348 How to Use AI in Your Salon Without Losing the Human Touch with Frank Westerbeke

AI in the salon industry is moving fast, and most salon owners genuinely don't know where to start. My guest this week is Frank Westerbeke, co-owner of Gadabout and VerVe, a multi-generational salon group with six locations and nearly 300 staff in Tucson, Arizona. Frank's been using AI across his business for years, not just for Instagram captions, but for people management, financial analysis, team communication, and the client experience.

What you'll hear in this conversation will make AI feel far less intimidating. Frank is not a tech person. He's a salon person. And the way he talks about AI, as a bridge, not a replacement, will shift how you think about it.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Introduction: AI in the salon industry and what's at stake

[01:04] Meet Frank Westerbeke, co-owner of Gadabout and VerVe

[02:09] Running 6 salons and 300 staff, Frank's role as the human connector

[04:14] How Frank uses AI voice on the drive to a salon before a tough conversation

[06:44] Why Frank gave his managers permission to use AI and what changed

[10:23] Turning managers into leaders with AI as the bridge

[18:07] Why Frank's marketing team uses AI to enhance creativity, not replace it

[22:45] The client experience: where AI helps and where the human must stay

[27:00] Using AI to free up human connection in the salon

[41:42] Frank's advice for salon owners who haven't started yet

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Until next time! Antony

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Gadabout and VerVe Salons – Frank Westerbeke's salon group based in Tucson, Arizona – Visit Website

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