& ADAPTATION and the talent that lives up to his reputation. When asked about why the company keeps succeeding, England answers, “Stay smart, stay strong, and stay busy.” Mat Slater is another reason why the company is able to innovate and adapt to change with ease. Slater, a 30-year Graeber & Company stylist and Aveda Global Educator, has helped the new and veteran stylists keep ahead of the trends by hosting educational classes twice a month. And that’s just the beginning. Mat travels the globe, training Aveda salons and working back stage on hair shows. He’s been awarded Educator of the Year in 2003 and Best Stylist in Ladies Home Journal magazine. In 2009, the ownership came to include its first and only nonstylist owner, Shelby Bills. Shelby bought out Carolyn Shelley and became the Managing Partner, bringing with her the skills of a sharp business mind as well as a vast bank of on-thejob training via working as the front desk receptionist since she was nineteen-years-old. Shelby has worked for Aveda Corporation, has a Marketing/Management degree from Boise
State University and knows that the day-to-day operations are what makes small businesses succeed. In 2012, Shelby was awarded Accomplished 40 Under 40 in the Idaho Business Review, which recognizes 40 young, local business and professional leaders who have achieved success. Shelby’s ability to balance being a mom to two beautiful children, continuing her education at Boise State and running a successful business make’s her a role model for other business women. Her strong business development background, marketing, creative thinking and knowledge of the industry has assisted in Graeber & Company’s growth tremendously. In 2011 Graeber and Company expanded it’s management team and hired Erin Thompson from Aveda Corporation where she had been an Aveda Salon Development Partner and Hair Color Educator for 16 years. In addition to helping manage and mentoring , she also helps educate. “Graeber and Company is all about people, the people who work here and the people we serve. I am lucky to work in a place that values relationships so highly.” says Erin about her career at Graeber and Company.
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