Maneframe

JEFF ALFORD
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Business

Maneframe is hosted by Jeff Alford, CEO of the CBON Group, and dives into the world of hair through conversations with stylists and industry leaders worldwide. From trends and techniques to business and haircare tips, each episode brings you the stories and insights shaping the hairstyling industry. Great Hair Begins with a Great Chair! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2d ago

    From Cabbagetown to the Commonwealth: Mike Goncalves on Rebuilding Respect in Hairdressing

    What does it take to go from a Cabbagetown upbringing to building an Aveda empire in Toronto — and then reimagine an entire industry's standards from the ground up? In this episode, host Jeff sits down with Mike Goncalves, hairdresser, salon owner, and co-founder of the Commonwealth Beauty Council. Mike shares his journey from discovering hairdressing at Vidal Sassoon Academy in LA to running two Aveda concept salons for 18 years, surviving a near-fatal motorcycle accident and coma, and rebuilding both his career and his community as founder of the Yonge & St. Clair BIA. He opens up about how COVID exposed a "rock bottom" moment for the industry — home services, the salon suite boom, and a growing loss of professional respect — and how that crisis sparked the idea for the Commonwealth Beauty Council, a Michelin-inspired rating system for hairdressers built with his daughter. Tune in for a raw conversation about resilience, mentorship, and why hairdressers deserve far more recognition than they get. In this episode: Mike's roots in Toronto and his path into hairdressing via Vidal Sassoon AcademyBuilding an Aveda empire and the realities of salon ownershipA near-fatal accident, recovery, and founding the Yonge & St. Clair BIACOVID's impact on the industry and the rise of salon suitesThe education crisis in hairdressingThe Michelin-inspired Star System and the October launch at Olympia Beauty Show, London Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    From Cabbagetown to the Commonwealth: Mike Goncalves on Rebuilding Respect in Hairdressing

  2. Season 2, Episode 3 Trailer

    From Aerospace to Aesthetics: Building an Empire in an Unregulated Industry | Ft. Paul Langston

    What does a career in aerospace and computer science have to do with running a multi-door beauty and aesthetics business? On this episode, Paul and Jeff sit down with a guest whose journey took an unexpected turn from the early days of the computer industry into one of the fastest-growing, least-regulated spaces in business today — nails, aesthetics, and salon services. They dig into how the industry is consolidating as small single-site shops get absorbed by bigger, smarter players, why the low barrier to entry is both an opportunity and a trap for entrepreneurs, and what it really means to operate with almost no regulatory oversight. The conversation also covers the mindset shift practitioners need to make to stay competitive, and why AI and new technology are set to reshape the industry all over again. Whether you're already in the beauty and wellness space or just curious how an "unglamorous" industry quietly built a 100,000-practitioner workforce, this episode is packed with insight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    From Aerospace to Aesthetics: Building an Empire in an Unregulated Industry | Ft. Paul Langston

  3. Jul 25

    The Future of Hairdressing: Who Survives What’s Next?

    The salon industry is changing—and faster than many realize. With salon numbers declining, independent work on the rise, and the average hairdresser working fewer hours, the traditional structure of the industry is being rewritten. In this candid conversation, we explore the forces behind that transformation: the disappearance of the industry’s “middle class,” the rise of independent professionals, changing salon economics, and the growing influence of AI and technology. Will robots eventually find their way into salons? Can the middle of the industry make a comeback? And what will separate the professionals and businesses that thrive from those that struggle? Blending decades of beauty-industry experience with a deeply personal journey, this episode looks beyond the challenges to ask a bigger question: What could the next structure of the professional beauty industry look like? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Future of Hairdressing: Who Survives What’s Next?

  4. Jun 16

    From Stigma to Success | The Evolution of the Hair Industry Ft. Brian Ahrens

    Welcome to the very first episode of the Maneframe Podcast!✨ In this episode, we sit down with Brian Ahrens, a beauty industry veteran with over 40 years of experience working alongside some of the biggest professional hair care brands across North America. From starting his journey as an entrepreneur to leading renowned brands like Goldwell, KMS, Aveda, Revlon, American Crew, CND, Joico, STMNT, Authentic Beauty Concept, and Zotos, Brian shares the lessons, challenges, and opportunities that shaped his remarkable career. We dive into the evolution of the North American hair industry, what separates thriving salons from struggling ones, and why great people, great products, and strong profitability remain the foundation of every successful beauty business. Brian also shares his perspective on the future of the salon industry, the growing role of technology, and how Maneframe is helping hairstylists, salon owners, and beauty professionals build stronger, more connected businesses. Whether you're a hairstylist, salon owner, beauty entrepreneur, educator, distributor, or industry leader, this conversation is packed with valuable insights from someone who has seen the industry evolve firsthand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    From Stigma to Success | The Evolution of the Hair Industry Ft. Brian Ahrens

  5. 2025-12-17

    Running a Modern Barbershop | Brittney Bodis on Building Frontier Barbers & Company

    On this episode of Hairstory, host Jeff Alford sits down with Brittney Bodis, owner of Frontier Barbers & Company in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario. Brittney shares her journey from hair school in Newmarket to salon work, a brief detour into law clerking, and ultimately finding her passion behind the barber chair. She opens up about renovating a historic downtown space, opening just before COVID, surviving months of shutdowns through creativity and grit, and what it truly takes to run a modern barbershop. This honest conversation explores leadership, hiring, work-life balance, changing industry expectations, and why barbering remains one of the most human and community-driven professions. HairStory is sponsored by Preempt & Prevention – Great Hair Begins with a Great Chair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. 2025-12-04

    Protective Styling & Purpose | The Powerful Story of Shenzy Beauty

    In this episode of Hairstory, host Jeff Alford sits down with Shenzy, founder of Shenzy Beauty in Welland, Ontario, to explore her remarkable journey from the Caribbean island of St. Vincent to becoming an influential protective-styling specialist in Canada. Shenzy shares how she built her business from the corner of her living room, the growing demand for Black hair services in Niagara, and the powerful impact hairstylists have on the emotional well-being of their clients. From launching her own product line to supporting clients through deeply personal challenges, this conversation highlights the heart, resilience, and purpose that define the real professionals in the hair industry. HairStory is sponsored by Preempt & Prevention – Great Hair Begins with a Great Chair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. 2025-11-28

    30 Years Behind the Chair | The Carlo Lombardo Story

    Step into the world of hair, heart, and community with this inspiring conversation between Jeff and veteran hairstylist and entrepreneur Carlo Lombardo. From growing up in a family of hairdressers to opening his first salon at just 19, Carlo shares his incredible 30-year journey in the beauty industry. He opens up about the evolution of salon culture, the struggles of staffing, rising costs, the emotional bonds with clients, and the profound impact hairstylists have on mental health and community life. Today, Carlo is expanding from salon owner to North American distributor—proving that passion, resilience, and relationships can build a lifelong legacy. HairStory is sponsored by Preempt & Prevention – Great Hair Begins with a Great Chair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. 2025-11-19

    Crafting Confidence | Cheryl Gushue’s Journey Through Beauty

    Fashion-trained and Toronto-raised, Cheryl Gushue has spent a lifetime at the intersection of beauty and creativity—makeup artist, stylist, educator, and now publisher of Beauty Hub Magazine. In this Hairstory episode, Cheryl walks us through her path from early days at Fiorio and Capucci to award-winning shoots (NAHA & Contessa), televised makeovers (Cityline, Steven & Chris), and global tours styling for Goldwell Color Zoom in Vegas, Berlin, Paris, and beyond. HairStory is sponsored by Preempt & Prevention – Great Hair Begins with a Great Chair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Maneframe is hosted by Jeff Alford, CEO of the CBON Group, and dives into the world of hair through conversations with stylists and industry leaders worldwide. From trends and techniques to business and haircare tips, each episode brings you the stories and insights shaping the hairstyling industry. Great Hair Begins with a Great Chair! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    JEFF ALFORD
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © JEFF ALFORD
  • Show Website
    Maneframe