059 This Is What Leadership and Optimism Look Like!

You may not realise it, but I always record this introduction after I have recorded the interview and then edit them together.    I have just finished today's interview with an old friend and NYC salon and school owner Nick Arrojo, and I don’t mind saying it’s had a profound impact on me.    I’ve known Nick since the early 80s when we both worked at Sassoon in the UK and since then he has been one of those success stories building an incredible business in New York, one of the toughest cities in the world. I love success stories and at times like these; I think we need them more than ever.    But, successful people are not successful because they don’t have challenges to overcome, they are successful because they have challenges but they overcome them.    Nick is a salon owner like most of the audience listening to this and like everyone he is also having challenges due to the impact of COVID and the honesty and humility of this interview rams home more than ever what this is really doing to two people's livelihoods and the future of this industry.    In today’s podcast we will discuss: The impact COVID is having on his business Changing business models and the future of hairdressing What leadership, courage and optimism looks like And lots more!   In This Episode: [02:12] Welcome to the show, Nick! [02:55] Nick shares his backstory and his journey to where he is today. [06:13] Listen as Nick discusses what has happened in 2019 and 2020 before, during, and after the pandemic. [09:10] Nick speaks about the unknown zone we have all been in this year with COVID. [12:30] He discusses a salon he had to close in 2020, an emotional and financial hit. [14:11] Nick shares the perfect storm that hit his salons in 2020. [17:11] He speaks about opening one of his salons during reopening, fully booked with clients, and no staff because they all left. [20:01] Nick discusses his other salons and school and the challenges of making them work for the social distance world. [23:02] Every day that his salons are open, he is losing money even today. [26:06] When your employees left, was it because they wanted to go independent or because the government was paying them more to stay home? [30:25] Nick shares the risks he is facing when he closes one of his salons. [33:00] He discusses negotiating with his landlords. [35:32] Nick walked away from his Tribeca location and shared how much he has to pay the landlord. [38:14] You go from victim to survivor daily, and he has decided to be a survivor. [40:51] 50% of his clients have moved out of the area. [44:05] Nick talks about the percentage of salons being independent businesses of one. [46:14] What do you believe is the new business model for salons as we advance? [48:32] Nick shares the membership model idea that he believes will be the hair industry's future. [51:13] Nick describes all the tools you will get once you are part of his membership model. [54:52] When you become an owner, people think you are stealing their money. [56:24] Antony speaks about his idea of a cooperative business model. [59:20] Nick believes that today the asset is the brand, not the brick and mortar. [1:03:38] Nick shares a story from his past, explaining his very optimistic attitude, even though his businesses are falling apart because of the pandemic. [1:06:30] Nick talks about selling his property, which will keep him in business until the tide turns. [1:08:56] Nick believes that better days are ahead. [1:11:45] Thank you for being so optimistic and being open and honest with our listeners. [1:13:40] Thank you for being on the show!   Links and Resources Grow My Salon Business  Find Nick Nick Arrojo Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest