The REFINE Network

Evan Silver & Christopher Hartl
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Welcome to The Refine Network with Evan Silver, your go-to podcast for all things salon industry-related. Join us as we dive deep into topics ranging from leadership development, cultivating a positive salon culture, maximizing profitability, effective marketing strategies, and mastering financial intelligence. Hosted by Evan Silver & Christopher Hartl, each episode is packed with actionable insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories from leaders in the salon industry. Whether you're a salon owner, manager, stylist, or simply passionate about the beauty industry, this podcast is your ultimate resource for refining your skills, growing your business, and achieving success in the competitive world of beauty and wellness. Tune in to The Refine Network and elevate your salon game to the next level. Let's refine together!

  1. 6D AGO

    Trust, Autonomy, and Hard Conversations

    We sit down with Cynthia and Olga to talk about what actually keeps a leadership team together — not in theory, but in real life. After working side by side for over 16 years, they share what’s made their partnership last: trust, autonomy, and being willing to have the hard conversations most leaders avoid. We get into how their roles evolved, how respect and clear lanes reduce friction, and why separating feelings from facts is essential when you’re leading creative people. From money conversations and performance expectations to retention, communication systems, and navigating uncomfortable moments with clarity instead of ego — this conversation is honest, grounded, and deeply practical. If you’ve ever wondered why some teams stay solid while others fall apart, this episode offers a real look at what leadership actually requires. 🔗 Resources & Links 📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/growth-coaching 🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy 📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):Search “The Refine Network” in your app store 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork 00:00 — Intro & Setting the Tone01:14 — How the Salon Started02:48 — Support Roles & Longevity04:18 — Communication & Team Engagement05:36 — Trust, Respect & Clear Roles07:19 — Autonomy, Feedback & Growth08:07 — Retention & Leadership Responsibility10:10 — Preparing for Hard Conversations11:27 — Leading with Facts, Not Feelings12:30 — Money, Numbers & Creative Teams14:22 — Normalizing Financial Conversations15:56 — Commission vs. Booth Rent16:54 — Why Better Together Still Matters17:35 — Final Takeaways & Invitation

    18 min

  2. JAN 19

    Identity, Integrity, and Leadership in the Salon Industry

    In this episode, we sit down with Crystal Mercer for an honest conversation about identity, integrity, and what it really means to lead in the salon industry. Crystal shares her perspective on staying true to who you are as a leader, why trying to perform or shape-shift for others leads to burnout, and how clarity builds trust with both teams and clients. We talk about her journey from teenage motherhood to salon ownership, the role coaching has played in her growth, and why systems matter—not just for profit, but for protecting people and creating longevity. This conversation explores leadership as a responsibility, not a title, and challenges salon owners to build businesses that reflect their values, support their teams, and can survive beyond them. If you’re navigating leadership, growth, or the pressure to be everything to everyone, this episode offers grounded perspective and real-world insight. 🔗 Resources & Links 📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/grow... 🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/arti... 📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):Search “The Refine Network” in your app store 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork 00:00 — Intro & Icebreaker02:31 — Leading as Yourself04:36 — Salon Ownership06:36 — Systems & Color Management10:02 — Hiring & Growth11:33 — Leading Young Stylists13:45 — Coaching & Intention15:53 — Working with Cosmo Schools16:27 — The Broom Story17:14 — Final Thoughts

    18 min

  3. JAN 5

    The Future of Salon Software with Siobhan McCaffrey of Phorest

    In this episode, Evan sits down with Siobhan McCaffrey, a longtime leader at Phorest, to talk about the evolution of salon technology and what’s coming next for the industry. Siobhan shares her journey from Ireland to Philadelphia, where she helped launch Phorest’s North American expansion. They dive into the differences between the U.S. and European salon markets, what it was like onboarding massive salon groups in the early days, and how customer feedback directly shapes Phorest’s development roadmap. They explore Phorest’s newest features — including enhanced goal setting, forecasting, lead management, and upcoming improvements to the waitlist — plus a look at the future of AI-powered reporting. This conversation shines a light on why Phorest continues to stand out: constant innovation, thoughtful evolution, and a deep commitment to serving salons at every stage of growth. 🔗 Resources & Links 📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/growth-coaching 🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy 📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):Search “The Refine Network” in your app store 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork

    16 min

  4. 12/22/2025

    Systems that Support Growth -- With JoAnne Peterman

    In this episode, Christopher sits down with Joanne to talk about what it really takes for a salon to grow through systems—not guesswork. From resetting her front desk, to grounding her service providers, to bringing an associate through The Artist Academy, Joanne shares the real-time shifts she’s making to simplify onboarding and strengthen her team. They dive into how clarity creates momentum, why training needs to be replicable (not dependent on one person), and how The Artist Academy freed up her educators while getting new artists earning faster. Joanne also talks about hiring consistently, staying ahead of the next associate, and what she learned about timing, communication, and trust throughout the process. To round out the conversation, they touch on vitality—training for a half Ironman, rebuilding routines, and staying aligned personally so you can lead well professionally. This is an inside look at how system-driven salons create sustainable growth. 🔗 Resources & Links 📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/growth-coaching  🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy 📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):Search “The Refine Network” in your app store 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork

    18 min

  5. 12/08/2025

    Color, data and profit -- with Tim Howard of Vish

    In this episode, Christopher sits down with Tim Howard, Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer of Vish, to dive into the technology that’s transforming the color bar — and the profitability of salons everywhere. Tim shares how Vish was born from a simple but game-changing insight: salons were using their most expensive inventory with zero tracking. Together, they break down how color waste really happens, why consistent pricing matters more than ever, and how tech gives salons the boundaries, clarity, and confidence they’ve always needed. They also explore leadership, adaptability, routine, and the power of understanding ourselves — from morning habits to gut health to the Enneagram. It’s a conversation about color, data, and the mindset shifts that help owners lead more intentionally. . 🔗 Resources & Links 📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/growth-coaching  🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy 📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):Search “The Refine Network” in your app store 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork

    24 min

  6. 11/24/2025

    Walkouts, Vision & Magic — with Erin Jenkins

    Leadership isn’t just strategy — it’s resilience, intention, and the courage to keep showing up even when it’s hard. In this episode, Christopher Hartl and Evan Silver sit down with Erin Jenkins, owner of Canvas Salon & Day Spa, live from L’ANZA’s Healing Center Forum in Cancún. Together, they unpack the reality of salon ownership: walkouts, rebuilding trust, strengthening culture, and leading with heart. Erin shares the story of a major walkout that transformed the way she hires, communicates, and protects her vision, along with how her family supported her through one of the hardest seasons of her career. She talks about bringing her kids to this retreat, the intentional rituals that center her (like praying over each station every week), and the role of education and tech tools like Vish and Forest in scaling her business. If you’re navigating growth, leadership, or the ups and downs of salon ownership — this conversation will feel grounding, inspiring, and deeply human. . 🔗 Resources & Links 📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/growth-coaching  🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy 📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):Search “The Refine Network” in your app store 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork

    23 min

  7. 11/10/2025

    Artist Academy: Train Faster, Lead Better, Win Together

    Building a thriving salon team takes more than talent — it takes systems, clarity, and shared language.In this episode, Christopher and Erin dive deep into the evolution of the Refine Artist Academy — a digital education system designed to help salons scale education, strengthen culture, and free up time for owners and leaders. They break down what it really looks like to move from chaos to consistency, how to calculate ROI on training, and why margin — not model — is what drives sustainable growth.If you’ve ever wondered how to confidently hire, train, and retain stylists while elevating your culture — this one’s for you. 🔗 Resources & Links 🎓 Learn more about The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy 📈 Explore Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/growth 📥 Get on the waitlist for SCALE 2026:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App:Available on the App Store & Google Play — search “The Refine Network” 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork Chapters 00:00 – Culture, Leadership & Growth04:19 – What the Artist Academy Is06:11 – Confidence to Hire & Expand08:09 – Freeing Up Time Through Systems10:45 – Retaining High Performers11:27 – Quick App Break: The Refine Network11:45 – Shared Language, Shared Results14:00 – ROI and Real Numbers Behind Training18:02 – Attracting Driven Stylists20:32 – Growth, Legacy & Leadership23:12 – Overcoming Hesitation & Investing in Systems28:12 – From Reactive to Responsive30:27 – Final Thoughts & Invitation

    32 min

  8. 11/03/2025

    Lead with Heart, Deliver Results — with Brandie Huether of L’ANZA

    At L’ANZA’s Healing Center Forum in Cancún, this conversation with Brandie Huether, Executive Vice President of Global Sales at L’ANZA, dives into what it means to lead with both heart and results. Brandie shares her approach to leadership that balances strategy with humanity—building teams and partnerships through empathy, accountability, and joy. From her daily ice cream ritual to her “heart-centered, results-oriented” philosophy, she shows that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of authenticity. We explore servant leadership in the smallest moments and why vulnerability and accountability are essential to real growth—both personally and professionally.

    20 min
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About

Welcome to The Refine Network with Evan Silver, your go-to podcast for all things salon industry-related. Join us as we dive deep into topics ranging from leadership development, cultivating a positive salon culture, maximizing profitability, effective marketing strategies, and mastering financial intelligence. Hosted by Evan Silver & Christopher Hartl, each episode is packed with actionable insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories from leaders in the salon industry. Whether you're a salon owner, manager, stylist, or simply passionate about the beauty industry, this podcast is your ultimate resource for refining your skills, growing your business, and achieving success in the competitive world of beauty and wellness. Tune in to The Refine Network and elevate your salon game to the next level. Let's refine together!

Information

  • Creator
    Evan Silver & Christopher Hartl
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    94
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Evan Silver
  • Show Website
    The REFINE Network