Lessons from the Chair
The people in our salon chairs help us thrive. They’re also sources of wisdom, friendship and good vibes.
At Weekly, we put a lot of pride in treating everyone—and their hair—with respect and kindness. No one is taken for granted. We invest ourselves in every client.
And for us, that has been the single most important factor in creating a brand people return to. We are genuinely interested in the people we serve.
It pays off.
Here are some examples that show how connecting with our clients has helped us and our business grow.
Max Kerman - Friend and member of Arkells
Max Kerman is a beautiful human being. One of the kindest. Our kismet friendship started because Craig Boa kept the lights on after a long week.
When bands are on tour, hair doesn’t stop growing. Shocking, but it’s true. So they take chances with local salons, hoping to stay trim and proper. When the Arkells came through Edmonton, Max needed a haircut. He called Weekly while Craig was about to lock up for the week. It would’ve been easy to say no. Certainly Craig had earned his just and true reward of relaxation and frosty suds. But, listening to his intuition, he stayed open for Max.
You know when you meet someone and it feels like you’ve been friends your entire life? That’s what happened when Craig met Max. But looking more closely, it’s easy to see why. While their professions are different, their approaches to their crafts are similar. They also both go out of their way to help others. Max’s list of random acts of kindness is too long to mention, but a few weeks ago, a friend of Craig’s needed a coffee table delivered from Hamilton to Toronto. For some reason unbeknownst to us, Max—without asking—delivered the table. It was only after the fact that Craig let his friend know her delivery guy was also the lead serenader of a fantastic band.
And when the NHL asked Craig to be their Bubble Barber, it was Max who put his name forward.
That would’ve never happened if Craig had just gone home instead. The opportunities have been amazing—but their lasting friendship is what Craig loves the most.
The Edmonton Oilers - Hockey and Friendship Team
Former Edmonton Oiler, and current heartthrob, David Perron, needed a haircut. Again, Craig was just shutting things down when we got the call. He gave it a quick thought.
“Come on over. I’ll stay open.”
Perron showed up and over the next 45 minutes, the barber and the hockey player became friends.
Afterwards they exchanged numbers. The next day, Perron texted Craig to book in half of the Edmonton Oilers locker room. Hall, Nugent-Hopkins, Petry and Eberle all stopped by Weekly. McDavid was still on his way up from the OHL. But once he arrived, his roommate, Taylor Hall, brought him in for a Weekly haircut too.
All our great experiences with those guys never would’ve happened had we not kept the lights on for Perron, taking the time to get to know him while he got a terrific coif.
Michael Dub - Friend and Architect
Michael Dub is the principal architect at Dub Architects. He’s also a long-time client and friend of Weekly. When Craig first began cutting Dub’s hair, Craig’s interest in people took over. Through conversation and clips, they realized how easy it was to get along.
The work Dub Architects does is admirable. If you’ve driven along 104th ave on your way to Weekly, you’ve likely seen their stunning creations.
Architects of Dub’s high-level capabilities rarely design interiors. But when Craig needed help to create a space for Weekly, Dub offered his services. When it was time to open shop number two, Dub once again lent a hand. Actually, “lent a hand” doesn’t do everything Michael’s done for us justice. His detailed drawings helped create a space where customers and hair dressers feel at home. That’s no small feat.
If Craig and Dub hadn’t started a friendship from the chair, the Weekly we know and love would not be here. Thank goodness for good friends and building meaningful relationships behind the chair.
So what’s the secret?
If you show genuine interest in your customers, they’ll become something more. Favourable outcomes are nice, but it shouldn’t be the goal. This is the long game. It’s about building a brand people love by creating meaningful experiences wherever and whenever you can.
Never underestimate the positive influence people can have on your business. That’s where the growth is.
