Welcome to Salon Tech Talks, a 10-part series featuring conversations with innovators and leaders in the pro beauty tech space. In this episode, Gordon is joined by Meevo/Millennium Systems founder and chairman John Harms. At the age of just 16, John founded Millennium Systems (known today as Meevo), working part-time for the salon his hairdresser sister called home. Over the course of the last 37 years, John has been an innovator as well as a witness to the evolution of how salons and pros cond...
Jul 16, 2025•45 min•Ep. 119
Welcome to the premiere episode of Salon Tech Talks, a 10-part series featuring conversations with innovators and leaders in the pro beauty tech space. In this kickoff episode, Gordon is joined by longtime industry tech strategist and advisor Paul Tate. Together, they explore how salon technology has evolved over the last 20 years — and why, despite major advancements, many pros still feel overwhelmed rather than empowered by their systems. They also share insights on the innovations most likely...
Jul 09, 2025•54 min•Ep. 118
My first recording of the new year is about looking forward - and sharing my thoughts on where technology could be taking our industry. I also check in with Chat GPT to get an AI 'perspective' on where robotics (and related technologies) could take salons and professionals over the next 20 years. Importantly, our larger world of consumers does not have a great history of considering the needs of the workforce that serves it (across industries) as a reason NOT to change the role of said workforce...
Jun 25, 2025•24 min
Taking a break from the usual to talk about a topic few of us know enough about - Civics. Per my office buddy Chat GPT, "Civics is all about understanding how government works, how people participate, and how decisions (laws and more) get made". Knowing the basics is valuable in understanding the state of the beauty industry's regulatory landscape... as well as everyday life. Note: this is not a political episode. I stayed way clear of that. Hope you enjoy. :-) *Note: this episode was published ...
Jun 18, 2025•25 min
Regular listeners know that I'm obsessed with Artificial Intelligence (due to its potential to revolutionize the pro beauty industry....across categories). Having said this, I'm very much aware of the potential for AI to create challenges for both the industry and our larger world. Listen in for my take on the not-so-great side of this insanely powerful technology.
Jun 11, 2025•19 min•Ep. 117
I love to talk tech + beauty -in large measure because of the amazing efficiencies the right tech can bring to salons and pros. But what we don't talk about enough are the potential downsides to tech - and top of that list for me are the distractions from our work being caused across the industry by the misuse of social media AND our devices while 'on the job'. Listen in for my take on what I believe is one of the industry's most significant challenges in building success.
Jun 04, 2025•22 min•Ep. 116
E-commerce continues evolving across America, but here's the reality: most retail still happens in physical stores, and that's not changing dramatically anytime soon. For salons, this is great news. However, there's a huge opportunity we're missing. Today we'll add to the conversation how smart integration of digital and physical experiences can transform your salon business, better serve your clients, and capture revenue you're currently leaving on the table.
May 28, 2025•34 min•Ep. 115
In this special episode, I break down the latest developments from Congress on tipping and taxes. Both the Senate and House have introduced bills aiming to provide income tax relief for tipped workers—but with key differences including in what’s proposed, who qualifies, what it means for employees, employers, and independents, and the potential impact on your bottom line. A must listen to episode for any and all in the pro beauty space.
May 23, 2025•20 min•Ep. 114
Getting this podcast back more solidly focused on tech - starting with an update this week on what I see going on around - and within - the industry. Looking forward to adding some of the industry's most important leaders in tech to these conversations. Listen in...and stay tuned! :-)
May 21, 2025•33 min•Ep. 113
Words are so powerful! They can inform, inspire, and/or elevate- or they can confuse, crush and/or diminish. In this episode, I share context around the powerful 'labels' we attach to most individuals who work behind the chair, in classrooms, or on stages. Today we often refer to all who are licensed as Artists and Professionals; and all who are self-employed as Entrepreneurs. Listen in for my take on all of this and more. *Note: this episode was published originally as #95...
May 14, 2025•21 min
A quick episode offering some context on the uncertain times we find ourselves in. Reading the consumer press, it's hard not to be concerned about the direction of our larger US economy. And although we are not (yet) officially in a recession, being aware so that we can best react (proactively, ideally) and plan is the best place for most of us to start.
May 07, 2025•19 min•Ep. 112
Listen to Part Two of my conversation with NAHA award-winning educator and our industry's most prominent social activist Keya Neal. We've all been through a lot in recent years, including witnessing the gutting of D.E.I. initiatives across the USA. What might it mean for pro beauty - and what's next (Part 2)?
Apr 30, 2025•49 min•Ep. 111
Today perhaps more than ever, there is tension by many (inside of the industry) between the ideas of artistry and service. Most concerning is what seems to be the opinion of many that these are mutually exclusive ideas - that we cannot be artists as well as 'service providers'. On that point, I've never heard a consumer call us with either of these terms. Both to me are inside the industry terms - as the public tends to call us their 'hairdressers, stylists and/or barbers'. A short rant on some ...
Apr 23, 2025•15 min
Award-winning educator and social activist Keya Neal joins Gordon to share her backstory before we dive into a serious conversation around race, texture, and the professional salon industry. We've all been through a lot in recent years, including witnessing the recent gutting of D.E.I. initiatives across the USA. What might it mean for pro beauty - and what's next? Listen in to Part 1 of our 2-episode series with Keya. Watch for Part 2 to release on 4/23/2025.
Apr 16, 2025•56 min•Ep. 110
I'm excited to welcome back @growmysalonbusiness founder Antony Whitaker to discuss the state of the industry during what I consider to be 'fuzzy' economic times, the importance(and power)of investing in yourself to solve business and career challenges, and much more (all related to the business side of creating long-term success). Note: Be sure to check out one of my favorite industry podcasts: Grow My Salon Business, hosted by Antony Whitaker.
Apr 09, 2025•53 min•Ep. 109
According to Chat GPT, Economics is "the study of how people use resources and make decisions about money. It looks at how goods and services are produced, distributed, and consumed, and it helps us understand how individuals, businesses, and governments manage their finances and resources to meet their needs and wants." It's as much as 'art' as it is a science - and is the topic of today's episode! *Note: this episode was published originally as #86
Apr 02, 2025•28 min
The pro salon industry talks a LOT about the "6 figure hairdresser" but rarely with clarity about what it takes to get there. In today's episode, I share my lessons learned from Antony Whitaker's Grow My Salon Business podcast (Episode 267). Antony interviews guest Maxwell Snow, a color specialist at Atlanta's Van Michael Salon who is among the top-earning hairdressers working behind the chair in the USA. I share my notes from this inspired conversation digging into the practices and beliefs tha...
Mar 26, 2025•16 min
Tatum Neill's Elevate Hair is turning 10 this year - and true to its name, the popular event has helped to ELEVATE the careers of more than a few up-and-coming Artists. The artist, technical, business & social media educator, corporate executive & DJ is also a member of the industry's iconic Neill family. Following his recent surprise 'appearance' on the leading tech podcast in America(Pivot), I just had to have Tatum on for a chat (inspiring me to add some interesting future guests back...
Mar 19, 2025•50 min•Ep. 108
Taking a break from the usual to talk about a topic few of us know enough about - Civics. Per my office buddy Chat GPT, "Civics is all about understanding how government works, how people participate, and how decisions (laws and more) get made". Knowing the basics is valuable in understanding the state of the beauty industry's regulatory landscape... as well as everyday life. Note: this is not a political episode. I stayed way clear of that. Hope you enjoy. :-)
Mar 12, 2025•25 min•Ep. 107
In this episode, I tackle several topics including the Pre-Booking/Re-Booking "controversy", an update on rising inflation and tariffs and how to consider relative to your business, the continuing trend of falling retail sales in salons, and our perceptions around shifting consumer behaviors. On the AI front, I used ChatGPT to get feedback around that last point and share it verbatim to help show the power of these platforms.
Mar 05, 2025•23 min•Ep. 106
Over the last 10 years, Suites have arguably been the #1 disruptor of the professional salon industry. The tremendous growth in suites has led to hiring and retention problems for traditional salons, revenue challenges for brands, business model challenges for distributors, and educational challenges for schools. Listen in for my take on what the real 'trouble' with Suites is, my projections for continued growth - and, with a little help from AI-, the pros and cons of going into the Suite life. ...
Feb 26, 2025•28 min
The fast pace of innovations in Artificial intelligence is like nothing we've ever seen - including the release last week of the exponentially powerful Deep Research functions that Open AI, Perpleixity, and Google's Gemini have all just launched. This week I give my take on the power of this innovation to go deep into 'the weeds' of our industry to provide meaningful insights into the true inner workings of the pro beauty industry.
Feb 19, 2025•22 min•Ep. 105
Although there is much uncertainty around the plan to put tariffs on Mexico, Canada, China and the E.U., the ongoing threat makes this a topic perhaps worthy of some conversation. Big picture, tariff's almost always add inflationary pressures (for starters). Given our industry's struggles with pricing and price increases-and the large amount of products, tools and furnishings being imported, some context may be helpful to some. Listen in for my take on the possible impact of tariffs - and how to...
Feb 05, 2025•21 min•Ep. 104
My quick tour around the various digital and social platform categories and tools with my added take on how to consider each in building your career and/or business. My most important 'aha' relative to this topic: social media is not only 'old' but it is also very much overhyped in terms of results across the industry. As a long-time 'evangelist' for these platforms relative, I'm here to say that we should all take a big step back to consider our effort vs ROI around all things social media and ...
Jan 29, 2025•19 min•Ep. 103
My first recording of the new year is about looking forward - and sharing my thoughts on where technology could be taking our industry. I also check in with Chat GPT to get an AI 'perspective' on where robotics (and related technologies) could take salons and professionals over the next 20 years. Importantly, our larger world of consumers does not have a great history of considering the needs of the workforce that serves it (across industries) as a reason NOT to change the role of said workforce...
Jan 22, 2025•23 min•Ep. 102
This episode is re-shared for a 5-part Anthology of 2024's most-listened to episodes -all focused on "Bad Coaching" and the misinformation and real damage it can cause. Schedule of Anthology releases: 12/25: #76 12/30: #78, 1/1: #87, 1/6: #98, and 1/8: #80. Today's episode description: Apologies for remaining in the bad coaching lane but they are at it again - this time recommending salons spend $2500 on building a custome app that will, according to the duo, be more valuable than your business ...
Jan 08, 2025•29 min
This episode is re-shared for a 5-part Anthology of 2024's most-listened to episodes -all focused on "Bad Coaching" and the misinformation and real damage it can cause. Schedule of Anthology releases: 12/25: #76 12/30: #78, 1/1: #87, 1/6: #98, and 1/8: #80. Today's episode description: My quick update on the continuing challenge of bad coaching (fueled by misinformation and clickbait). Sadly, careers and salons continue to be DESTROYED by an effort to somehow "salon differently" under the 'guida...
Jan 06, 2025•22 min
This episode is re-shared for a 5-part Anthology of 2024's most-listened to episodes -all focused on "Bad Coaching" and the misinformation and real damage it can cause. Schedule of Anthology releases: 12/25: #76 12/30: #78, 1/1: #87, 1/6: #98, and 1/8: #80. Today's episode description: Following another DTH podcast sharing MORE bad advice(on how to leave a salon as an employee), I'm inspired to react to it - and a lot more. I've dug deep into DTH to try and figure out why they think the way they...
Jan 01, 2025•59 min
This episode is re-shared for a 5-part Anthology of 2024's most-listened to episodes -all focused on "Bad Coaching" and the misinformation and real damage it can cause. Schedule of Anthology releases: 12/25: #76 12/30: #78, 1/1: #87, 1/6: #98, and 1/8: #80. Today's episode description: Apologies in advance for going down this rabbit hole but hearing the anti-retail coaches suddenly promote in-salon retail stopped me in my tracks - for about a minute. On closer listen, it became clear that this c...
Dec 30, 2024•19 min
This episode is re-shared for a 5-part Anthology of 2024's most-listened to episodes -all focused on "Bad Coaching" and the misinformation and real damage it can cause. Schedule of Anthology releases: 12/25: #76 12/30: #78, 1/1: #87, 1/6: #98, and 1/8: #80. Today's episode description: "Change" is more often than not a good thing - and is essential for any business to thrive in the long term. Having said this, with change comes risk - perhaps today more than ever given the amount of industry-rel...
Dec 25, 2024•32 min
