HERE TO HELP PEOPLE SUCCEED.
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
Taylor Ihnen is a vibrant and dynamic professional who began her journey with the Barnes Group at the young age of 14, growing up in the hair world and developing a deep passion for the industry. After spending time away exploring new horizons, she returns with a wealth of diverse experiences, blending fresh perspectives with a deep understanding of the Barnes Group’s culture.
Taylor recently moved back to her roots in Nebraska, where she finds comfort and joy in her hometown and community. She is a devoted mother of two, a proud Yorkie mom to Oscar and Onyx, and shares life with her loving fiancé—family being at the heart of everything she does. Her return marks both a meaningful homecoming and a renewed commitment to bringing her passion, skills, and expertise to the continued success of our team.
Taylor Ihnen
Director of People Operations
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 Operations and Training
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 VP of Finance & Development
As Executive Administrative Assistant, Kate plays an important role in keeping Barnes Group organized, connected, and moving forward. She works closely with the leadership team, helping coordinate schedules, priorities, company initiatives, and events while supporting the day-to-day needs of the Regional Office. Known for being dependable, resourceful, and always willing to lend a hand, Kate is a trusted resource for team members across the organization.
One of Kate’s favorite parts of The Barnes Group is the people and the strong sense of teamwork throughout the company. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, going for walks, reading, and spending quality time with her family.
Kate Greenberg
Executive Administrative Assistant
Stacie brings energy, heart, and plenty of personality to everything she does at The Barnes Group. When she’s not working, you’ll often find her spending time with family at her lake house in Minnesota, making memories with her grandbabies, or taking the stage as a singer with her cover band, Gotcha Covered. Whether at work, at the lake, or behind a microphone, Stacie is happiest when she’s surrounded by great people and having a little fun along the way.
Stacie Truax
Financial Controller
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
Janae serves as Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy, where she leads marketing initiatives that strengthen The Barnes Group and its family of brands, support salon teams, and create meaningful connections with guests and communities.
With a career rooted in the beauty industry, Janae brings a unique perspective to her role. Her experience spans entrepreneurship, professional beauty sales, and salon business development, giving her a firsthand understanding of both the creative and business sides of the industry. That experience continues to shape her approach to marketing—combining brand strategy, creativity, and a strong understanding of what salon teams need to succeed.
Janae is passionate about bringing ideas to life, finding new ways to grow the business, and creating marketing that feels authentic to the people and brands it represents.
Outside of work, family is at the center of Janae’s world. She enjoys spending time with her family, cheering on her son at baseball games, and making memories with her grandbabies.
Janae Stanczyk
Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy