Who We Are
Rooted in Legacy. Focused on What’s Next.
With over 45 years in the salon industry, The Barnes Group has deep roots — built on trust, teamwork, and a passion for people. We’ve grown alongside generations of stylists, guests, and communities, always staying true to the values that started it all: respect, hustle, family and heart.
But we’re not just proud of where we’ve been — we’re excited about where we’re going. Today, we’re building an environment where every stylist — from fresh talent to seasoned pros — can grow, lead, and thrive across some of the industry’s most recognized salon brands.
Whether you're picking up your first pair of shears or bringing years of experience to the chair, there’s a place for you here. The future of hair starts with you — and we can’t wait to shape it together.
Doug Barnes
Founder/Franchise Owner
Our Story
Doug Barnes kicked off his career in 1977 with a fresh barber license and big ambitions. After sharpening his skills behind the chair and in management, he and his wife Liz opened their first franchised salon in 1979 — partnering with Regis Corporation, home to brands like Cost Cutters, Supercuts, and SmartStyle.
What started as one salon quickly turned into a family-led success story. Over the next 45+ years, Doug and Liz built a thriving network of 42 salons across Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota — all grounded in a simple belief: treat your team and your guests like family, and success will follow.
Today, that vision continues to move forward. Their son Rich now leads as CEO, with daughter Jess as Chief Strategy & Resource Officer. Together, the Barnes family is building on decades of experience to shape what’s next — combining legacy, leadership, and a whole lot of passion for the salon industry.
Core Values
Our values are the heartbeat of The Barnes Group. They guide how we work, how we treat each other, and how we show up for our guests every single day. We believe that success doesn’t happen by accident — it’s built through consistency, teamwork, and doing the right thing.
These pillars are more than words on a wall — they’re the foundation that fuels growth, creates a positive culture, and makes our salons a place where everyone can thrive.
