Ep 5. Phenix Salon INC.

In the sixth season of Undercover Boss, episode 5, we follow the CEO of Phenix Salon INC. as they go incognito to investigate the ins and outs of their business. Phenix Salon INC. is a chain of salons across the United States that offer a range of beauty services like haircuts, coloring, and styling. The CEO of the company, Gina, goes undercover to investigate various aspects of the business that are not visible from her executive position.

The episode starts with Gina getting a complete makeover to blend in with the employees to ensure her true identity remains hidden. She starts her journey at a salon in Salt Lake City, where she meets the first employee, a hairstylist named Abby. Abby is a divorced mother of two and a talented hairstylist. Gina shadows Abby throughout the day, and from their interactions, Gina learns that Abby is struggling to make ends meet. She lives paycheck to paycheck and wonders how she will make ends meet if she falls sick. Gina sees the valuable work she is doing for her business and the need to support her employees.

The next stop is a salon in San Diego, where Gina meets a receptionist named Maria. Maria is a hard worker and efficient in her job, but Gina observes that she is always rushed and stressed to accommodate customers in time. During their conversations, Gina learns that Maria is the primary source of income for her family, and she works overtime to make ends meet. Gina could see the sacrifices Maria was making, and it was a significant takeaway from her experience.

In her third stop, Gina goes to a salon in Arizona, where she meets a nail technician named Jack, who is passionate about the nail business. Jack is hardworking and dedicated to his job, but he feels the company does not appreciate him enough. Through his eyes, Gina realizes that there are some aspects of the business that she wasn't aware of: the low pay of nail technicians and the lack of necessary support from management.

In the fourth and final stop of the day, Gina visits a salon in Dallas, where she meets a stylist named Amanda. Amanda is relatively new to the company and has had a rough start in her career. Amanda shares her experience of working in the salon industry, and the challenges she faces every day. Through their conversations, Gina realizes that helping Amanda grow in her role is as crucial as any other aspect of the business.

After meeting all the employees, Gina concludes her experience, and it's time to reveal her true identity. She gathers all the workers she met over the day and reveals her position as the CEO of the company. It is a moment of surprise for everyone, especially the employees who were not anticipating a visit from their boss. They share their experiences from the company, their struggles, and the need for support. Gina takes the feedback to heart and commits to implementing changes that reflect a better work environment and working conditions.

In conclusion, the episode of Undercover Boss season 6 episode 5, Phenix Salon INC, brings to the limelight the struggles of employees in the salon industry. It reveals the importance of worker support, and the key role they play in the success of the company. The episode teaches us to value the employees, treat them with respect, and work towards a common goal of success.