Today we asked John Reynolds (founder and CEO of Jon Renau) a few questions about his background in the alternative hair industry and how Jon Renau has developed into an internationally leading hair manufacturer.

John, where did your passion for alternative hair stem from?

When I was an apprentice pharmacist during my teenage years in South Africa, I watched my boss do anything in order for his customers to be completely satisfied. Learning this early on made me customer-centric, which built a good foundation as I entered the alternative hair/wig business. Many of our customers suffer from medical hair loss. These people need confidence, nurturing, and understanding. What we do at Jon Renau comes naturally with my experience in the medical industry. I knew that I could give someone hope by rebuilding confidence and restoring their self image. That is the end goal for us here at Jon Renau every day.

What is a challenge you face in this industry?

When I first started in the wig business, I met a woman in Boston who owned a large practice for hair replacement. She told me two things: 1) People don't like wearing the hair 2) They don't want anyone to know they are wearing hair. After years of developing Jon Renau, I can say she is correct. Our best advertising is unseen.

What is a typical day in the life of John Reynolds?

My day consists of a variety of tasks in a day at the office. Emails are a blessing and a curse. Regardless, they all need to be responded to. I conduct daily meetings with various ends of the business and spend a lot of time planning and strategizing both current and future endeavors. My most important responsibility is to keep my hand over a myriad of things in the business. Outside of work, my passions are what I grew up with in South Africa: rugby union, cricket, squash, and golf. I also enjoy spending time with my wonderful wife, children and grandchildren.

What makes Jon Renau unique?

1) Innovation in any industry is ultimate. We have been very innovative with our wigs by creating an emphasis on special blends of attractive color used on our hair pieces. 2) The development of comfortable and functional caps are high on our product development priorities. 3) The blending of various fibers to create a more natural product is a major focus of our product development. 4) Consistency is a vital component that is required. Our choice of vendors have been critical. 5) Customer service with an emphasis on the customers buying experience is very important to us. We are furthering that with the C.O.R.E. (Certification of Renau Education).

What do you treasure most about your company?

The people that work here and the contribution I see them making each and every day. I really got great people and I really like them.

Looking forward, is there anything new and exciting at Jon Renau?

If you don't remain innovative and creative, you won't stay alive in any industry. With that being said, this year, we have quite a few exciting new projects. We brought out the new Evolution Collection in June and are working on several other products for release later this year. All of which are quite revolutionary and are needed in the market. Innovating and improving our products bring on a special meaning for us at Jon Renau. The more we can improve the buyer's experience, the more satisfaction we feel. Watching a customers confidence build after putting on one of our products has to be the greatest feeling.