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PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS (scroll down for more information) |
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‘I'm often asked
how entrepreneurs find the courage and then raise the money to start their companies. A fine example is Michael Delees, the co-owner of the Michael Robert Salon in Torrance. How did he start? "I was selling life insurance for New York Life and dating a hair dresser. I got disenchanted with work and my girlfriend's father suggested I try the beauty industry. I was always talented with my hands and good with people. Within a week,I gave written notice to New York Life and started beauty school. My parents were a little disenchanted with my decision but after the first year, became very proud of my accomplishments." While working for a hair salon, he carefully observed how the business was run and decided to become his own boss.But needed startup capital. "I just started putting money away every week in a savings account to make my dream come true. I did that for (about) a year and a half, whatever I could spare. I just lived in a little single (apartment) and drove a VW." |
Robert Allen," who soon became Delees' partner. "He had the insight to update the salon, the remodeling, hiring, training and the latest haircutting styles.” " I was more into managing the business while he took care of the expansion on."Allen brought strengths that allowed them to take the business to a much higher level. They've since expanded again into another facility. Today, 27 years since his modest start, they have 30 co-workers and have over 1,400 client visits a month, a successful operation. They're located in a 2,500 square foot, historic Spanish residence among blooming burgundy bougainvillea along with deep pink geraniums growing over a 3-foot high black wrought iron fence. What advice would Delees offer you? " Don't spend too much time in planning your business, just do it. Start small and then grow as your knowledge grows. I wanted to have my own business and was flying by the seat of my pants, making decisions |
on the spot. I didn't’t have any written plans. I just did it.” I asked Delees his biggest mistake. "Not buying a building. By owning where the business is located, I could have had the property paid off by now and we'd be there rent free. (Also) by owning, you're not tied into the whims of your landlord." What's Michael secret for success? "Enjoy what you do and the people you work with. When everyone works together a a team, you feel like a big,happy family." Next week, because your success depends upon hiring top talent, I'll tell you how to readily find and recruit the people you need. |
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| Even- tually, Michael "accum- ulated about $8,000" |
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| and rented a small facility. " I kept it as bare bones as possible to keep the cost down. The building was (attractive) and on a major thoroughfare. It was a cute little miniature house, (making) it a unique salon with lot of character." In other words, it was highly visible to many potential customers and charming for employees and clientele. He then gave his employer 30 days notice and brought some initial clients with him. " I kept a mailing list and (invited clients) to join me at my new salon. The majority followed me." His new wife and another hair stylist joined him and brought their clientele as well. As his business grew larger, he expanded the facility and then took another crucial step. " One of the smartest things I did was to hire |
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| Business columnist
Dick Kazan,a Palos Verdes Estates resident, founded one of the larges computer leasing corporations in the United States and is a South California real stated investor. His column runs each Tuesday if you have any questions, comments or other ideas that you'd like to share, please Contac at RKazan@.net.comor write to Dick Kazan,business columnist, Dally Breeze 5215 Torrance Blvd.,CA 90503-4077. |
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1971 Michael graduated from beauty school |
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| 1972 Michael opens his first salon just under 1 1/2 years, after graduating from beauty school. The salon was one of the first of its kind in the area to service both men and women. |
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 ( Business Card ) |
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| 1972 Michael wanted to teach hair cutting from the start. Just a year and a half after graduating beauty school and plenty of show apprentice work,he had his first paying out of town hair show at Sun Valley,Idaho. This was also the first week that the salon was open also. Michael continued to do hair shows for the next eleven years. |
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| 1974 Michael developed a unique three screen audio visual slide show presentation and showed it at Red kens National Seminar January 1974. Michael also traveled with this slide show and used it on most of the shows that he did for Red ken. |
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| ( Typical Hair show flyer to help sell the show ) |
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1975 Michael put on a 24 hour CUT-A-Thon. Some of the nearly 700 persons who had their hair cut at The Hair Workshop in Torrance waited Sunday and Monday during the first annual 24-hour Cut - A - Thon, for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Over $3,100, twice the sum expected, was earned. The line for haircuts was never smaller than 75 persons throughout the night. |
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| 1977 After working for some of the biggest Beauty and Barber Companies, Michael Delees decided to produce, promote, and star in his own Educational Shows for four years. Covering the basic to semi advanced hair cuts, Michael held shows teaching and easy to learn hair cutting method, called "The System." |
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1983 Some letters of companies and individuals that Michael worked with.  |
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| 1989 Opened Michael Robert Salon with partner Robert Allen, a seventeen station full service salon in Torrance, California. |
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1996 Michael founded 1-888-MENSCUTS to specialize in top quality men's cuts |
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| 1999 Michael
is featured in a Torrance Daily Breeze article written by Business columnist Dick Kazan. |
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2004 In January, Michael turned his interest in the Michael Robert Salon over to his partner and became an independent contractor. This gave him the free time to build and develop 1-888-MENSCUTS. |
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