SUMM IT UP

Summit Salon Business Center
  • 5.0 (36)
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

SUMM IT UP is a podcast from Summit Salon Business Center that engages salon, school, barbershop and spa professionals on our shared path toward happiness in the beauty industry. Hosted by stylist, salon owner, educator, and “Top 30 Colorist Under 30” Blake Reed Evans, SUMM IT UP brings you frank conversations with changemakers from all corners of the beauty world, with a focus on business and interpersonal relationships. New episodes every Wednesday.

  1. DEC 17

    Building an empire, together. With Heather, Aliscia and Monica of Privé Salon Co.

    How do you go from seven employees to seven figures 11 years? Heather Piselli, Aliscia Martinelli and Monica Rivera did it together. They're co-owners of Privé Salon Co., with three comission salon locations and a suite rental facility in the Phildelphia metro area. The also co-host the GoHam podcast, featuring unfiltered conversations on business, leadership, and the beauty industry. On this episode, Blake is joined by Healther, Alisica, and Monica; and their Summit salon coach, Kierstin Nemer, who's been at their side throughout the journey. Yes this is the most guests we've ever had on a single episode -- but the conversation really demonstrates how each team member plays to her strenghts! You'll hear about their strategies for hiring, taking risks, growing service providers, and why the phrase "Go Ham" describes their business ethos.      Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon.  SUMM IT UP  is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlocked Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com.  Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry.

    44 min

  2. DEC 3

    Financials 101: You deserve to retire

    At Summit, we believe salon professionals should be able to retire on their own terms. In this last episode in our Financials 101 series with CPA Chris Wittich from Boyum Associates, Chris explains why you should be saving for retirement now, even if you're working your very first job. Chris and Blake discuss retirment investment accounts for individuals like IRAs, Roth IRAs, and 401Ks. Also, did you know you can create an online account with the Social Security Administration and see how much you've been contributing in your working life so far? (We didn't!) From the salon owner perspective, we have advice on providing retirement plans for employees, and how to encourage your staff members to contribute.  Find Chris Wittich and his team of salon accounting pros at salon.cpa.  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon.  SUMM IT UP  is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlocked Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com.  Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry.

    39 min

  3. NOV 19

    Thriving through year's end (and the slow time after) with Chad Faass

    Sometimes in the salon business we get so "busy being busy" in November in December that our relationships with clients suffer, and that can  lead to a January and February that are slower than they have to be. Summit salon Coach Chad Faass is back to help you navigate the next few months.  For salon owners, Chad talks about the importance of showing up for your team consistently, without doing team members' work for them or micromanaging. (Don't go from hero to villian!) Boost morale and save money with an early holiday party, and boost sales by gamifying retail knowledge and other team engagement activities.  For stylists, Chad and Blake have advice on how to keep conversations with guests positive in difficult political times, and to offer packages, discounts and simpler services to incentivize them to rebook in January and February.  Plus, advice on how to bring in referrals, and make the best out of the slow times.  Chad Fass on Instagram -- DM him for team engagement exercises Learn more about Chad Faass and schedule a discovery call.  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon.  SUMM IT UP  is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlocked Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com.  Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry.

    32 min

  4. NOV 5

    Summit Unplugged Sneak Preview with Derek Reynolds!

    Summit Unplugged is SSBC's signature salon leadership retreat in beautiful Cancun, Mexico, and it's back for a second time in January 2026. We're joined by Derek Reynolds, Summit's Associate Director of Training and an organizer of Summit Unplugged.  Derek and Blake get into the disctinctions between self-soothing and self-care and the importance of true self-care for leaders. Also: the gap between the values of many salon owners (Gen X) who often ignore self-care, and younger employees (Gen Z) who tend to prioritize it more.  Then it's on to what you can expect at Unplugged, including sessions with top Summit leaders like Heather Bagby, Dave Kirby and Peter Mahoney, all focused around the theme of joy. Derek reports back from his scouting trip to the gorgeous Breathless Riveria Cancun resort -- and you'll hear about some adjustments to the program incorporating feedback from the innaugural event. Plus the keynote speaker -- legendary stylist, educator and entrepreneur Sam Villa. Oh, and btw our host Blake Reed Evans will be bringing his energy and savoir-faire to the role of Master of Ceremonies once again.  Summit Unplugged takes place January 12-14, 2026. We still have spots available (as of Nov 5, 2025). For questions about registration check our FAQ, or reach out to Derek directly at dreynolds@summitsalon.com.  Watch Derek's Instagram reel from Breathless Riveria Cancun and follow him on IG.  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon.  SUMM IT UP  is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlocked Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com.  Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry.

    32 min

  5. OCT 22

    Financials 101: Which type of tax entity is best for your business?

    As a small business, your salon company has options when it comes to paying taxes. But are you chosing the right one? Whether you're in a parternship, an S corp or a C corp, the best entity for your business might not be the same as the salon across town, or even the same as it was a few years ago when you had four chairs instead of eight. For the second in our Financials 101 series, Boyum Associates accounting wiz Chris Wittich breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.  You’ll hear: The differences between Schedule C, partnerships, S Corps, and C CorpsWhy S Corps are often the go-to for salons—and when it’s time to make the switchHow state laws and the new FICA tip credit can impact your decisionThe importance of paying yourself a “reasonable salary” as a salon owner (and what that really means)Why setting up an LLC is a smart move, even if you’re just starting outCommon mistakes salon owners make with their taxesGet more tips and reach out to Chris Wittich at salon.cpa Learn more about the FICA tax tip credit and tax-free tips!   Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon.  SUMM IT UP  is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlocked Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com.  Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry.

    34 min

  6. OCT 8

    Financials 101: How much is your salon really worth?

    Whether you expect to sell your salon in 6 months or in 20 years, the time to start preparing is now, says Chris Wittich, a CPA who works with Summit and specializes in salons.  Early planning leads to better outcomes, smoother transitions, and higher valuations. And unfotunately, many salon owners miss the mark then it comes to the true value of their salons.  In this episode you'll learn exactly what factors into a salon's value, and how to make your salon company attractive to buyers. Also: Where to look for a buyer, and tips for selling in "bite-sized pieces" to you own team members. And:  Red and green flags to look out for if you're looking to purchase a salon,  This is the first in our three part Financials 101 series with Chris Wittich. Learn more about Chris' firm, Boyum Business Advisors.  ICYMI: Learn more about the changes to the FICA tax tip credit and new tax-free tips rules that benefit salon owners and stylists.  Stay tuned for the next episode in our series, where Blake and Chris will dive into tax structures and how to set up your business for financial success. Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon.  SUMM IT UP  is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlocked Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com.  Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry.

    35 min

  7. SEP 24

    Commission salon or suite rental - Why not both? with Anne Chesbro

    Stylists are increasingly seeing renting their own suite or booth as an appealing alternative to working in a commission salon.  Guest Anne Chesbro is co-owner of a commission salon company, Platinum Salon, as well as a suite rental business in Rochester, NY. She and her husband Joe Chesbro founded Platinum Salon Suites to meet the needs of stylists who wanted to strike out on their own. Unlike most suite rental setups, Anne provides renters with  benefits like laundry, business coaching, free access to stylist education, and more. She says the new business has been a great way to provide stylists the opportunity to be their own bosses, while retaining them within the greater salon family and culture. Tune in for a smart and savvy conversation about navigating changes in our industry. Follow Anne on Instagram @anne_chesbro. Follow Anne on TikTok at anne_chesbro. Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon.  SUMM IT UP  is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlocked Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com.  Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry.

    31 min

  8. SEP 10

    New tax laws around tips benefit salons and stylists -- Here's what to know ft. Chris Wittitch

    This episode we're amped to talk about taxes. That's because new U.S. laws benefit both salon owners and stylists. Blake brings in Chris Wittitch, a CPA and partner at Boyum Acounting, to break it all down. They chat about the exciting new FICA tax tip credit now available to the beauty industry and what salon owners need to know to take full advantage of it. They also touch on the new tax-free tips for service providers and discuss the impact of digital tipping platforms like Venmo and PayPal. Tune in to get all the insights straight from an expert and make sure you're maximizing these new tax benefits! MORE RESOURCES Complete guide to tax reporting for salons No Tax on Tips guide for salon employees Find more guides and learn how your salon company can work with Chris Wittitch at salon.cpa 00:00 Introduction 00:33 Meet the expert: Chris Whittich, Summit's right-hand accountant 01:10 Understanding the FICA tip credit 04:41 Salon owners: Maximizing the FICA tip Credit 13:58 Tax-Free Tips: What service-providers need to know 24:22 Impact of digital tipping and 1099-K reporting 28:38 Conclusion and what happiness means to Chris Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon.  SUMM IT UP  is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlocked Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com.  Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry.

    31 min
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5
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

SUMM IT UP is a podcast from Summit Salon Business Center that engages salon, school, barbershop and spa professionals on our shared path toward happiness in the beauty industry. Hosted by stylist, salon owner, educator, and “Top 30 Colorist Under 30” Blake Reed Evans, SUMM IT UP brings you frank conversations with changemakers from all corners of the beauty world, with a focus on business and interpersonal relationships. New episodes every Wednesday.

Information

  • Creator
    Summit Salon Business Center
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    107
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 Summit Salon Business Center
  • Show Website
    SUMM IT UP

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