Different Strokes

Bringing different skill sets to the table is a necessity when running a business – any business.

For Kat Omundsen and Peter Dutton from the PDH salon in Auckland, the success of their business stems from their different experiences within the hair industry. Peter has had 25 years’ experience as a hairdresser, while Kat brings a collective 18 years, most recently as the national technical manager for Schwarzkopf New Zealand.

“Peter sees hair like no-one else – he is one of the most technique-driven hairdressers I’ve ever met” Kat says. “One of the key reasons I was so excited about working with him is his commitment to his art. His precision in his work has earned him an international guest artist role with L’Oréal, an ambassadorship with Wella and a role producing educational DVDs”.

When I spoke to Peter, he was equally as complimentary about Kat. “She is so passionate about the industry! She has such a strong technical background, as well as a unique view of what happens behind the scenes – probably due to her years of working with internationally recognised platform artists. Together we have a great toolbox of skills and knowledge.”

Both Peter and Kat put staff training at the forefront of the business. Between the two of them, they have created a really structured and tailored training programme for the staff. “Everyone, regardless of how long they’ve been in the industry or where they’ve come from, is required to keep maturing and evolving their skill base,” Kat says, adding PDH conducts internal training on a weekly basis as well as external training to ensure that all staff members keep up-to-date with the latest international techniques and opportunities.

The two of them look for different things when they’re employing staff, but they’re both searching for a particular attitude. “They need to have an openness to learn and develop and they need to live and breathe the industry. We’re looking to create a culture that sees this industry not just as a job, but as a career”.

While the pair is focusing on ensuring the salon is recognised for the skills and attitude it breeds in its staff, they recognise that their industry is based on the traditional elements of service and client satisfaction. “We succeed in capturing the true individuality of our clients and provide them with a premium experience”.

Both Peter and Kat emphasise PDH has a strong focus on creating colourists and cutters, encouraging their staff to focus on the area they have the most passion for. “We have such a great team at the moment, and every one of them are trained to the highest industry standard. Our ethic to constantly develop is a way of letting them have almost a business within our business. It helps to create a sense of ownership.”

PDH is situated in one of Auckland’s ear-marked locations, which has allowed them to begin to establish themselves as one of Auckland’s premier salons. Currently the salon is embarking on the Wella Master Colour Expert accreditation. It’s a yearlong programme which will make them one of few New Zealand salons to have been trained to such a globally recognised standard of excellence in colour service.

Kat is excited about where the local industry is at the moment but also recognises that the trade cannot afford to be complacent about its current position. “We understand that what we do evolves and develops, and we need to continually be aware of raising not only our own expectations but setting new standards.”