One step at a time...to first place

Andis educator Antonio McGill won first place in the barbering competition this weekend at the Bronner Brothers competition in Atlanta, GA. Those of us who know him were not surprised. His technical work is outstanding. His personal style and creativity are obvious. What is not so obvious is all of the hard work that went into this achievement. I first met Antonio 2 years ago when he placed third in the same event. The next time out he placed second. This time first place was his. Members of the judging panel told me that his model placed first in every one of the judges scoring. This was not just a win but a clear victory for Antonio and Andis. Look for Antonio on stage at an event in your area soon. Watch him and learn from one of the best.

You light up my life

The Bronner Brothers show in Atlanta Georgia was the sight of an amazing event in clipper cutting this weekend. We launched our new Head Light illuminating detachable blade clipper. Barbers and stylist were enthusiastically snapping them up at the Atlanta Barber and beauty booth on the show floor. You can’t cut what you can’t see. The New Andis Head Light is a bright idea that will put your talent in the spotlight. The competition stage where we debuted the tool was a sight to see. The competitors were gifted a new Andis Headlight detachable blade clipper and had to cut for the first 10 min. of the competition in darkness with only the light from the head Light to illuminate their work. It was the dance of the fireflies as the room was set ablaze to the flashing lights of the fast moving tools.

The Birthplace

We went on our family summer vacation road trip. From my last entry you know I love factory tours. We visited the Louisville Slugger factory in Kentucky…the birthplace of the modern baseball bat. We toured the Chevrolet Corvette assembly facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky…the home of the king of the American sports car. We attended a performance at the grand Ole Opry in Nashville…the mother church of country music. We stopped by Sun Records studio on Union street in Memphis…the birthplace of rock and roll. The highlight of the trip (for me), however was a short visit to Kenny’s Styles…The birthplace of clipper cutting education. Kenny Alsup is more than just an Andis educator…He is a living clipper cutting legend. Kenny is responsible for teaching an entire generation in our industry how to clipper cut… including me. He is a mentor, a friend, and the most entertaining clipper cutting educator in the industry. Everyone who has seen his presentations over the years has learned much. Kenny’s Styles is his shop. It is hallowed ground for those of us who know the man and the legend….what a thrill to go there and visit.

Industrial manufacturing magic

I was treated to a tour of the manufacturing facility, warehouse and distribution center of one of my large customers. They are one of the giants of our industry. Marianna Industries of Omaha, NE is an amazing place. I marveled at the inner workings of the factory as owner J.R. Cosentino explained all that goes into labeling bottles, filling and packing and the miracles of technology that happen every day. If you love watching the programs on the food network where they show how 10,000 Twinkies per hour are made and you are a part of our industry this place would blow your mind. Thank you for a really educational experience! I always enjoy sharing the Andis factory with our visitors, vendors, customers and guests…and like J.R. we do not show off the big secrets.

In The Audience

When I go to a show I am usually the one on the stage. I seldom have the opportunity to sit in on other presenters. I welcome the opportunity when it arises. Sometimes I am interested in the content, however, most of the time I am curious to learn from the style and presentation skills of the speaker. This past weekend offered up a great opportunity. I was sharing the stage with 3 others at a large chain salon event. Standard policy is that I always go on last…no one wants to go after me. Since there was one shared stage and I was last I was waitin’ in the wings all day. I watched a wonderful Paul Mitchell educator. Nick Ortega is a talented, funny and giving educator. I enjoyed the way he interacted with the audience. Dennis Margo from Regis Corporation was fun to listen to and shared some great information. Just before my segment I had the pleasure of watching Frank Peterson from Redken. This guy was a real treat. Much of his material was old hat to many of us who have found success in our industry, but the real b eauty was in his presentation style. Funny and engaging, voices and mannerisms, energy and emotion…his program had it all. I can learn a lot from a guy like this. I need to go to a hair show more often…as an attendee…and so do you!

Magic Numbers

Where are your magic numbers? I go looking for the magic numbers and many times they are missing…it is a big world out there. Can I find you? Not likely without the magic numbers…Many times I return from a trade show with a hand full of business cards from people I can help or want to help me. I sit down at my desk to do my follow-up and the magic numbers are missing. If I REALLY want to find you I can put forth the effort. If I have to work hard to find you how tough are you making it for your customers? Give me the magic numbers! I know you aren’t trying to build business across the country and around the globe but in today’s world your business card MUST have your area code and zip code. Those 8 numbers make all the difference.