I've been in the hair industry for 25 years, and one of my greatest passions is passing everything I’ve learned about hair and business to the next generation of stylists.

Shortly after graduating from cosmetology school, I was mentored by an industry veteran who took me under his wing. He shared invaluable knowledge about both coloring hair and salon ownership. That experience completely changed my career trajectory and fueled my passion for mentorship.

I started mentoring associates a few years into my career, but I quickly realized that working with one stylist at a time wasn’t enough.

In 2012 I knew I wanted to do more. I looked around the salon industry and saw how many stylists struggled—whether it was finding stability, balancing work and life, or getting the right kind of support. My vision was to create a salon where stylists could genuinely thrive. A place where work-life balance was valued, drama was minimized, and positivity, education, and collaboration were at the core.

Every journey is about growth and evolution, and David Ryan Salon has been no different. My commitment to education and teamwork has helped us grow into an award-winning salon where stylists can build lasting careers. But for me, this is just the beginning—there’s always more to learn, more to improve, and more ways to support my team.

What Motivates Me to Work Hard?

Family. It’s that simple. Whether it’s my family or yours, family is always at the heart of everything I do. My passion is equipping and empowering stylists to create the life they want for their families—just like I work hard to provide for mine. People often ask if having a growing family makes it harder to stay focused and driven at work. The truth is, it does the opposite. They are my reason. And they remind me that your families are your reason, too. I’m committed to making sure that every stylist at David Ryan Salon has the opportunity to build the best life they envision for themselves and their loved ones.

Favorite Drink to Get Through the Workday:

If you’ve been around me for ten minutes, you know I’m a caffeine addict! A pot of black coffee in the morning and a gallon of black iced tea throughout the day—non-negotiable.

What Do I Do in My Free Time?

On my days off, I only want to be surrounded by my wife and kids on our farm—cooking over the fire, working cattle, fishing, gardening—anything and everything outdoors with them. It’s my reset. It fills my cup so that every week, I can show up fully recharged and ready to pour into the careers of every stylist at the salon.