MEET THE TEAM
Hover/Click To Learn More About Each Team Member
Doug began his career in the hair industry as a licensed barber. In 1979, he went on to open his first salon at age 22 in Minnesota. Doug opened his first Cost Cutters in Sioux City in 1986 and his first Supercuts in Lincoln in 2002.
The Barnes Group is truly a family business as his brother-in-law and brother were both franchisee owners and licensed barbers. Doug’s two children are also involved in the family business. His son, Rich, is the Chief Executive Officer & Franchise Owner. His daughter, Jess, is also a Franchise Owner and is Chief Strategy & Resource Officer.
Doug takes pride in knowing that the Barnes Group is built strong on family values consists of hard-working, loyal employees.
Doug Barnes
Founder/Franchise Owner
Jess has been involved in the business since a very young age, as her father Doug is the founder. While she always had interest in the family business, she also loved discovering how people learn, so she pursued degrees in Psychology and Elementary Education. She was an elementary teacher for five years before deciding to transition into the family business in 2013.
As Chief Strategy & Resource Officer, Jess enjoys helping out in all areas to continually strengthen managers and stylists within the company. To see people learn and grow is what really motivates Jess and The Barnes Group is the perfect environment for just that.
Jess Cottingham
Chief Strategy Resource Officer/Franchise Owner
Being Doug’s son, Rich grew up in the salon industry and has seen The Barnes Group grow to from just a couple of salons to what it is today.
Rich began his career building salons and eventually moved into a marketing position. He has had roles in most aspects of The Barnes Group over his years with the company and feels that is invaluable. He believes his vast experience helps him identify the needs of the company and stylists.
It’s important to him to continually find new ways to create a great career path by providing a happy work environment for everyone involved with The Barnes Group. He keeps his mind open for new locations, fresh ideas, and exciting directions to take the Barnes Group.
Rich Barnes
CEO/Franchise Owner
Lori joined The Barnes Group in July of 2019 after working for Regis Corporation (parent company of Cost Cutters, Supercuts, and SmartStyle) for 35 years. Like many other leaders at The Barnes Group, Lori grew up in the industry, working her way from a Stylist, to Director of Field HR. In her current role, she is responsible for talent development but enjoys supporting the field & family in “Whatever It Takes” to succeed. She enjoys being part of a family-owned business where everyone knows your name.
Lori loves being a “fan in the stands” as she supports her family members in their competitions. Her industry mentor (from afar) is Michael Cole. When she leaves this world, she hopes she was remembered for bringing joy & laughter to those around her.
Lori Droud
Vice President of Talent & Culture
Staci began her career 20 years ago as a stylist and barber, establishing a strong foundation in the beauty industry. She then transitioned into the retail world, relocating throughout the Midwest to take on increasingly complex positions, additional roles, and stretch assignments that expanded her skill set and leadership capabilities. In 2017, Staci made a significant move into multi-unit leadership, further honing her expertise in managing diverse teams and operations. After her time in retail, Staci returned to the beauty industry with Sally Beauty, where she spent four years overseeing 33 store locations across the Midwest. This experience allowed her to blend her passion for beauty with her leadership skills, driving performance and operational excellence.
Now, as the Director of Business Development, Education, and Recruitment at the Barnes Group, Staci is committed to empowering others and achieving results. Her passion for seeing others succeed is a cornerstone of her leadership approach. Outside of her professional life, Staci enjoys gardening, playing sports,and spending quality time with her family and beloved pets. Her active lifestyle and dedication to family reflect her vibrant personality and commitment to balance in life.
Staci Konzak
Director of Business Development, Education, and Recruitment
Eric has been with The Barnes Group since April of 1988. He has a passion for assisting and developing our salon management positions. He enjoys seeing their teams grow as individuals and to see the fun and passion of the teams out there.
Eric started his career as a stylist and moved his way up to an Assistant Manager, to Manager, to Trainer, to Director of Training, to Vice President of Development and Finance.
In his current role, he helps monitor salon and financial performance of the company. Along with that, he helps with The Barnes Board of Director’s determining and implementing new programs and opportunities to better salons and management out there. Eric truly enjoys doing whatever it takes to ensure our management teams find success.
Eric Peterson
Executive Vice President of
Development & Finance
Kate is the first person you meet when calling or entering our Regional Office. If she can’t help you, she will find someone that can. Keeping the office organized and well supplied, along with helping out with daily and monthly tasks is a large part of her job.
We especially appreciate Kate on the days she orders food for events or business lunches. Kate says the best part of her job is the people. Teamwork is evident with this company and she loves that.
Kate Greenberg
Executive Administrative Assistant
Stacie received her cosmetology license in 1987 and started working with The Barnes Group as a stylist in 1993. After several years in the salons as a manager & area manager, she decided it was time for a change and moved into the office setting in 1998.
Since then, she has done a variety of jobs including office manager, accounts payable, payroll, and most recently Director of HR & Payroll, along with administering the company insurance plans.
When she isn't working, she transforms into a rock singer with her band Surface Tension and travels to Kansas City to sing with her Acapella Quartet JOURNEY. She has one son and is new to the world of being a Glamma to her first grandbaby.
Stacie Truax
Director of Human Resources
Nolan began working for the Barnes Group in June of 2007. He started with the company in maintenance, assisting project managers in the salons and office. He was promoted to his current position of Director of IT and Salon Services in 2013.
Nolan’s favorite thing about working for The Barnes Group is the people he works with, “We have such a great team here... I can’t imagine working anywhere else”. When not at work, Nolan enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, playing golf, or just relaxing watching a football game.
Nolan Cottingham
Director of IT & Salon Services
Taylor is a vibrant and dynamic individual who has recently returned to the Barnes Group after a period of exploring new horizons. Having spent time away, she brings a wealth of diverse experiences to the team, blending her unique perspectives with a deep understanding of the Barnes Group's culture.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Taylor is a devoted mother to her daughter and her two Yorkies, Oscar and Onyx. Family is at the heart of everything she does, and she cherishes the moments spent with loved ones. Recently, she made the decision to move back to her roots in Nebraska, finding comfort and joy in the familiar surroundings of her hometown. Her return to the Barnes Group signifies not only a homecoming but also a reinvigorated commitment to contributing her unique talents to the success of the team.
Taylor Ihnen
HR/AP Generalist
Dillon started with The Barnes Group in September of 2023. He’s been working in graphic design, videography, and marketing since he graduated in 2016. He considers himself a very creative yet strategic and outgoing person, which has helped him succeed in the Marketing Specialist position.
Dillon enjoys spending time with his wife and Saint Bernard Goose, playing video games, being a snobby film buff, and when the sun is out, golfing and grilling with friends. Dillon has been in Lincoln since college where he met his wife, but does enjoy a yearly trip to Montana or Florida, and of course to see his family down in Alabama.
Dillon Crawford
Marketing Specialist
Directors Of Operations & Training
Janae is a dynamic professional with experience in both beauty and sales. She began her career in aesthetics, eventually owning her own successful business. Transitioning into sales, she excelled with Paul Mitchell for six years, building strong client relationships.
Passionate about helping others succeed, Janae joined Salon Centric as a salon business partner, providing strategic guidance to salon owners. Now serving as regional director of strategies and operations, she fosters team growth and success.
Outside of work, Janae cherishes family time, attending her son's baseball games and spending time with her grandson. Committed to personal and professional growth, she embraces every opportunity.
Janae Stanczyk
Director of Strategies & Operations
PJ graduated from Beauty School in December of 2003. After that, she worked on her own until joining the Barnes Group family in March of 2005. She started as a stylist, moved up to assistant manager, then to manager, and then on to being a territory leader. In March of 2022, she moved up again to being the Director of Operations in the West Market. She has also been one of our Artistic Directors since February of 2016. In this role, she oversees our Continuing Education Classes.
PJ enjoys being with her family and friends. She loves to go kayaking - weather permitting of course. She also enjoys a good baseball game.
PJ Schafer
Director of Operations & Training
Sheena continues her 21 year cosmetology career with the Barnes Group. She began her journey as a stylist in 2003 at Cost Cutters in Spirit Lake, Iowa. This journey has included roles as stylist, manager, territory manager, and design team member. Drawing on her experience in all aspects of cosmetology, she stepped up as a leader in developing a positive, supportive, and collaborative culture. Now serving our company and all stylists as a Director of Operations. Sheena’s leadership style embodies our value pillars and is a servant leader. Her area definitely is a family atmosphere. She takes pride in encouraging all of her stylists to grow personally and professionally and works hard to grow her area to provide opportunities for all employees to advance within the company. In her spare time, Sheena enjoys spending time with her husband Jason and their five children. She also loves entertaining her salon family and connecting on a personal level. There is never a dull moment!
Sheena Brockshus
Director of Strategies & Operations