The REFINE Network

Evan Silver & Christopher Hartl
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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. MAR 2

    Classic Cutting: The Missing Foundation

    Most stylists aren’t lacking talent.They’re lacking structure. In this episode, we sit down with Gareth to talk about Classic Cutting — the foundational system that has guided every haircut he’s done for over 30 years. We unpack:• Why so many stylists feel confident with color but uncertain with cutting• The gap between cosmetology school and advanced education• Why “advanced” classes don’t work without fundamentals• How structure creates creative freedom• The difference between copying techniques and understanding why they work This isn’t about replacing other cutting methods.It’s about building the foundation that makes everything else stronger. When you understand the fundamentals, you stop guessing.You stop re-cutting.You stop hoping it works out. You start creating with confidence. If you’re a stylist looking for stability behind the chair — or a salon owner wanting stronger cutters on your team — this conversation is for you. 🔗 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 Chapters:00:00 — Icebreaker & Hygiene Lessons03:12 — Meet Gareth04:37 — From London to the U.S.07:37 — Education & Early Career Growth12:45 — The Surface Education Story15:26 — Why Classic Cutting Matters17:18 — The Foundation Behind Every Haircut20:21 — Cutting vs. Color Education22:17 — The Education Gap in America25:21 — Bridging School & Advanced Training27:28 — Digital Education & Scale28:31 — Leadership Without Ego30:03 — What’s Next for Classic Cutting

    31 min

  2. FEB 16

    Ego Is Not Your Amigo

    We sat down with a simple question: What used to feel like success… that no longer does? What started as an icebreaker turned into a real conversation about ego, leadership, humility, and what actually defines success. Because at some point, success stops being about the car, the title, or the applause… and starts being about legacy, culture, and how you show up for the people around you. In this episode, we unpack: • Why chasing the newest thing doesn’t equal success • The difference between confidence and ego • How ego quietly damages team culture • Why feedback is the fastest ego test • Separating who you are from what you do • Why humility builds lasting legacy Ego can create short-term wins. Humility builds long-term impact. If you lead a team, own a business, or care about culture — this one’s for you. 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, growth, and building something that actually lasts. 🔗 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 Chapters:00:00 — What Used to Feel Like Success04:08 — Ego in the Salon Industry05:50 — How We Keep Our Ego in Check07:16 — “You Don’t Have 20 Years of Experience…”09:46 — The Best in the World (Without Saying It)10:28 — The Smaller the Ego, The Bigger the Legacy11:29 — Humility vs Pride13:38 — Why Ego Hates Feedback15:38 — It’s Okay to Mess Up17:16 — When Ego Damages Culture19:10 — Separate Who You Are from What You Do20:26 — Why Being Your Own Boss Isn’t Always the Win24:06 — Hang Around Humble People

    25 min

  3. FEB 2

    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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (96)

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
    96
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Evan Silver
  • Show Website
    The REFINE Network