Vanessa Yakobson Receives Prestigious 'CEO of the Year' Award
In a remarkable accolade for the beauty franchise, Blo Blow Dry Bar, CEO Vanessa Yakobson has been awarded the distinguished 'CEO of the Year' by the private equity group NewSpring. This recognition culminates an impressive year of growth and development for the company, known for pioneering the blow dry bar concept across North America.
The 'CEO of the Year' award is one of NewSpring's highest honors, bestowed annually to recognize a CEO of an active portfolio company that has demonstrated exceptional value and leadership. The selection process looks at various key criteria such as contributions to the industry, strategic impact, and overall value creation. Yakobson's transformative leadership and her ability to steer Blo Blow Dry Bar towards success played a pivotal role in her selection for this prestigious award.
Reflecting on her journey, Vanessa Yakobson stated, "When I stepped into the CEO role 10 years ago, I knew the brand had immense potential, and I had a vision to help it get there. I am extremely proud of the work our team has done to grow the company. We’ve created a business model that enables franchisees to thrive while positively impacting their local communities. This award validates the strength of our brand and motivates us for the growth trajectory ahead as we enter 2025 and beyond."
Under Yakobson’s leadership, Blo Blow Dry Bar has broadened its reach across the U.S. and Canada, boosting customer engagement and introducing innovative service packages. Her commitment to excellence has significantly contributed to the brand's success. In addition to her achievements at Blo, she has established herself as a thought leader within the industry, an accolade that further underscores her inspiring leadership capabilities.
Mike DiPiano, Co-Founder and Managing General Partner at NewSpring, praised Yakobson's leadership, saying, "Vanessa was selected for this honor because of her outstanding leadership and the transformative impact she has had on Blo Blow Dry Bar. Her ability to drive growth and elevate the brand sets a high standard of excellence across the franchise industry."
Blo Blow Dry Bar has shown impressive growth, tapping into the increasing demands of the beauty and personal care sector. The brand currently holds significant presence in major urban centers across North America, with Atlanta identified as a key market for future expansion. The beauty industry's projected growth, expected to reach nearly $736 billion by 2028, has drawn interest from both new and existing entrepreneurs eager to engage with Blo's franchise offerings.
Currently, Blo Blow Dry Bar is actively seeking both single- and multi-unit operators to perpetuate its rapid expansion. Their 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document revealed that the top 10% of their bars generated average net sales of $621K, showcasing the potential for profitable operations within the franchise model.
Founded in 2007 with its first location in Canada, Blo Blow Dry Bar has expanded to over 160 locations across North America and continues its rapid growth. With services that include not just blowouts but also makeup applications and a membership program, Blo has redefined beauty standards, opening the door to exceptional customer experiences seven days a week.
In summary, Vanessa Yakobson's recognition as 'CEO of the Year' is not just a personal milestone but also a representation of Blo Blow Dry Bar’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the beauty industry. The company looks forward to further expansion, bolstered by solid leadership and a proven business model.
For more information on franchise opportunities visit
Blo Blow Dry Bar's Franchise Page.