The hairdressing industry is mourning the loss of salon owner and industry entrepreneur Anthony “Tony” Martino, the partner of famed hairdresser Caterina Di Biase and an essential part of the Heading Out Hair & Beauty hair salon franchise. Originally hailing from Italy, Tony is remembered for his gentle demeanour, kind mentorship and wealth of success.
Anthony established the first Heading Out salon in Brunswick more than 40 years ago, developing it to the prolific salon empire it is today. Through the expansion of the business, he led six hair and beauty salons and day spa groups, as well as the Heading Out Academy, guiding the enterprise in his business knowledge and leadership. As a businessman, Tony won such accolades as the Global Salon Business Awards’ Entrepreneur of the Year title in 2004 in London and 2008 in the USA, becoming the only Australian to win this award.
Beyond his business successes, he is remembered for an approach of never giving up and always growing and innovating, as well as his strong sense of people, making him a wonderful partner, mentor and industry member. He was a paternal figure to the young salon team and the perennial fixer of all problems.
“He was a gentleman and a diplomat, and he was always so gentle and mysterious, so you never knew what he was thinking,” Caterina shared. “He was a true poker player and continued to explain his gift of being able to read people, and he would analyse and reanalyse situations and people until he had you figured out – and you didn’t even know he was doing it!”
“Those who knew Tony in the industry would agree with me that he had time for everyone. He would sit and talk to you, listen to your stories and tell you many of his stories with a coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other. He would make you feel part of the team. All of Tony’s stories had meaning to them. Once you knew Tony, you knew he was telling the story for a reason,” she continued.
Tony’s team was one of his most pivotal successes, created through his talent of finding and nurturing talent, and assuring loyalty from long term staff members built on true care and respect. Despite not working on the floor in later years, his leadership ensured he was always instrumental in the salon’s continued success.
“I think I have a good feel for people and what makes them tick,” Tony said in his lifetime. “I like to take the time to watch people in their work and see what they do well, because that will be what they enjoy doing and what they should be encouraged to do more of. It’s pretty simple, but too often people are pushed into the wrong areas and fail. A common mistake of management is to put people where management needs them to go – not where the individual wants to go or should be. Then managers wonder why staff leave. To me, it doesn’t make sense. I guess this skill helps me to retain great staff within the Heading Out group, which only makes us stronger.”
Tony ensured Heading Out stayed at the forefront of fashion trends, in editorial credits, in artistry and creative innovation and in education. This multi-faceted approach to the salon, and his strong partnership with Caterina, ensured the business’ consistent growth and evolving expansions, to several locations and through education initiatives.
“Heading Out’s growth is planned, year after year and it is hard work that makes it all happen,” Tony said in 2015. “Nothing is an accident or luck. We take nothing for granted, and when we decide to do something – nothing will stop us. I guess it’s my Italian determination!”
His spirit, acumen, resolve, mentorship and camaraderie will be missed by so many in the industry. We at INSTYLE wish Caterina and Tony’s many loved ones and colleagues our heartfelt condolences.
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