Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Arminio.
Richard, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was working at a couple of salons for about 8 years. It was my father who influenced me to open my own salon. He worked for a company for 25 years and they closed. He was too young to retire and not old enough for social security. He told me “be your own boss, and you’ll always have a job.” We were successful right from the beginning. I have been lucky enough to hire some great people over the last 32 years.
I have a unique way of looking at business. I believe that people’s lives are much more important out of work than in the salon. If a stylist’s child is playing soccer on a Saturday, I encourage them to go. If there is a play on a Thursday night, GO! I did not miss my kids doing things and I would never expect my staff not to go. Family is extremely important. I always say you can’t “should have”.
So, because of that I have been able to keep employees for anywhere between 20-30 years.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
For the most part, yes. Again, it is all thanks to my staff. We trust each other and it makes everything easier from there. I have been fortunate enough to have wonderful people work for me.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Richard Francis Salon and Spa story. Tell us more about the business.
Richard Francis is set apart because we care about each other and that resonates to our clients. They feel the love and respect we have for each other. We specialize in making our guests feel and look the best we can. It’s not about us. No one is better than anyone else. That goes from the receptionist to the assistants to the stylists to the owner. Our clients love that and they feel comfortable to know there isn’t any competition between us.
I am most proud of the environment that I have been able to create. What sets us apart is my staff. They are the greatest. They make Richard Francis. My name is just on the sign, they are everything.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t feel I have had any “bad” luck, and if I have, I’ve been able to turn it around with hard work, a good attitude and looking at the positive side. I feel “it’s not the problem that’s the problem. It it’s your reaction to the problem.”
Contact Info:
- Address: 25 West Union St.
Ashland, Ma. 01721 - Website: Richardfrancissalon.com
- Phone: (508)881-4004
- Email: salon@richardfrancissalon.com
- Facebook: Richard Francis Salon
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/richard-francis-salon-ashland
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