Episode 385: Kyle Allison talks about haircuts and hospitality, overcoming staffing challenges, and serving the community

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This is episode is brought to you by New Vue. New Vue is a team of attractions experts providing an ‘all-in-one’ reporting suite for attractions businesses. Their reporting solution empowers attraction leaders to make well-informed decisions, based on real-time data. New Vue also build slick websites that elevate your digital guest experience and provide strategic support to help you with booking systems and all of your IT needs.

 

Kyle Allison is the Owner of Altitude 1291 and Director of Fun at Allison’s Fun Incorporated. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs, Kyle grew up immersed in the hospitality industry, contributing to his passion for small businesses and community-focused ventures. From inflatable rentals to family entertainment centers and even children’s haircut franchises, Kyle’s career has been defined by innovative approaches to customer experiences. In this interview, Kyle discusses haircuts and hospitality, overcoming staffing challenges, and serving the community.

Haircuts and Hospitality

"It's about taking care of people. If mom's happy, the haircut doesn't even have to be perfect."

Kyle shares his unique venture into children’s haircut franchises and how it connects to his hospitality roots. Initially inspired by his own experiences as a parent, Kyle saw the opportunity to create a service-oriented environment for families. While haircuts may not seem connected to family entertainment centers at first glance, the emphasis on treating customers well ties both businesses together. He highlights how understanding customer needs and prioritizing exceptional service can transform any business into a hospitable experience.

Overcoming Staffing Challenges

"It's not just about money. It's about creating an environment where people want to be."

Kyle addresses the labor challenges many businesses faced during and after the pandemic. From providing flexibility in scheduling to fostering a team-oriented culture, Kyle emphasizes the importance of building a workplace where employees feel valued. He describes how his hands-on leadership style—working alongside his team—creates a sense of camaraderie and trust. By focusing on employee satisfaction and training, Kyle ensures his team delivers exceptional guest experiences while maintaining operational efficiency.

Serving the Community

"Nothing is more rewarding than giving back to the town that raised you."

Beyond his businesses, Kyle has made significant contributions to his community. From serving on the Norman City Council to participating in the IAAPA Government Affairs Committee, he has leveraged his leadership to advocate for the attractions industry. Kyle discusses how these roles have informed his business strategies, particularly in areas like economic development and community engagement. His dedication to civic involvement reflects his commitment to building strong connections between businesses and their communities.

To learn more about Kyle’s businesses, visit Altitude1291.com and AllisonsFunInc.com. Kyle can also be reached via email at kyle@allisonsfuninc.com, or connect with him on Facebook and LinkedIn.

This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:

 

• Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas
• Audio and Video editing by Abby Giganan

 

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