Sidney's Hairdressing College, Inc. Receives August Small Business Spotlight Award
Jul 27, 2009
Congratulations to Sidney's Hairdressing College, Inc. for receiving the August Small Business Spotlight Award!
The locally owned cosmetology school was opened in 1960 by Sid Oliver. Sid's stepson, Bill Wyer, started working at the company in 1977 and purchased the business in 1985. He has remained company President since that time. Originally located at 7 West B in the downtown area, Sidney's moved to 916 East 4th in 1970. After 38 years at that location, Sidney's opened a newly designed state-of-the-art school at 200 E. 3rd. Sidney's Hairdressing College will proudly celebrate 50 years in operation next year!
The college offers classes year round, with five new class sessions annually. Classes provide training in hair, skin and nail services. Because student services are open to the public, students have the opportunity to apply their teaching through hands-on experience. Sidney's consistently attracts students from the 60 mile radius surrounding Hutchinson, excluding the Wichita area. The school also draws students from Western Kansas. Clientele tends to be generated with each new student. However, a portion of the customer base uses Sidney's consistently, regardless of stylist.
In addition to its students, Sidney's operates with six full-time experts in the field of cosmetology. Operating hours are from 8:00-4:00, Monday-Wednesday, 10:00-7:00 on Thursday and 8:30-4:00 on Friday.
Bill attributes the company's success to his professional staff. "We provide very good training to students to prepare them for the workforce. We've been fortunate to attract and retain good staff who bring consistency to the training," he notes.
When asked about the biggest challenge he faces as a small business owner, Bill pinpoints the heavy regulation within the teaching industry. "It's a challenge to keep abreast and in compliance of the ever-changing government regulations. His hard work is worth is when graduates come back after being in the workforce and thank him for his guidance. "It's rewarding to know I'm helping someone build a career," Bill says.
The Small Business Council selected Sidney's Hairdressing College, Inc. from nominations made by Chamber members. The award is given monthly to a Chamber business that exemplifies community spirit and superior business practices. Nominees must be a Chamber member in good standing, been in business for at least three years, and employ fewer than 25 people.
The Small Business Spotlight Award is proudly sponsored by First National Bank of Hutchinson and Hutchinson Credit Union
