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by MoeGo on Mar 15, 2024 6:09:58 PM
What happens when the precision of a racehorse veterinary technician meets the vision of a seasoned business owner? In Melinda and Sean's story, you'll get a blend of love, ambition, and shared entrepreneurship journey — where family meets big dreams and even bigger hearts.
When they first bought their salon in 2022, Melinda was 6 months postpartum, while Sean just started to juggle between his full-time role as a business analyst and a new salon owner. Two years later, they have built a family of groomers that embodies their vision and passion for pet care.
In this case study, we'll dive into the journey of Melinda and Sean as they transformed their salon's team culture with care, leadership, and operation excellence, setting new standards for pet care businesses.
A sneak peek at the secret formula of people magic in salons? 👀
- ✂️ Defining Roles and Responsibilities
- 📖 An Employee Handbook as Ultimate Source of Truth
- 🗣️ Empowering Leadership and Decision Making
- 🎨 Monthly Team Gatherings -- Paint Nights, Basement Parties, and More!
Melinda & Sean
Before embarking on their 2022 adventure by acquiring a salon in Carmel, Indiana, Melinda was a registered veterinary technician (RVT) for racehorses, while Sean had spearheaded app development for Weaver Popcorn, supercharging Boy Scout fundraising across the nation. Together, raising five children, they embody the perfect blend of partnership in both life and business.
Achievements
Melinda and Sean's Making of a Dream Team
On a bustling day, Melinda lights up the salon with her vibrant presence, often greeting team members with a cheerful "Who wants donuts and coffee? 🍩☕️" Meanwhile, Sean, balancing a full-time job, becomes the salon's evening hero, quietly fixing and ensuring everything is in perfect order for the day ahead.
As they navigate the daily ebb and flow of salon life, Melinda and Sean have crafted a unique approach to team building that harmonizes their vision with the personal touch each member brings to the table. Here's how they've built a strong team culture in the salon:
1. Give Everyone a Title and Job They Deserve
When she first stepped into the salon, Melinda realized that a groomer's job is often unclear, leading to a lack of recognition for their hard-earned skills and contributions.
To tackle this, Melinda and Sean carved out distinct roles and laid down crystal-clear expectations for everyone on the team. It was like finding the perfect fit for a puzzle piece, where everyone knew exactly where they belonged. This strategy sliced through the fog of uncertainty, allowing each member to shine in their unique roles.
2. Create an Employee Handbook
To get everyone on the same page (quite literally), Melinda and Sean created an Employee Handbook, designed to be the ultimate documentation of policies and procedures.
Here are a few things you could include in your Employee Handbook:
- 🧴 Formula for mixing shampoos
- ✂️ Expectations for each role
- 🌟 Steps to take for each service
- ⛑️ Safety procedures
3. Empower Leadership within Your Team
"It just comes down to finding your flow. Once you find that flow, identify the main point-of-contact who's physically in the shop to resolve any issues."
Melinda Stanford
Owner of Platinum Paws
In the first 6 months of trial and error, Melinda and Sean learned that empowering their team leads with decision-making capacity was key to fostering a productive and harmonious work environment.
The appointment of Laura as the first team lead marked a significant step in their journey toward building a self-sufficient team.
To further streamline their salon's operations, Melinda and Sean implemented clear workflows and designated points of contact for various tasks, ensuring that everyone knew precisely where to turn for guidance. Though this approach minimized confusion and facilitated quick resolutions to everyday challenges, Melinda continues to embrace the mindset of "fail and repeat," treating inefficient experiences as a learning opportunity for the team.
4. Create Together Time: Monthly Team Gatherings
At the heart of Platinum Paw's vibrant culture lies a simple yet powerful tradition: monthly team gatherings. These events range from laid-back paint nights at Melinda's home to festive Christmas parties, blending the perfect mix of relaxation and bonding.
With a high 75% average attendance rate, it's clear that these gatherings are a big part of the team's rhythm. Melinda crafts these gatherings to accommodate team members from all walks of life, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to join in the fun and memories.
Questions? Contact your MoeGo Customer Success Representative via email or phone, or leave us a message at community@moego.pet. We’re always here to help.
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