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beautystorebusiness.com | August 2014 125 Here's why." We asked them to fill out a form that gave us much information. What's next for the business? Landau: Obviously, growth is a continuum, and we strive every day to continue grow- ing while not losing our startup spirit. Our focus this past year has been against building out our management infrastructure and reinforcing operational excellence. Growth is about more than just more stores; rather, it's about increasing awareness, evolving our service menu, innovating with next-generation products and expanding our footprint. This takes incredible focus and strategic mapping. The long-term vision is to be the globally recognized provider of first-class blowouts and "best in class" products for making our customers feel and look beautiful. How does Drybar give back? Webb: We support numerous local and national charities, including but not limited to the Beauty Bus Foundation and the City of Hope. We also take pride in assisting a number of individuals and organizations under the radar. It's more important to assist than to promote whom we assist. Having said that, it is often difficult to choose among the huge number of requests, but we do our best to help those who we col- lectively feel are most in need of our help. Who owns Drybar? Where does your capital come from? Heffner: The business is principally owned by our founders, Michael and Alli. We also have an amazing investment partner in Castanea Partners, a Boston-based private- equity firm that sees great promise in the professional-beauty space. In addition, we have a group of highly enthusiastic investors, including Janet Gur- witch, founder and former CEO of Laura Mercier Cosmetics; and Paul Pressler, for- mer CEO of Gap, who have and continue to provide invaluable guidance and support. What separates Drybar from the many other blowout salons now out there? Heffner: Well, to begin with, we are the original "No cuts, no color, just blowouts" provider with a national footprint. It was Alli's vision that sparked the national phe- nomenon. Over the course of the past four and a half years, we have stayed true to that vision and grown strategically while not lowering standards. When you walk into a Drybar, there really is no comparison to other establish- ments. It starts with the vibe that you get: high energy, fun and happy! You then take in the surroundings: top-quality materials, comfortable furniture and flat-screen televi- sions showing films relevant to our clients. Bright lighting, iPhone docking stations, fresh flowers and cookies with a refresh- ing beverage top it off! Most important, though, is the service that you receive. No matter which store you go to or what time of day, you can relax knowing that the stylist transform- ing you is well-trained and exceedingly good at what he or she does. And when it's all said and done, the "new you" skips out knowing it was all delivered for an affordable price! That's the difference! Finally, what's the most important component to your success? Landau: That's easy! It's our team. You can have the best idea in the world, but if you don't have the team to make it happen, it doesn't. I would like to think all companies think their employees are the best. We certainly have that bias and are proud of it. Our team, both in our support center and in the field, works tirelessly to exceed customer expectations and brings Alli's vision to reality. Words do not adequately express our appreciation to each and every one of them. ■ Tracy Morin is a freelance writer and editor based in Oxford, MS. Continued from page 82 LIVE FROM NEW YORK GREAT COSMOPROF DEALS FROM STOP BY OUR BOOTH # D18120 www.burmax.com 800.645.5118 I n s i d e t h e D r y b a r P h e n o m e n o n . i n d d 1 2 5 Inside the Drybar Phenomenon.indd 125 6 / 2 6 / 1 4 4 : 4 9 P M 6/26/14 4:49 PM