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3370: Vagaro is Helping Fitness and Wellness Brands Scale With AI Assistants

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Manage episode 497985829 series 80936
Content provided by Neil C. Hughes. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Neil C. Hughes or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sat down with Fred Helou, founder and CEO of Vagaro, a platform reshaping how service-based businesses in the beauty, wellness, and fitness sectors operate in a digital world. What began as an idea sparked by a frustrating haircut booking experience during a business trip to Korea has evolved into a platform used by over 250,000 professionals worldwide.

Fred walked me through his journey from developing the concept in 1999 to officially launching Vagaro in 2009 after being laid off during the financial crisis. Along the way, he navigated shifting technology trends, from desktop tools to mobile apps and now artificial intelligence. At its core, Vagaro has always aimed to be a digital assistant for its users, allowing solopreneurs and large enterprises alike to focus on their craft while automation handles the rest.

Our conversation explored how AI is quietly transforming the day-to-day operations of small businesses. From writing emails and responding to reviews to answering customer chats and booking appointments in real time, Vagaro’s AI tools are making it easier for service providers to grow without hiring additional staff. Fred outlined a future where professionals simply set goals for their schedule and let AI optimize bookings, promotions, and customer engagement around the clock.

What stood out was Fred’s commitment to enhancing—not replacing—the human experience. He spoke candidly about the irreplaceable role of the hairdresser or personal trainer and why no one wants scissors near their neck managed by a robot. Instead, the platform empowers professionals with enterprise-grade tools once out of reach for smaller operators.

Fred also shared how his experience growing up during the Lebanese Civil War shaped his resilience as a founder. That perspective has influenced Vagaro’s long-term approach to product development, culture, and navigating uncertainty.

As AI evolves from assistance to autonomy, how is your business preparing to scale without losing the human touch that sets it apart?

  continue reading

2047 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 497985829 series 80936
Content provided by Neil C. Hughes. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Neil C. Hughes or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sat down with Fred Helou, founder and CEO of Vagaro, a platform reshaping how service-based businesses in the beauty, wellness, and fitness sectors operate in a digital world. What began as an idea sparked by a frustrating haircut booking experience during a business trip to Korea has evolved into a platform used by over 250,000 professionals worldwide.

Fred walked me through his journey from developing the concept in 1999 to officially launching Vagaro in 2009 after being laid off during the financial crisis. Along the way, he navigated shifting technology trends, from desktop tools to mobile apps and now artificial intelligence. At its core, Vagaro has always aimed to be a digital assistant for its users, allowing solopreneurs and large enterprises alike to focus on their craft while automation handles the rest.

Our conversation explored how AI is quietly transforming the day-to-day operations of small businesses. From writing emails and responding to reviews to answering customer chats and booking appointments in real time, Vagaro’s AI tools are making it easier for service providers to grow without hiring additional staff. Fred outlined a future where professionals simply set goals for their schedule and let AI optimize bookings, promotions, and customer engagement around the clock.

What stood out was Fred’s commitment to enhancing—not replacing—the human experience. He spoke candidly about the irreplaceable role of the hairdresser or personal trainer and why no one wants scissors near their neck managed by a robot. Instead, the platform empowers professionals with enterprise-grade tools once out of reach for smaller operators.

Fred also shared how his experience growing up during the Lebanese Civil War shaped his resilience as a founder. That perspective has influenced Vagaro’s long-term approach to product development, culture, and navigating uncertainty.

As AI evolves from assistance to autonomy, how is your business preparing to scale without losing the human touch that sets it apart?

  continue reading

2047 episodes

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