At Rodney Wayne, the strength of our franchise network is powered by the dedicated support behind it. In this behind-the-scenes interview, Tracy, one of our Regional Managers and a long-standing member of the franchise support office team, shares what it’s like to work closely with salon and store teams across the country. From coaching and mentoring to problem-solving and strategy, her role offers valuable insight into the systems, culture, and people that make Rodney Wayne a standout franchise opportunity.
Can you describe your role within the franchise and what a typical day looks like for you?
I am a Regional Manager for Rodney Wayne, looking after 22 salons and stores. My role is all about supporting the people who run those businesses, the managers and their teams, and helping them succeed. I’m the connection between the salons and our support office, making sure communication flows both ways and that everyone feels supported and in the loop.
I visit each location at least once a month, and no two days are ever the same. Some days I’m helping solve day-to-day challenges, running training sessions, or doing audits. Other days I’m focused on stock management, refining systems, or working with a manager on how to grow their business. I’m always looking for ways to make things easier, smarter, and more effective, whether that’s through better processes, coaching, or simply being available when someone needs advice.
It’s a big role, but I genuinely love it. Getting to work with so many different teams and seeing them grow is incredibly rewarding.
What originally attracted you to work with Rodney Wayne, and what has kept you here?
I’m a hairdresser by trade and originally started with Rodney Wayne as a Salon Manager, looking after both a salon and a Shampoo ‘n’ Things store. From the beginning, I knew I’d found the right fit. The Rodney Wayne system puts the client experience at the heart of everything, making sure every guest feels truly special from the moment they walk in, and that really aligned with my own values as a stylist and leader.
I’ve now been with Rodney Wayne for around 16 years, and the reason I’ve stayed is simple: I love the system, and I genuinely enjoy the people I get to work with. From our support office team to the incredible managers and teams across the businesses I look after, it’s an environment full of passion, support, and continuous growth. It still feels like the perfect company for me.
What do you enjoy most about your role—and what gives you the most satisfaction day to day?
What I enjoy most is being out in the salons, surrounded by our amazing teams. There is something really special about watching talented stylists create beautiful hair and build genuine connections with their clients, it’s a vibrant, inspiring environment to be part of.
I especially love seeing our young technicians grow and develop into confident, skilled stylists. Being part of their journey and watching their progress over time is incredibly rewarding. But it’s not just the salons, in our Shampoo ‘n’ Things stores, the passion is just as strong. The teams are genuinely focused on helping customers find exactly the right products for their needs, and that level of care really shines through.
Every day brings something different, but the common thread is the people, their passion, their growth, and their commitment to delivering great service. That’s what makes this role so fulfilling.
What skills or qualities do you think are essential for someone to thrive in your role or in this industry?
Being people-focused is absolutely essential. To thrive in this role, and in the wider hair industry, you need a genuine desire to support others, whether that’s helping a team member grow in their career, solving everyday challenges, or creating a great experience for clients.
It’s also about being a good communicator, staying organised, and being adaptable, because things change quickly in this industry! But at the heart of it, it’s the passion for people that makes the biggest difference. When you care about helping others succeed, the whole business benefits.
What’s been one of your proudest moments or achievements since joining the team?
There have been so many proud moments over the years, from big wins like Rodney Wayne recently being voted Salon of the Year by Remix magazine readers, to the more personal milestones, like watching a technician pass their finals and officially become a qualified stylist.
I’m not someone who seeks personal recognition, what drives me is helping others reach their own achievements. Seeing people grow in confidence, succeed in their roles, and celebrate their own wins is what makes me proud. Those moments, big or small, are the heart of what I do.
How would you describe the culture and values of the Rodney Wayne franchise from your perspective?
To me, the Rodney Wayne culture is all about growth, both personal and professional. Everyone is encouraged to be the best they can be, and there’s a real focus on learning, evolving, and supporting one another.
At the heart of it all is the client experience. Making every client feel valued and special is a core part of who we are. It’s a culture built on care, excellence, and passion, not just for hair, but for people.
What kind of support or growth opportunities have you experienced working with Rodney Wayne?
I’ve been really fortunate to have incredible support throughout my time with Rodney Wayne. Our CEO, Julie, has always been open to ideas and truly listens, if something is the right fit for the business, she backs me 100% to bring it to life. That kind of leadership is empowering.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to take part in a wide range of training and development opportunities, both here in New Zealand and overseas. These experiences have helped me grow not just in my role, but as a leader.
One of our core values is “We Listen, We Care,” and that’s something I’ve experienced firsthand. It’s not just something we say, it’s embedded in our culture from the support office right through to our salons and stores.
When things get tough, what motivates you or helps you reset and stay passionate about your work?
There’s no doubt that business can be challenging, especially in the current economic climate but for me, that just fuels my motivation to find solutions and new ways to support our teams.
What really keeps me going is the people I’m surrounded by. Being around passionate business owners, dedicated managers, talented team members, and a supportive head office team is incredibly energising. Their drive and resilience are contagious, it reminds me that we are all in this together, working toward something bigger.
What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about joining the franchise—either as a team member or as a business owner?
My advice? Ask yourself, “What’s stopping me?” Rodney Wayne is an amazing company that offers real support, training, and industry knowledge to help you succeed.
I wouldn’t still be here after 16 years if I didn’t truly believe in what we do — and I’m not alone. We have franchisees who have owned their businesses for over 20 years, and many team members who’ve been with us for 10, 15, even 20 years or more.
Rodney Wayne is more than just a job, it’s a passion. When you join us, you don’t feel like you are just going to work every day, you feel like you are part of something meaningful.
And finally—what’s something unique or surprising that people might not know about your role or the salon environment?
Something people might not realise about my role is just how varied it is. One day I’m working on business strategy, and the next I’m helping solve a staffing issue, running a training, or unpacking boxes of retail stock. No two days are ever the same. People often think the salon environment is all about cutting and colouring hair, but there’s a huge amount that happens behind the scenes to make it all run smoothly. From training and mentoring to stock management, business analysis, and audits, there’s a lot of planning and problem-solving involved. That’s what keeps it exciting!
