Our story
FROM ONE SALON TO A FAMILY LEGACY.
Doug Barnes began his career in 1977 with a barber license, a passion for the industry, and big ambitions. After building his skills behind the chair and in management, Doug and his wife, Liz, opened their first franchised salon in 1979.
What started with one salon grew into a family-led business spanning Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Through decades of growth and change, one belief has remained at the heart of Barnes Group: take care of your people, serve your guests well, and build something you can be proud of.
Today, the next generation is carrying that vision forward. Their son Rich serves as CEO, while daughter Jess serves as Chief Strategy & Resource Officer. Together with teams across The Barnes Group, they’re building on the foundation Doug and Liz created while continuing to evolve, grow, and shape what comes next.
GROWING
WITH PURPOSE.
Growth at The Barnes Group is about creating opportunities—for people to build meaningful careers, develop as stylists, and make a positive impact in the communities we serve.
As our business evolves, we’re continuing to invest in our teams, strengthen the brands we operate, and find new ways to better serve our guests and support our salons. What comes next may look different from where we started, but what drives us remains the same: heart, hustle, and a commitment to doing right by people.
WHAT GUIDES US
THE VALUES BEHIND EVERYTHING WE DO.
At The Barnes Group, how we work matters just as much as what we accomplish. Respect, hustle, family, and heart guide the way we support one another, serve our guests, and show up in our communities. They’re more than words—they’re part of the culture we’ve built and the standard we carry forward. As we continue to grow, these values keep us connected to who we are and focused on the kind of company we want to be.
