City Image Magazine - July 23

CITY IMAGE

MAGAZINE

INTRODUCING MMIX

MMIX IS MORE THAN JUST A NEW FORMING CREAM OR PRODUCT LINE...

THE FRENCH CROP TOPS

ALL ABOUT THE CONVENIENCE

EMBRACING WELLNESS

OUR JOURNEY TOWARDS A FOUR-DAY WORK WEEK

CITY IMAGE HAS ALWAYS BEEN MORE THAN A BARBERSHOP.

It’s a community. A place where staff and clients alike come together to share not just a service, but an experience. We wanted to create a channel for everyone to stay connected. That’s where City Image Magazine comes in. It’s our bridge, connecting all our locations, and giving everyone a sense of being part of something bigger, a movement of excellence.

Our magazine is also a canvas for the tremendous commitment, talent and creativity of our barbers. These incredible individuals don’t just cut hair; they are professionals . Through the magazine, we

offer them a platform to let their artistry shine. We also open the floor for them to share their stories and what drives them to be at the top of our industry.

But it’s not just about us, it’s about our clients. We believe in the principle of constant growth and learning. Through this magazine, we are bringing our clients along on this journey. From the latest trends in grooming to the exciting news about what’s happening behind the scenes at City Image, we share it all. It’s our way of saying that our clients are not just customers; they are part of City Image .

This magazine is a nod to where we began, and a promise of the heights we aspire to reach. Our commitment is not just to maintain the bar of excellence but to continuously elevate it.

Lastly, City Image Magazine is an everevolving space. We want to hear from you, your stories, your feedback. This magazine is as much yours as it is ours. Enjoy!

PIONEERING CORE VALUES IN BARBERSHOPS:

In the world of barbering, we’re proud to lead the way by establishing core values for our business. Yes, you heard it right - we’re the first barbershop to adopt core values, and we’re excited about the positive changes this will bring to our team and each individual connected to us.

Traditionally, barbershops have focused on providing quality service and fostering a strong sense of community. By introducing core values, we’re adding another layer to this foundation. We’re creating a roadmap for our team to follow, guiding our decisions, actions, and behavior.

WHY IS BEING THE FIRST BARBERSHOP WITH CORE VALUES SUCH A BIG DEAL?

For starters, it gives us a unique identity. It sets us apart from other barbershops and makes us leaders in our industry.

More importantly, these core values unite us as a team. They remind us that we’re not just individuals working in the same shop - we’re part of a larger family, working together to provide the best service to our clients. They help to create a positive

and inspiring work environment, where everyone feels valued and empowered.

But the benefits don’t stop there. These core values also contribute to our individual success. They encourage us to be the best versions of ourselves, both in and out of the shop. By embodying these values in our everyday lives, we can improve our relationships, achieve our personal goals, and experience a greater sense of fulfillment. Being the first barbershop with core values is not just about leading the way; it’s about creating a culture of excellence, unity, and personal growth. So let’s embrace these core values, make them part of our everyday lives, and witness the amazing changes they bring. We’re not just a barbershop - we’re a barbershop that cares about its team and the people we serve.

OUR CORE VALUES

1

EXTREME OWNERSHIP

We accept total accountability for all outcomes, good or bad, and have the courage to hold others accountable as well.

2STAY HUNGRY

We aim to be better than yesterday.

4

5

3EXECUTE WITH URGENCY

We take quick action to accomplish tasks and stay on time.

MAINTAIN CONSISTENCY

We keep a consistent standard of excellence in all aspects of work.

WIN TOGETHER

We celebrate and support each other.

6

THINK LONG-TERM

We think about the future and what is best for the business in the long run, not just today.

INTRODUCING

A TRIBUTE TO OUR ROOTS, A STEP TOWARDS OUR FUTURE

Today, we introduce you to MMIX by City Image, a testament to our journey, our clients’ valuable insights, and the expertise of our talented barbers. MMIX is more than just a new forming cream or product line. It’s a commitment to delivering superior quality, a natural finish, and the ease of use you’ve always wanted.

But MMIX carries a hidden significance too. It stands for 2009 in Roman numerals - a year that holds a special place in our hearts. That’s the year our first shop opened its doors in Little Falls, marking the start of an incredible journey.

By naming our product MMIX, we are honoring our heritage and the phenomenal progress we’ve made over 14 years. It is a tribute to our roots, our unwavering dedication, and our success in crafting memorable experiences for our clients.

As we launch MMIX, we are not just introducing a new product line; we are celebrating who we are and where we come from. It’s a nod to our past, an affirmation of our present, and a promise for the future.

Our team is our strength, and our shared journey fuels our success. We look forward to your continued support as we take this exciting new step forward.

Here’s to honoring our past, celebrating our present, and embracing our future. Here’s to MMIX by City Image.

We didn’t want to just create another product line, we wanted it to have a story and truly mean something, and we are excited for the launch of MMIX!

-JoeAgnello

CHEERS TO 5,000 REVIEWS

A TESTAMENT TO TEAMWORK AND EXCELLENCE

We’re celebrating a fantastic milestone: we’ve gathered over 5000 reviews, boasting an impressive average of 4.9 out of 5! This achievement is not just a number - it’s proof of our teamwork, dedication, and a relentless commitment to customer experience.

Maintaining such a high rating across so many reviews is no small feat. It’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and a shared understanding of our customers’ needs. Every member of our team, across all locations, contributed to this achievement. Each review represents a satisfied customer and a job well done.

A crucial part of our success is our priority on customer experience. Every interaction, every service, every conversation - they all matter. And it shows in the glowing reviews our clients leave for us.

This milestone is a chance to reflect on our journey, appreciate our hard work, and reaffirm our commitment to outstanding customer service. Let’s take a moment to celebrate, then get back to what we do best - exceeding customer expectations.

Thank you, everyone, for being part of this achievement!

OUR SHARED SUCCESS IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

We all share a goal: ensuring the satisfaction of our customers. This is not just a job for us, it’s a responsibility, and we’ve been doing well. You, our team members, have been instrumental in this success. Your hard work across our ten locations has helped us deliver a high-quality service that our customers appreciate. We’ve seen this in the smiles of our clients and the positive feedback we’ve been receiving.

“Love coming here, the staff is great. I’ve had my hair cut by Carly, Ricky and Andrea and have loved their work every time.”

“First skin fade and it’s great My mom and sisters all cut hair professionally and said it’s the best haircut I’ve ever gotten. Nick was my Barber and I am going to book again.”

“Got a great cut from Tom. Very skilled, knew exactly what he was doing. I haven will be going back next time.”

my haircut at City Image and I have to say was the best experience I've had in a while I had just gotten out of work and needed a quick cut for a date night. Chelsea was the barber who cut my hair and she was fantastic, absolutely back next time I need another haircut. Thank you again Chelsea, you really did save the day!!!”

“Jenny is incredible! She always makes my look great, and she is awesome to talk to while she skillfully makes me look fresh. 10/10”

“I had a really great experience, honestly, Omi gave me the best haircut I've had in years. Cheers!”

“Great place to get a great haircut. Johanna does a fantastic job with my two boys' haircuts as well as mine. Highly recommend!”

“Zay is an awesome barber! Very professional and always does a fantastic job cutting my hair! I Highly recommend him!”

THE FRENCH CROP TOPS

HAIRCUT BY SEAN SMITH

THE FRENCH CROP IS CHARACTERIZED BY PLENTY OF TEXTURE ON THE TOP AND A STRIKING FRINGE AT THE FRONT.

Yet, unlike Caesar’s one-size-fits-all style, the French Crop’s fringe length can vary, giving each man the opportunity to make this cut uniquely his own.

What sets the French Crop apart from other hairstyles is its flexibility. This cut offers countless variations, allowing for personal customization. Want to keep things neat and classic? Opt for a shorter,

more uniform fringe. Looking for an edgier look? Try a longer, more textured fringe. The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.

The French Crop isn’t just about style, though; it’s also about convenience. This low-maintenance haircut is perfect for those hot summer months when you want to look effortlessly stylish without spending too much time on grooming. Plus, it works well with most hair types and face shapes, making it a universally appealing option.

So, as we welcome Summer 2023, consider refreshing your look with the trendy French Crop. Embrace the season with a haircut that’s cool, convenient, and customizable. Whether you’re hitting the beach, attending a backyard barbecue, or simply enjoying the sunshine, the French Crop is the perfect style to keep you looking sharp and feeling cool.

HAIRCUT BY SEAN SMITH

INVESTING IN EXCELLENCE

INTRODUCING I.M.A.G.E ACADEMY

In the heart of City Image’s success is a core belief that talent is nurtured, not born. It’s this belief that drives us to continually work on our internal education program, our commitment to personal growth, professional development, and raising industry standards.

We’re proud to present I.M.A.G.E. Academy – Inspiring Mindsets and Grooming Excellence, a one-of-a-kind program in our industry that equips our staff with skills, knowledge, and a spirit that sets City Image apart.

Held at our office studio every Monday and Tuesday from 9 am to 5 pm, the program takes our employees on a journey to better themselves as professionals.

Week one dives into the heart of our operation with Joe, Jeff, and Izak exploring mindset, core values, and Customer service/ Client retention. Week two has Pasquale guide our teams through the basic points of scissor techniques and creating and understanding shapes.

In the third week, Sean leads an in-depth course on the art of fading, while the final week brings focus to shape-ups and beard care with Jeff. Each week is designed not only to impart skill but also to instill our philosophy of continual growth and excellence.

We’ve seen remarkable strides in the progress of our I.M.A.G.E. academy and are immensely proud of what we’ve achieved so far. But we’re not stopping here. Our vision stretches beyond internal education, aiming to influence industry standards and distinguish City Image from the crowd.

This endeavor relies on all of us. It takes our collective effort to empower our educators, engage our learners, and ensure that every member of our team is part of this ambitious journey.

So, as we move forward with I.M.A.G.E., let’s remember to extend our thanks to the teachers for their invaluable input and to our students for their willingness to grow. We believe in the potential of every team member, and through I.M.A.G.E., we’re turning this potential into reality.

EXCELLENCE

HAIRCUT BY FREDDY FIGUEROA

CITY IMAGE SPOTLIGHT

OUR NEWLY-APPOINTED VICE PRESIDENT, CRISTINA

We’re excited to be launching a new series called “City Image Spotlight” to celebrate the incredible people that shape our company, and we couldn’t be more excited to kick things off with Cristina, our newlyappointed Vice President.

Cristina started with us in 2019. From day one, her commitment and energy were unmatched. Now, she’s leading the way, and

we’re not surprised. It’s clear that Cristina’s story is about much more than a job title. It’s about passion, resilience, and the power of a ‘can-do’ attitude.

From a barber to manager, then partner, and now VP - Cristina’s journey is a testament to what we stand for at City Image. We hope her story inspires each one of you as much as it inspires us.

So, let’s jump right into it. Here’s Cristina...

1. Could you share a bit about your journey within the company, starting as an employee and now serving as our Vice President?

So my journey with City Image definitely has been an interesting one. Coming from a corporate company, I knew that I was just comfortable and I was ok with that and that was the problem. My husband was working for City Image before I started and after many many conversations between my husband and Joe, Jeff and Izak, I knew that this was where I wanted to be. Starting just as a regular barber to becoming a manager to then becoming a partner and now a VP in only 4 years has been such an amazing journey. I am happy that Joe, Jeff and Izak saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.

2. What do you think were the key factors that contributed to your promotions within the company?

I feel like some of the main key factors that contributed to my promotions were trust, loyalty, commitment and consistency. I put a lot of trust into these guys, their foundation. I trust that they want the best for me and my family. I trust that when they say they will do something and not to worry, that I really didn’t need to worry. With trust comes loyalty and commitment and having those key factors opened up so many doors for me.

3. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as you moved up the ranks, and how did you overcome them?

There has definitely been some challenges that I faced as I moved up and honestly the biggest challenge for me was feeling like I am not good enough. When I first started with City Image, it was a challenge being a female in this male dominated industry. I always felt the need to prove my worth and make it known that YES I am a female barber and YES I know how to fade. Then becoming a manager was a challenge

because I was afraid that I wouldn’t be respected, especially managing barbers that have been there way before me. But the amount of support I have received from Joe, Jeff, Izak and of course my husband has definitely helped me overcome these challenges.

4. What traits or habits do you believe have been crucial to your success in our company?

Some traits and habits that I believe have been crucial to my success in our company are integrity, being open minded, understanding, consistency, being coachable and willing to learn. Not afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things. These traits and habits have helped me at work and my personal life.

5. How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved over time?

I would say my leadership style is passionate, stern, consistent and empathetic. Over time I understood how important these qualities are in a leader. I knew I needed to hold my team accountable because as their leader, I want them to be successful and grow. Here at City Image we strive for our team to be the best version of themselves.

6. Being a VP, a co-owner of a location, a wife and a mother is a lot to juggle. How do you manage your work-life balance?

Man, it’s a lot!! But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I myself have grown over the years so I know that I can’t let one affect the

other. I have a routine and a schedule that I follow so I try my best to make sure things are getting done when they are supposed to so when I go home I can strictly focus on my family.

7. Your husband also works for the company and co-owns a location with you. How do you navigate the dynamics of working closely with your spouse?

My husband and I do a really good job at not letting work affect our personal relationship. I think it also helps that he is in another location. Yes we do own the location together but I manage the Caldwell location, still cutting hair, as well as being a VP so it definitely helps our situation. We are both busy and like I said before, when we come home, we strictly focus on our family.

8. How has being a mother influenced your approach to your work and vice versa?

Being a mother has helped me a lot with my approach at work! I feel like I am more empathetic and understanding. Especially with the barbers that do have kids. I understand that it is not easy balancing the two. I can also say that my role has influenced me as a mom to encourage my kids to find what their core values are and live by them on a daily basis.

9. What advice would you give to others in our company who aspire to advance in their careers as you have?

My advice for anyone who aspires to advance their career in our company is to continue to be persistent. Truly dig deep into our core values. Allow yourself to be coachable. Ask lots of questions. Be ok with feedback no matter if it’s good or bad and do not give up!

10. As our Vice President now, what are your future goals or aspirations for City Image?

My goal is to continue to help elevate our company. To ensure that all of our locations are running smoothly and efficiently. To maximize profitability while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.

CITY IMAGE SPONSORS THE

HEARTWARMING EVENT FOR AN INSPIRING CAUSE

This past quarter, we had the privilege of participating in a heartwarming local event that left a lasting mark on our hearts - the ‘Red Carpet Warriors’ kids’ fashion show. The event, filled with fun, fashion, and goodwill, was held to raise funds for children battling cancer. Held at Bottagra restaurant, it was hosted by the families of two brave warriors, Liam and Rocco as well as Flourish Salon & Spa.

The ‘Red Carpet Warriors’, an event that epitomizes hope and courage, saw our community come together for an exceptional cause. As the name suggests, the event was a celebration of these young warriors’ strength and spirit. Our very own Joe Agnello was instrumental in rebranding the event to its new name as “Red Carpet Warriors” .This name signifies resilience, bravery, and the limelight these children truly deserve.

In our commitment to support this noble cause, we offered free haircuts at our Wayne locations to all kids involved in the event.

THANKS TO OUR TEAM

NICOLE , CHELSEA , TALIA

AND KENNY. FREDDY, ALSO STEPPED IN TO STYLE THE HAIR OF ANYONE INTERESTED BEFORE THE EVENT.

items, their competitive spirit fueled by the knowledge that each bid was a step towards aiding a crucial cause.

Sponsoring the ‘Red Carpet Warriors’ event was more than a corporate initiative for us at City Image. It was a chance to give back to our community, to support families navigating the tough journey of childhood cancer, and to contribute to a cause that touches us all deeply.

We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this special day. The smiles on the children’s faces as they strutted down the red carpet, the sense of community in the room, and the knowledge that we were contributing to a significant cause made this an unforgettable experience.

The event also featured a silent auction, with all proceeds going directly to support children battling cancer. The atmosphere was electric, as bidders vied for various

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Joe for his behind-the-scenes efforts and to every member of our team who participated in this event. The ‘Red Carpet Warriors’ event was a stark reminder of the power of community and the difference we can make when we come together.

Here’s to the spirit of giving back and the warriors who inspire us every day!

EMBRACING WELLNESS

OUR JOURNEY TOWARDS A FOUR-DAY WORK WEEK

A thriving work culture is one that respects, nurtures, and prioritizes its most valuable asset: its people. At City Image, we recognize that our strength lies in our team, and that’s why we have committed to fostering a work environment that supports a healthy work-life balance.

We’re excited to share that we have taken a significant stride in this direction by implementing a four-day work week across all our locations. This move is a testament to our belief that productivity isn’t about working longer but working smarter. We understand that a well-rested team is a happier, more creative, and ultimately, more effective team.

Transitioning to a four-day work week didn’t happen overnight. It required careful planning, adjustment, and effort from everyone involved. However, our dedication to prioritizing employee wellness and ensuring a balanced lifestyle for our team fueled our efforts. And today, we stand proud, leading the way in our industry, demonstrating that a more balanced approach to work is not only possible but also beneficial.

This innovative approach doesn’t just benefit our team, but it also contributes positively to our customer experiences. By ensuring that our team is well-rested and has ample time to recharge, we can guarantee that our customers are served by employees who are not only skilled, but also happier and more attentive.

While we are thrilled with what we’ve achieved, we know that our journey towards employee wellness doesn’t end here. We’re continually exploring more ways to create an environment that nurtures personal growth and ensures a healthier, happier team.

As we continue to elevate industry standards and define what a barbershop can be, we are grateful to each and every one of you for your ongoing commitment and adaptability during this transition. Together, we’ve shown that a more balanced work-life structure is not only achievable but is also a cornerstone of productivity and satisfaction.

INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE

OUR 401K PLAN

As part of our ongoing commitment to your overall well-being and success, we are thrilled to announce the introduction of a 401k retirement plan in collaboration with our payroll company, ADP.

And like any career, it should come with a path towards a secure retirement. The introduction of this 401k retirement plan represents another important step in this direction.

For those unfamiliar, a 401k plan is a retirement savings plan sponsored by an employer. It lets you save and invest a portion of your paycheck before taxes are taken out. When you retire, and likely in a lower tax bracket, you pay taxes on the money as you withdraw it, making it an efficient way to save for your future.

Planning for retirement can often feel like a daunting task, but with the introduction of this 401k plan, we aim to simplify the process. Our partnership with ADP ensures that the process of setting up and contributing to your 401k is smooth and straightforward.

By offering this retirement savings plan,

we hope to emphasize the importance of financial health and planning for the future. After all, we want each of you to not only enjoy a fulfilling career with City Image but also to look forward to a secure and comfortable retirement.

Barbering is a career full of creativity, growth, and personal interaction. We

believe it should also be a career that allows for planning and provision for the future. Today, we’re proud to help make that belief a reality.

We’re excited about this new venture and encourage all of you to take advantage of this opportunity. Please reach out to your manager to get set up today!

AT CITY IMAGE, WE BELIEVE THAT OUR CRAFT IS MORE THAN JUST A JOB - IT’S A LIFELONG CAREER.

THE NEW STANDARD OF BARBERING