The History
Of Four Generations Of
The Parker Family
In the Barber & Beauty Industry
Parker Beauty Supply has emerged as an innovative and pioneering entity with a company-wide strategy of being:
“The Premier Wholesale Distribution Organization”
specializing in NON-DIVERTED hair and skincare brands, global import operations, and full-service salon, boutique and spa driven products.
On May 15th, 2007, I opened the doors to my location in Round Rock, TX. (Home of the Hi-Tech Sector of Central Texas and DELL Computer Corporation’s Headquarters), based just north of Austin, TX. I wish to share with you where I personally draw my sincere passion and extensive knowledge of this fantastic industry of ours.
In April of 1946, my grandfather, LaVan Parker, World War II Navy veteran and a barber by trade, began pursuing a dream to run his own barber supply business. He used what little savings he had to purchase a small inventory of supplies, which he stocked in a tiny 4' X 10' washroom behind the garage of his rented Austin home. With little money in his pocket and wealth of ambition in his heart, he took off in a car he borrowed from his father to carve his niche among Austin's barbershops. LaVan passed away in 1981, but not before watching Parker grow into a highly successful enterprise.
Lucille Parker, my grandmother worked side-by-side with my grandfather and was instrumental in much of their success. She was active in all phases of their business, from calling on salons to handling accounts payable. Lucille Parker retired in the mid-1990s, but still enjoys many fond memories of Parker B & B, Inc.
Riley Parker, my father, began working in the business while attending The University of Texas at Austin, and continued to work full time until recently. He was a true “Jack-Of-All-Trades”, calling on salons, serving as a true equipment specialist by designing many of Austin’s existing salons, and then assuming the role of President of Parker B & B, Inc., upon my grandfather’s passing. Riley has recently retired, but still provides “his son” with sound business advice to carry forth for generations to come.
Carol Parker, my mother, works part-time, one to two days a week in the new business. She originally called on salons in the Austin area before joining the inside Staff a number of years ago. She acts in an exceptionally fundamental and supportive role in “The New Vision” of Parker.
GiGi Parker Chandrasoma, my sister, and daughter of Riley and Carol Parker, played an important role in our equipment business and handled our Accounts Receivable. GiGi passed away on June 23, 2000, at the young age of 35 years old, after a hard fought battle with colon cancer. She left behind a loving husband and, at the time, two young children.
Roxann Parker-Lagow, my aunt, and Riley’s sister, is a true sounding board and joint advisor. She calls on key salons in Austin, San Antonio and Dallas. Due to the current illness of her husband, Dr. Richard Lagow, Roxann balances a part-time position at Parker with a care-giving role to her husband. Roxann, a former schoolteacher, joined Parkers after my grandfather passed away. She is very well respected in the Beauty Industry and has many loyal customers.
My wife, Kristin Smolka Parker, joined Parker Barber & Beauty Supply, Inc. in 1992 upon her graduation from The University of Texas at Austin, with a degree in International Business. Kristin served as a Salon Consultant, Vice-President of Sales, and Business Development Adviser for Parker Barber & Beauty Supply, Inc. Throughout her tenure, she achieved many Top Sales Goals and National Awards while sharing in my sincere love for this industry and its' members. In 2004, two years after the birth of our son, Preston Kennedy Parker, Kristin became a full-time “Mommy”. In September of 2007, Kristin returned to part-time duties, utilizing her keen business sense and educationally driven knowledge and vast experience to aide in Business Support and Sales Development for Parker Beauty Supply.
Personally, in 1992, I graduated Magna Cum Laude in Business Management from St. Edwards University. While attending the University on a dual athletic and business school scholarship, I pitched all 4 years for the St. Edwards NAIA Collegiate Baseball Team, and also enjoyed life as a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon (“Sig-Ep”) at The University of Texas at Austin. I joined the family business operations in June 1992, after opting not to attend Law School immediately upon graduation. At the time, I wanted to pursue my personal desire to make a significant impact on the family business. In goes without saying, “I was immediately hooked” by the Industry, and, thus, my career was set in motion. I enjoyed 15 years with Parker Barber & Beauty Supply, Inc., serving as Operations Manager, Chief Operating Officer and then, the role of President, in July 2000. I have been very blessed with a tremendous amount of experience in marketing, management, I.T. integration and so forth, coupled with a genuine passion and appreciation for our beloved Beauty & Spa Industry.
A NEW BEGINNING - A NEW VISION:
Having exceptionally strong roots in the business, it is my personal desire to draw on the foundation of the past family operations, from its’ origins as a full-service barber supply corporation, and assemble it into the premier distribution organization, specializing in NON-DIVERTED hair and skincare brands, global import operations, and full-service salon, boutique and spa driven products. Bringing the business into the fold of the world of “High-Tech”, as evidenced by our Online Virtual Store, is just one of the many cutting edge developments which I have personally developed from its’ concept, design, implementation and integration.
The Beauty Industry is rapidly changing; whereupon, WE fully embrace such change and will continue to lay the foundation and provide the utmost support for our mutual success!
I challenge you, as well, to separate yourself from the competition and experience .....
THE parker POINT OF DIFFERENCE
With my sincere appreciation,
Brant F. Parker
President / CEO
