Runner-Up: Nail Depot

Runner-Up: Salon With 8+ Nail Technicians

Location: Boca Raton, Fla.

Owners: Greg and Rose Tosti

Years in business: 7

Staff size: 110 (four salons)

Next Stop: Success

When Greg and Rose Tosti decided to start a nail salon in Boca Raton years ago, they were told by friends and family it wasn’t such a good idea. Now, with 110 employees and a steady stream of 4,000 clients coming in each week, the Tostis are glad they didn’t listen. The handsome couple spends their days managing four bustling salons in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, and Boynton Beach, Fla., yet they still take the time to throw staff parties, organize tradeshow road trips, and take part in civic events such as a Boca Raton street festival. Or fly to Las Vegas to receive an awards as runner-up for Nail Salon of the Year with 8+ Nail Technicians. The Nail Depot is no stranger to awards; the chain was ranked #8 in NAILS Fact Book’s Top 25 Salon Chains last year, and each individual salon also received a high ranking in the Top 100 Salons listing.

Each salon has a light, breezy decor and is conveniently located in a strip center mall. A host of nail technicians clad in white lab coats are lined up in neat rows ready to service the day’s clients. “Nails Depot is committed to giving clients beautiful nails at a discount price in a luxurious atmosphere,” says Rose. “We provide an environment that is not only safe and clean, but fun and relaxing, too.” The staffs of all four salons stay in touch through a monthly newsletter, and they also let their hair down at the occasional company picnic or at a customer/employee appreciation night. They are all encouraged to attend as many tradeshows as possible; for a recent show, the Tostis offered free show tickets and a drawing to win a free night’s stay at a hotel for any staff member interested in attending.

There’s no question the Tostis have a lot of fun running their business, and they aren’t afraid to let customers and employees have a share in the fun, too.