Gary’s Place Salons and Spa and Scott Talbot Salonspa may pamper their customers, but caring for their employees and the community is also a priority for owners Jeff Scott and Shelly Talbot.
“Despite slowdowns in the economy, layoffs locally and competition from new salons, the attitude has always been the same at Gary’s Place: Work hard to provide quality services and give time to the community, and business will sustain,” Scott says.
The company offers a “golden handcuff” program to top employees: Money is invested for them and is jointly owned by the company and the employee for 10 years. If there is a parting of ways before the maturity date, proceeds are split between the employee and the company.
The company can take up to five years to repay the employee’s half of the proceeds, preventing the employee from using the funds to compete against the company. This program provides employees the financial means to expand their horizons and invest within the company, and helps prevent them from being lured away by the competition.
Scott and Talbot also provide training, offer educational trips and host an annual awards meeting. Benefits include profit-sharing, 401(k)s, 50 percent to 55 percent commission, group insurance and investment counseling.
Employees work with Camp Quality, a week-long camp for children ages 6 to 14 in various stages of cancer treatment. Twenty stylists provide hair, makeup and nail services to the children in preparation for a wrap-up dance at the end of the week.
The spa has even attracted the attention of Cavs player LeBron James, who recently invited 12 single mothers to enjoy a spa day with a catered lunch and limousine transportation. How to reach: GEG Enterprises Inc., (330) 477-3133 or www.garysplacesalons.com
