June 7-9, 2026 | Kansas City, MO

This Isn't Your AverageConference

Craft & Culture is where franchise owners, leaders, and day-makers come together to celebrate what makes us different — and turn it into our superpower.

Three days of keynotes, workshops, and late-night conversations designed to challenge convention and ignite the kind of thinking that builds legendary brands.

Ready to Get Weird?

Secure your spot at the conference that celebrates the bold, the creative, and the unapologetically different.

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Meet Our Session Speakers

  • Dr. Janine Stichter

    JS ADVANTAGES

  • Erik Anderson

    S&S CO-FOUNDER

  • Bryan Buford

    VP OF FRANCHISEE SUPPORT | HQ TEAM

  • Brandi WIles

    DIRECTOR OF GROOMING OPERATIONS | HQ TEAM

  • Brian Schlenk

    DIRECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION | HQ TEAM

  • FELICIA ANDERSON

    CHAOS COORDINATOR | HQ TEAM

  • Melody Paigo

    DIRECTOR OF ENGAGEMENT & EMPOWERMENT | HQ TEAM

  • Braden Posey

    FRANCHISEE

  • KYLE RANEY

    FRANCHISEE

  • CIERRA SHORTELL

    REGIONAL MANAGER | KC & STL

  • Janessa Manning

    REGIONAL ELITE EDUCATOR

  • JORDIE RIPLEY

    REGIONAL ELITE EDUCATOR

  • Kelsey Burnikel

    REGIONAL ELITE EDUCATOR

  • Marlania Trujillo

    REGIONAL ELITE EDUCATOR

Inside the Sessions

Monday June 8th

  • Speaker: Bryan Buford

    In this session, you’ll get honest about what’s actually working for you—and what you’re doing just because you think you should. You’ll cut through the noise, ditch the pressure to chase every new idea, and refocus on the fundamentals that fit your style and strengths.

    You’ll walk away with a simpler game plan, clearer priorities, and the confidence to lean into what works—even when it feels repetitive or “too basic.”

    Because real growth doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from owning your way of doing the right things, over and over, on purpose.

  • Speaker: Felicia Anderson

    In this session, you’ll rethink what Day One really means for new hires in your shop—and how much it shapes whether someone stays, grows, and feels like they belong. You’ll look at your current approach, spot where clarity or connection might be missing, and rework it into something more intentional.

    You’ll walk away with a simple, repeatable way to deliver a “Best First Day Ever” that your whole team can own—franchisees, managers, CTs, and team members alike.

    Because Day One isn’t just onboarding—it’s a shared responsibility, and it’s the moment people decide if this place, and these people, are for them.

OPENING & GENERAL SESSIONS | 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

  • Speaker: Brandi Wiles

    In this session, you’ll reconnect to the why behind how we train—and take a fresh look at the foundations that shape your work behind the chair. You’ll revisit clipper over comb through a more intentional lens, focusing on what it builds in consistency, control, and long-term mastery.

    You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of when and why to use these fundamentals, and how to bring more purpose into your day-to-day work—not just technique.

    Because this isn’t about going backward—it’s about owning the craft in a way that makes your work stronger, more consistent, and fully yours.

  • Speaker: Janessa Manning & Kelsey Burnikel

    In this session, you’ll shift how you teach—from walking through steps to coaching real decision-making behind the chair. You’ll work through how to read different head shapes, adjust your approach in real time, and help your team do the same.

    You’ll walk away with a clear framework you can use to coach beyond “perfect scenarios,” so your stylists can adapt, feel more confident, and deliver consistent results on real clients.

    Because what walks through your door isn’t textbook—and great training meets people where they actually are.

  • Speaker: Jordie Ripley & Marlania Trujillo

    Most stylists are taught to follow steps—but that only gets them so far. In this session, you’ll break down how shape is actually created, when to follow the natural head shape vs. customize it, and how to use clipper-over-comb and freehand techniques to refine and control the result.

    You’ll walk away able to apply the anchor–pivot–suspend framework and coach it with clear, repeatable language—so your team delivers more consistent results without you stepping in to fix the work.

    Because when shape is clear, everything else clicks.

  • Speaker: Brandi Wiles

    Great ideas only matter if they actually get used. In this session, you’ll take what you’ve learned at the conference and turn it into clear, actionable training for your market.

    You’ll map out class topics, assign ownership, and build a simple, year-long plan—while learning how to use the Reach Library and micro-learning tools to support your team along the way.

    You’ll walk away with a training plan you can put into motion immediately—so this doesn’t end as inspiration, it turns into real development in your shop.

GROOMING CT BREAKOUT | 1:00 PM-5:00 PM

  • Speaker: Bryan Buford & Melody Paigo

    If your schedule isn’t aligned with demand, you’re leaving money on the table—whether you realize it or not. In this session, you’ll break down your current schedule using the 50/30/20 framework and pinpoint exactly where things aren’t lining up.

    You’ll identify the most common schedule leaks, calculate their real impact, and practice how to coach your team on schedule ownership in a way that actually drives buy-in.

    You’ll walk away with a clear plan to tighten your schedule, capture missed revenue, and turn scheduling into a tool for growth—not a constant frustration.

  • Speaker: Dr. Janine Stichter

    The way you communicate as a leader shifts depending on the moment—whether you realize it or not. In this session, you’ll identify your default “hat,” see how it shows up under pressure, and learn how to adjust it based on what the situation actually needs.

    You’ll practice a simple framework to lead clearer coaching conversations, collaborate more effectively with peers, and build credibility across your team.

    You’ll walk away knowing how to lean into your strengths without letting them become blind spots—so your leadership works with people, not against them.

  • Speaker: Bryan Buford & Melody Paigo

    Scripts and role-play don’t have to feel forced—they can be the fastest way to build real confidence. In this session, you’ll rework how you use these tools so they feel natural, useful, and actually stick with your team.

    You’ll practice a role-play, try a coaching game, and build a simple script for a high-stakes moment you can bring back to your shop.

    You’ll walk away with tools you can use right away to create more consistency, less guesswork, and a team that feels prepared—not scripted.

  • Speaker: Bryan Buford

    Most data gets ignored—not because it’s wrong, but because it’s hard to follow. In this session, you’ll learn how to turn your numbers into something your team can actually see, understand, and act on.

    You’ll choose the right charts, fix common mistakes, and map out one of your own KPIs in a way that tells a clear, compelling story.

    You’ll walk away with a simple approach to make your data impossible to ignore—so it drives action, not confusion.

LEADERSHIP BREAKOUT | 1:00 PM-5:00 PM

  • Speaker: Dr. Janine Stichter

    What’s happening in your shop is often a reflection of how you’re leading it. In this session, you’ll break down the key leadership drivers that directly impact your GM’s effectiveness and your location’s performance.

    You’ll assess where friction is coming from—whether it’s unclear expectations, inconsistent standards, or gaps in leadership presence—and identify what needs to shift.

    You’ll walk away with a practical framework to create more alignment, more predictability, and a shop that runs stronger without you having to step in at every turn.

  • Speaker: Erik Anderson

    Big picture matters—especially when you’re in the day-to-day. In this session, you’ll zoom out to see where the brand stands today, where it’s headed, and how your shop fits into that bigger story.

    You’ll break down key wins, gaps, and benchmarks, then use a simple framework to understand what’s working, what’s missing, and where to focus next.

    You’ll walk away with a clearer connection between your daily execution and the brand’s long-term vision—so you know exactly how your role drives something bigger.

  • Speaker: Erik Anderson

    Every opening sets the tone—and it’s your first shot at building momentum that lasts. In this session, you’ll treat your next opening like a true membership launch, using real data to guide your decisions instead of guesswork.

    You’ll break down what actually works—from staffing and lead flow to pre-opening membership targets and the path to profitability.

    You’ll walk away with a clear, proven playbook you can follow to open strong, build credibility fast, and set your shop up for long-term success from day one.

  • Speaker: Erik Anderson

    Every decision you make shapes both your shop and the brand—so where’s the line? In this session, you’ll work through a clear decision-making model that balances brand guardrails with your ownership at the local level.

    You’ll apply it to real scenarios like pricing and membership to understand what’s set, what’s flexible, and how to make decisions that strengthen both consistency and market success.

    You’ll walk away with a clearer lens for making smarter calls—and a voice in shaping what comes next.

FRANCHISEE BREAKOUT | 1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Tuesday June 9th

  • Speaker: Bryan Buford

    Most goals sound good—but fall apart in execution. In this session, you’ll define a clear, specific goal for your shop, pressure-test it using a simple framework, and break it down into step-by-step actions your team can actually follow.

    You’ll walk away with a documented plan—what you’re aiming for, how you’ll get there, and who owns what—so your team moves in the same direction every day.

    Because strong shops don’t run on intention—they run on clarity, consistency, and a plan that actually gets used.

  • Speaker: Cierra Shortell

    Not every event is worth your time—and doing more isn’t the goal. In this session, you’ll learn how to filter ideas before you commit, separate internal vs. external events, and build a plan that actually supports your shop’s goals and budget.

    You’ll map out an annual event strategy, define clear success measures, and use a simple yes/no framework to decide what’s worth doing—and what’s not.

    You’ll walk away with a practical way to plan events with intention, so your time, energy, and money go toward the ones that actually make an impact.

  • Speaker: Erik Anderson

    Your digital presence is often the first impression—and it either builds trust or loses it. In this session, you’ll clean up the fundamentals across Google, Facebook, and Microsoft so your shop shows up accurately, consistently, and professionally.

    You’ll learn what “good” actually looks like, fix common mistakes, and build simple routines your team can maintain without overwhelm.

    You’ll walk away with a clear plan to keep your platforms working for you—so clients can find you, trust you, and choose you before they ever walk in the door.

  • Speaker: Melody Paigo

    First visits aren’t just appointments—they’re the moment people decide if they’re coming back. In this session, you’ll use the C.A.S.K. framework to break down what great first-visit hospitality actually looks like and how to make it consistent across your team.

    You’ll practice coaching it through clear, observable behaviors and build simple processes that make the experience repeatable—no matter who’s on shift.

    You’ll walk away with a way to turn first visits into lasting relationships—so clients don’t just leave happy, they come back.

  • Speaker: Kyle Raney

    Towels might feel like a small detail—but they add up fast if you’re not paying attention. In this session, you’ll break down exactly how to calculate what you should be using, read your invoice with confidence, and spot where costs might be off.

    You’ll work through a simple formula, analyze a real invoice, and identify at least one change you can make to manage inventory more effectively.

    You’ll walk away with a clear system to control your towel costs—so you’re not guessing, you actually know what “right” looks like.

  • Speaker: Brian Schlenk

    Standards don’t slip all at once—they fade over time. In this session, you’ll look at your shop through a first-time client’s eyes, spot where things have drifted, and define what “good” actually looks like day to day.

    You’ll break down who owns what—from daily upkeep to long-term maintenance—and build a simple rhythm your whole team can follow and reinforce in real time.

    You’ll walk away with a shared approach to maintaining standards—so your shop stays consistent, polished, and aligned without relying on one person to catch everything.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS | 9:00 AM-11:00 AM

  • Speaker: Dr. Janine Stichter

    What you allow sets the standard—whether you mean it to or not. In this session, you’ll take a clear look at how your decisions, delays, and “just this once” moments are shaping your team’s culture.

    You’ll use a simple matrix to assess performance, hold the line without lowering expectations, and address issues earlier with more consistency.

    You’ll walk away with a more intentional way to lead—so your standards are clear, consistent, and backed by action every time.

GENERAL SESSION | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

  • Speaker: Dr. Janine Stichter

    You’ve learned a lot—now it’s time to use it. In this session, you’ll bring real situations you’re navigating and work through them using the frameworks from the conference.

    You’ll diagnose challenges through a behavioral lens, ask better questions, and get clearer on what’s actually driving the issue.

    You’ll walk away with more confident, intentional next steps—so what you’ve learned doesn’t stay as insight, it shows up in how you lead every day.

  • Speaker: Kerry Lebel

    Your lounge should be driving experience and revenue—not just taking up space. In this session, you’ll learn a clear, five-step hosting process that increases engagement, second drinks, and natural membership conversations.

    You’ll tighten up the operational standards that protect margin and use simple KPIs to track performance and coach your team week to week.

    You’ll walk away with a repeatable system to run a stronger, more consistent lounge—so it becomes a true driver of growth, not a missed opportunity.

  • Speaker: Braden Posey

    Meetings shouldn’t drain your time—they should move the business forward. In this session, you’ll learn simple rules to run tighter, more effective meetings and practice how to keep conversations focused and productive.

    You’ll map out an EOS-style planning day with the right structure, then turn those discussions into clear priorities, action steps, and accountability your team can follow.

    You’ll walk away with a system to run meetings that actually lead to decisions, alignment, and real progress—not just more talk.

  • Speaker: Braden Posey

    If your team doesn’t understand where you’re going, they can’t help you get there. In this session, you’ll build a clear, compelling vision using a simple framework—and learn how to communicate it in a way your team actually believes and buys into.

    You’ll practice how to talk about the future with honesty and clarity, using financial transparency to connect the dots between daily work and bigger goals.

    You’ll walk away with a repeatable way to share your vision—so your team isn’t guessing, they’re aligned, motivated, and moving in the same direction.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

The Venue

Join us in the heart of Kansas City for three days of inspiration, connection, and unapologetic self-expression.

Where
Kansas City, MO

When
June 7–9, 2026

Hotel
Loews Downtown KC.

Stay where it all happens — room block available until May 11th

Book Now!