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App:Available on the App Store & Google Play — search “The Refine Network” 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork Chapters 00:00 – Culture, Leadership & Growth04:19 – What the Artist Academy Is06:11 – Confidence to Hire & Expand08:09 – Freeing Up Time Through Systems10:45 – Retaining High Performers11:27 – Quick App Break: The Refine Network11:45 – Shared Language, Shared Results14:00 – ROI and Real Numbers Behind Training18:02 – Attracting Driven Stylists20:32 – Growth, Legacy & Leadership23:12 – Overcoming Hesitation & Investing in Systems28:12 – From Reactive to Responsive30:27 – Final Thoughts & Invitation

At L’ANZA’s Healing Center Forum in Cancún, this conversation with Brandie Huether, Executive Vice President of Global Sales at L’ANZA, dives into what it means to lead with both heart and results. Brandie shares her approach to leadership that balances strategy with humanity—building teams and partnerships through empathy, accountability, and joy. From her daily ice cream ritual to her “heart-centered, results-oriented” philosophy, she shows that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of authenticity. We explore servant leadership in the smallest moments and why vulnerability and accountability are essential to real growth—both personally and professionally.

Erin takes over the mic and puts Christopher and Evan in the hot seat to talk about what truly sets The Refine Network apart. From the origins of Refine to the heart behind salon growth, leadership, and pricing — this episode pulls back the curtain on how two salon owners turned their shared experience into a movement that’s making growth simple. 🎧 In this episode: Erin flips the script and interviews the founders How Refine started (and what the mission really is) The difference between Growth Coaching and Scale Why simplicity wins in leadership + profitability How Refine helps owners lead, not just manage 🔗 Resources & Links 📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching: https://www.therefinenetwork.com/growth 🎓 Join The Artist Academy: https://www.therefinenetwork.com/arti... 📥 Get on the waitlist for SCALE 2026: https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App: Available on the App Store & Google Play — search “The Refine Network” 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @therefinenetwork

In this episode, Evan and Chris dive into why high-performing stylists and service providers leave — and what leaders can do to keep them. They unpack three core reasons top talent drifts away: leadership, goals, and purpose. From unlearning old habits and coaching differently to creating clear career paths and connecting your team to something bigger, this conversation will challenge how you think about leading in today’s salon industry. Because when your people win, your company wins. 🔗 Resources & Links📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/grow... 🎓 Join The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/arti... 📥 Get on the waitlist for SCALE 2026:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork

Every leader is faced with opportunities—but not everyone takes them. In this episode, we unpack seven ways leaders can recognize, step into, and maximize the moments that move their life and business forward. From passion and initiative to resourcefulness, courage, and celebrating wins with your team, you’ll hear real stories and practical insights you can apply right away.

What’s the difference between venting and gossip — and why does it matter for your team? In this episode, we react to a fiery Dave Ramsey clip and explore how negativity shows up in salons, why it damages trust, and what leaders can do to protect their culture. From handling complaints with solutions to setting clear team standards, we unpack the ongoing work of maintaining a healthy environment where respect and growth can thrive. 🔗 Resources & Links 📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/grow 🎓 Join The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy 📥 Get on the waitlist for SCALE 2025:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork

Ever feel like you’re just showing up, unlocking the doors, and going through the motions? In this episode, we talk about what to do when the passion fades — and how to reconnect with the purpose behind your work. We break down the “ladder of the 4 P’s” (Paycheck → Passion → Philanthropy → Purpose) and share real stories from the salon floor and beyond about finding your magic again. Whether you’re a stylist, salon owner, or leader in any industry, this episode is about moving past burnout and back into inspired work. 🔗 Resources & Links: ✨ Growth Coaching: therefinenetwork.com/growth-coaching  🎓 The Artist Academy: therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy  📥 Get on the list for Scale 2025: therefinenetwork.com/scale  📸 Follow us on Instagram: @therefinenetwork

In this episode of The Refine Network Podcast, we sit down with Joe DiFalco, Senior Partnerships Manager at Phorest, one of the leading salon software platforms, to talk about where the industry is headed and how technology is shaping the future of salons. From the rise of goal-setting features to the power of data-driven decision making, Joe shares insights from over 7 years at Phorest — including what salons are doing differently to grow, which trends are shaping the industry, and why the right tech can be the difference between staying stuck and scaling up. If you’ve ever wondered how software can go beyond booking to truly impact your salon’s success, this conversation is for you. 🔗 Links & Resources:📊 Learn more about Skill Coaching: www.therefinenetwork.com/skillcoaching🎓 Join The Artist Academy: www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy📥 Get on the list for Scale 2025: www.therefinenetwork.com/scale📸 Follow us on Instagram: @therefinenetwork

What do people actually regret at the end of their lives—and how can leaders like you avoid the same fate? In this episode, David Naim returns to share three powerful reflections from his late father’s legacy that every leader should hear: the importance of reflection, relationships, and risk. If you're building a business, a team, or a life with purpose, this one will hit home. Whether you're in your 20s wondering about your purpose, or leading an organization and feeling pulled in every direction—these are the reminders that matter most. 🔗 Resources & Links📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/growth-coaching 🎓 Join The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy 📥 Get on the waitlist for SCALE 2025:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork

We’re bringing you something special. This exclusive episode is part of our Scale Coaching Series, where we take you behind the scenes of the systems, structure, and strategy that fuel real salon growth. In part one, you’ll hear what happens when 40% of your revenue disappears overnight, what you must know about your back bar, and how to lead your team with confidence—not chaos. 👉 Want parts 2 and 3? They’re available exclusively at therefinenetwork.com/scale—just scroll to the bottom of the page to listen. 🔗 Links & Resources: 📊 Learn more about Skill Coaching: therefinenetwork.com/skillcoaching 🎓 Join The Artist Academy: therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy 📥 Get on the list for Scale 2025: therefinenetwork.com/scale 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @therefinenetwork

From KPI boards and shout‑outs to meetings that keep everyone aligned, we share practical examples, mindset shifts, and stories from real salons. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to solve the same problems over and over, this one’s for you. 🔗 Links & Resources:Learn more about Skill Coaching: refinenetwork.com/skillcoachingJoin The Artist Academy: refinenetwork.com/artistacademyGet on the list for Scale: refinenetwork.com/scaleFollow us on Instagram: @therefinenetwork

In this episode, we’re diving into what it really takes to build a connected, high-performing salon team—from group flow and psychological safety to leadership habits and onboarding systems that scale. If you’ve ever struggled with new hires disrupting the vibe, educator burnout, or wondering how involved you should be as an owner — this one’s for you. We’re talking training, trust, and the strategies that keep your culture strong. 🔗 Links & Resources:Learn more about The Artist Academy: https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy Follow us on Instagram: @therefinenetwork

Not all numbers are created equal. In this episode, we break down the metrics that are holding salons back—and the ones that actually drive growth. From service sales per hour to average ticket, we're cutting through the noise and simplifying what matters most. If you're still basing promotions on retail percentage or obsessing over rebooks at checkout, this one’s for you. Learn how to shift your focus, coach with clarity, and make data work for your team—not against them. 🔗 Links & Resources:📊 Learn more about Skill Coaching: refinenetwork.com/skillcoaching🎓 Join The Artist Academy: refinenetwork.com/artistacademy📥 Get on the list for Scale 2025: refinenetwork.com/scale📸 Follow us on Instagram: @therefinenetwork

In this episode, Gordon Miller returns to the podcast for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of the beauty industry. From tech innovations like AI agents and intuitive salon systems to the realities of leadership, mentorship, and financial transparency, Gordon shares powerful insights rooted in decades of experience. We talk about: • What tech really means for salon owners (and how to embrace it) • The shift from manual management to intuitive automation • The danger of unrealistic messaging in beauty education • How leadership today can better serve future generations • And why kindness, context, and clarity still matter most This isn’t just a conversation about trends—it’s about building a sustainable, empowering future for salon professionals at every stage. Whether you're a new stylist, a seasoned owner, or somewhere in between, this episode will leave you thinking deeper about what’s next. 🔗 Learn more about The Refine Network and how we help salon leaders build thriving teams: www.therefinenetwork.com 🔗 Explore the Leaders Retreat: www.therefinenetwork.com/retreat 📲 Connect with TRN: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therefinenetwork/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557467807003 🎙 Guest: Gordon Miller, https://www.socialbeautymakers.com/00:00 – Intro & Icebreaker: You’re given a personal assistant for life, and they can only do one thing. What are they doing?05:09 – How Gordon Hopes to Be Remembered in the Industry06:28 – What Salon Owners Should Be Focused on Right Now08:57 – What’s Working in Salons Today12:26 – Integrating Tech Without Losing Human Connection15:22 – How Salon Education Is Evolving19:37 – What Holds Leaders Back from Growth23:48 – Advice for Overwhelmed Salon Owners30:12 – Where to Connect with Gordon

In this episode, we’re breaking down the AVV Approach—what it really means to be Available, Visible, and Valuable as a leader. From jumping in to help at the front desk to noticing the tiny details that shape the team’s experience, Evan and Chris get real about how small actions can build trust and impact culture. You’ll hear insights on:- Why leadership isn’t about hierarchy—it’s about presence- How showing up in unexpected ways earns real equity with your team- What stepping into support roles teaches you (and reveals)- The tools and mindset shifts that create visibility without ego Whether you’re running a salon or leading a support team, this conversation offers practical takeaways and mindset shifts to help you lead with clarity, care, and consistency. 🔗 Learn more about The Refine Network and upcoming events: www.therefinenetwork.com 📲 Follow TRN:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therefinenetwork/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557467807003

In this bonus episode, we’re fresh off the REFINE Leader’s Retreat and sitting down to talk through what made this one feel different—from emotional breakthroughs and honest conversations to real-time strategy shifts and unexpected team bonding (golf included). We get into: • The power of vulnerability in leadership • What it really takes to build strong team culture • Systems that support—not stifle—your growth • Why authenticity, not perfection, is the goal Whether you're leading a salon, building a business, or just figuring out your next step, this behind-the-scenes look is full of real takeaways and reminders that you’re not in this alone. 🔗 Learn more about the REFINE Leader’s Retreat: www.therefinenetwork.com/retreat 🔗 More about TRN and our work: www.therefinenetwork.com 📲 Connect with TRN: 🔗 https://www.instagram.com/therefinenetwork/🔗 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557467807003

In this episode, we sit down with salon owner and industry leader Wendy Bélanger for an honest, insightful conversation about leadership, change, and the lessons no one talks about. From opening a second business during a season of personal and professional upheaval to reshaping how she leads her team, Wendy shares what it really means to evolve—and how taking ownership of your mistakes can transform your culture for the better. You’ll hear takeaways on: • Building a business that supports team growth • Navigating pivots and learning the hard way • Letting go of ego to lead with authenticity • Why vulnerability is a leadership superpower • How to create connection and culture that lasts Whether you’re managing a team or dreaming up your next big move, this conversation is packed with real-world wisdom from someone who’s done the work—and kept going. 🔗 Learn more about The Refine Network and how we help salon leaders build thriving teams: www.therefinenetwork.com 📲 Connect with TRN: 🔗 Instagram: @therefinenetwork 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089433697729