343 The Mindset Behind Long-Term Salon Success with Scott Buchanan

Running a successful salon for nearly 40 years in one of the most competitive cities on the planet takes more than talent. It takes the willingness to keep evolving — your model, your mindset, and even the words you use with your team. My guest today, Scott Buchanan of the Manhattan-based Scott J Salons, has done exactly that. From 240 employees across five locations to a leaner, sharper business built around community and culture, Scott's story is one of grit, reinvention, and staying close to what actually works. In this conversation, we get into the real numbers behind a thriving employee-based salon, how Scott thinks about team retention in the age of salon suites, and the one mindset shift that has kept great people loyal to his business for decades. If you want to build something that lasts, this one is worth your full attention. Make sure to hit the like button, subscribe, and ring the bell for future content. 🔔 📖 CHAPTERS You can jump to these key moments: [00:00] Introduction: 40 years in Manhattan and what longevity really takes [00:50] Scott's current business: two locations, 93 staff, and a long road to get here [03:29] Is the age of the big salon over? Scott's honest take on boutique vs. large [05:37] Why Scott considers his team partners, not employees [07:18] Wellness check-ins: reframing performance reviews to drive real change [10:25] How to keep an employee-based team in the age of salon suites [13:55] The blowout story: why you have to be there when the client wants to be there [20:11] How Scott is using AI now and where he sees the salon industry heading [27:33] The key numbers Scott watches most closely, and what they reveal [37:07] Intercoiffure America/Canada: building a community for employee-based salon owners [43:57] Scott's one piece of advice for lasting 40 years in this industry 🌟 LINKS & RESOURCES For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podca... 📣 SOCIALS Instagram:   / growmysalonbusiness   Facebook:   / growmysalonbusiness   TikTok:   / growmysalonbusiness   YouTube:    / growmysalonbusiness   🎧 AUDIO PODCAST You can also listen to the podcast on our website or search Grow My Salon Business on any of your favourite podcast apps. Website - https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7p8kVDh... Amazon Music/Audible - https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/4...