The Beauty Pro Book Club: 4 Reads to Inspire Growth and Success
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
by Anne Moratto
On My Mind: Ed Bobit, the Coach of Bobit Business Media, Passes Away
Ed Bobit, founder of Bobit Business Media (which publishes NAILS and VietSALON), passed away peacefully on June 29, at age 86.
September 1, 2014
NAILS editor Hannah Lee with Ed Bobit, founder of Bobit Busines Media.
2 min to read
NAILS editor Hannah Lee with Ed Bobit, founder of Bobit Busines Media.
Ed Bobit, founder of Bobit Business Media (which publishes NAILS and VietSALON), passed away peacefully on June 29, at age 86. He was publisher of NAILS from the time the company purchased the magazine until 1994. He remained active in the business until the very end, celebrating industry events (like the 2012 City of Hope dinner where George Schaeffer received the Spirit of Life Award) through the Maggie Awards NAILS won, starting in 1993. He was beloved by the NAILS team, who enjoyed his enthusiasm for our magazine (especially in a company filled with magazines about “guy stuff” like cars and trucks and tires). He even got regular manicures and kept his nails buffed to a high shine.
Bobit was a man of outsize pleasures, but none more than his work and family, which were usually one and the same. Ed’s son Ty runs the company (Ed had turned over the CEO mantle to Ty in 2004), and his eldest grandson Blake joined the company in 2010. Ed loved the publishing business and embraced the new directions that business was taking online.
Although he was a salesman at heart, he had the mind of an editor and knew that when you gained the trust of your magazine’s readers, you earned true industry leadership. He was actively involved in the business until the end.
“When I got the call about his passing it was from his house phone, said NAILS group publisher Cyndy Drummey, “and I thought he was calling to talk about our planning meeting the next day. He had an idea he wanted to talk to the whole NAILS team about.”
Though sharp as a tack even later in life, he had cultivated a clever trick early in his career to remember people’s names. He simply called everybody “Coach” and insisted everyone call him Coach as well. It became a term of endearment.
“I loved how even though he hadn’t worked directly on NAILS for years, he always had an idea for me on a new story or a new angle,” said Hannah Lee, NAILS associate publisher and editor.
“Ed Bobit was a huge influence on my career,” said publisher Michelle Mullen. “He was tough and I learned a lot. I loved watching him with his clients. He listened intently and remembered everything they said. If I can do one thing to honor him it would be to emulate his work ethic.”
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Business
Create a Salon Suite That Reflects Your Brand and Delights Your Clients
The most successful salon suites balance personality, function, and comfort. Megan Communale of My Salon Suite shares her best advice for designing a space that supports your business goals and leaves a lasting impression on every guest.
by Anne Moratto
Square's 2026 Local Economy Report Reveals the Neighborhood Network Effect
Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.
Precision, Passion, and the Business of Beauty
When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.
Sponsored by Amex
The Golden Touch: Luxury Service Helps Drive Loyalty at J Gold Salon
Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
Sponsored by Amex
How to Build Career Connections in Beauty: Expert Networking Advice from K18’s Sabrina Sanborn
Want to grow your career as a beauty professional? K18 Sales Manager Sabrina Sanborn shares advice on networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy—from attending hair shows to finding the right guidance to reach your goals.
How Can I Minimize Cancellations and No-Shows?
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Nailtorious Iconz Beauty Academy Announces the Rollout of its Professional Product Line
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
Stylists Share Their Advice for the Post-Holiday Quiet Period
This period after the holidays can bring on a huge lull for hairstylists. We asked Cosmo Prof's team of professionals to offer their best advice on how to deal with the January-February slow period.
10 Housing and Interior Design Trends for 2025
Key highlights include a push toward inclusive spaces for all abilities, an emphasis on maximizing livable square footage, and a continued love for modern farmhouse exteriors.
Prepare for Small Business Saturday® with American Express
The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.
Sponsored by Amex
6 Quick Tips for Building Financial Mastery
Want to become savvy about your personal finances, but don't quite know where to start? Anna Manukyan identifies six important concepts for building a strong financial foundation.
Success at the Top: Thriving on Madison Ave.
Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.
Sponsored by Amex
The Salon Today 2024 Technology Solutions Guide
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Where Should My Money Live: An Account Breakdown
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro’s New AI Features and Communication Tool Pave the Way for a More Efficient, Profitable Business
Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.
Sponsored by Vagaro
Young Nails Biz Talk: Are You Getting Too Close to Clients?
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.