Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Bruckler.
Lauren, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Wow! I’ve done many different things over the past 12 years ranging from the installation of wind turbines, consulting on green building projects, to managing luxury hair salons – you could say, I’m a bit of a Renaissance Woman. Although my path has taken many twists and turns, the destination has always been guided by my desire for enriching experiences and an appetite for adventure.
A big part of my story has always included academics. I went off to college at 16, moving five hours away from home after I was admitted to the Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities. I enjoyed the independence and the opportunity to turn my last two years of high school in to an Associate Degree opportunity. A few years later, I found myself at the University of North Texas studying security and terrorism within the International Studies program. At the time, I fully anticipated working for a federal agency doing counterintelligence or diplomacy work (yes, I watched many Tom Clancy movie adaptations when I was younger). While finishing my undergraduate degree, I took an internship opportunity with EPA’s Region 6 Office of Environmental Justice and Tribal Affairs. This internship later turned in to a part-time graduate student position and gave me the opportunity to work in the Enforcement Division of EPA. Academically, I had moved on to my Master’s degree and was focusing on environmental philosophy.
During my graduate studies, I left the EPA and went to work for the Office of Sustainability at UNT. My job was to help the university implement and embrace policies and programs that would foster sustainability and reduce carbon dependency. I worked with so many great people and got to participate in exciting initiatives like recycling, community gardens, green building projects, and much more. One of the most memorable and inspirational projects I worked on was the installation of three community-scale wind turbines on campus. I was responsible for managing the grant that awarded funding for the project. It was incredible to see the construction and installation of the turbines. Not very many people or organizations are awarded $2 million and get to see the fruits of their labor. In addition to all of these amazing projects, I got to manage a team of incredible employees and students. I really enjoyed providing guidance and mentoring my team both professionally and academically.
After 5 years with UNT, I took a position as a project manager with a local green building and sustainability consulting firm based out of Irving, TX. I managed green building projects and consulted on energy efficiency for multifamily developers across North Texas, including high-profile projects like Plano’s Legacy West development. I learned quite a lot about construction, working on jobsites performing energy and green building inspections. I learned how to read architectural drawings, the mechanical process of HVAC systems, the process for building permits, and so much more. I also became very familiar with building codes and multiple green building rating systems. I had absolutely no formal background in architecture or construction but I had project management experience and exposure to green building from my days at UNT. I was able to learn while doing my job and I earned professional certifications in green building and code compliance. These practical, professional certifications complemented the more theoretical, academic topics I was studying. Having completed my Master’s degree I began courses to earn my Ph.D. in environmental philosophy.
In many ways, my doctoral degree influenced my decision to leave my position as a green building project manager and become the General Manager for Luxe Beauty, LLC, and their Modern Luxe Salons. As a small, family owned business, taking on the role of GM gave me a refreshing level of autonomy and flexibility. Not only did this address my desire to return to a management position but it improved my quality of life, affording me a better home/work balance. Part of this balance included having more time and energy to work on academic pursuits. To say that my path took a new direction is an understatement! Yet despite the obvious differences, many fundamentals of people and project management remained the same – I simply had to learn how to apply them in a new work environment. In reality, learning how to translate skill-sets is an overlooked benefit that comes along with doing different jobs throughout one’s career. It not only challenges the individual but it can actually enhance those existing skills.
Working in the salons has been a uniquely enriching experience – it has shown me an entirely new perspective when it comes to business management, relationships, and customer service. I’ve become better at working with salon customers, anticipating the needs and expectations of those who work in the salon, and handling difficult conversations. I’ve dealt with major operational challenges like broken sewer lines, leaky roofs, and hot water failure – an essential ingredient in any functional salon. I’ve also been through emotionally stressful times when our salon family has waxed and waned, feeling the inevitable pressure of local competition. It has challenged me in ways I would have never anticipated and has ultimately made me a better manager overall, both of people and projects!
I’ve always had ongoing projects outside of work, mostly related to academic pursuits. Recently, I earned a professional certification in safety and health to expand my overall knowledge and, when time permits, to assist my husband with his consulting firm, OPX Group. Having extensive writing experience I also do freelance writing when I can find spare time – assisting with technical reports, white papers, and grant applications. These activities keep me sharp and they give me an outlet to recharge and gain perspective. It may seem like I’m stretched thin but I actually thrive best when I have multiple pots simmering. I also like that I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in so many different initiatives across North Texas – from wind turbines at UNT, to green building from Uptown to Frisco, and now small business management – it’s been an adventure!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Overall I would say it has been smooth. There have been times when I’ve experienced varying degrees of doubt regarding my path. Did I make the right choice? Will this be fulfilling? Am I stuck? Questions like these have caused me to pause at times over the years. Inevitably though, with a bit of patience and faith in myself, these concerns wilt away and I can see the road again. That’s not saying I’ve been immune to failure. I would encourage everyone to recognize the opportunity that can come with failure. Experiencing both good and bad is part of living life and I think both are needed for balance and inspiration. Failure is simply an alternative outcome and it can actually lead to other possibilities.
For those just starting their journey, I would encourage them to view each job as a learning opportunity. There is always something you can take away from each job you have – find what that is and utilize it for your own potential. In terms of management, embrace servant leadership. Be strategic when flexing managerial muscle and before spouting off what’s on your mind, sleep on it.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into your business story. Tell us more about the business.
I love the business philosophy that drives Modern Luxe Salons. We seek to provide a luxurious, quality environment for independent hair stylists and their clientele. As independent business owners, the stylists who work in Modern Luxe Salons have significant freedom and autonomy to run their own business. Likewise, we trust in their capabilities and talent to be successful. Part of my job is to cultivate a symbiotic relationship between stylists and the salons. We depend on the business of the stylists who rent from us in order for the salons to thrive. In turn, the stylists depend on management to keep the salons functioning at a high quality, complementary to the luxury services clientele are seeking. Working together helps us achieve mutual goals and it cultivates a salon culture based upon values of respect, compassion, and creativity.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
There have been many women in my life that have inspired me including teachers, successful professionals, and even previous bosses. A common trait amongst all of these individuals has been their dedication to what they do and their willingness to help me learn.
Contact Info:
- Email: laurenbruckler@outlook.com
Image Credit:
Erick Johnson
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