the blo team

Vanessa has been Blo’s CEO since April 2016 and is one of our co-founders. Previously, she was Director of Business Development for a Toronto-based asset manager, provided independent Marketing, Sales and Capital Introduction services for financial clients, and served as Managing Director, Development & Strategy for the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario. Vanessa’s early career was in marketing, including positions at Cott Beverage and Procter & Gamble. Vanessa has served on a number of boards, including the Board of Canada’s Walk of Fame. Vanessa has an MBA from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.

Ari is one of Blo’s co-founders and has been President and Chairman of the Board since our company’s inception in 2009. He was previously Blo’s CEO, as well as President, CEO and Chairman of the Board for Melonhead Corporation, a company he co-founded in 2001 and grew to become Canada’s largest chain of children’s hair salons. Ari is also the Founder/Managing Partner of Neves Inc where he provides financial and consulting services to individuals and private companies, a partner in Astley Gilbert, the largest construction printer in Canada, and a partner at Wildeboer Dellelce LLP, a Toronto-based law firm. Ari holds an LLB from the University of Western Ontario and an MBA from Queen’s University.

Paul is one of our Co-Founders and has been Vice President since our company’s inception in 2009. He was co-founder and Director of Melonhead Corporation from 2001-2013. Paul has an LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University.

Artur joined the Blo team in 2018. He has also been Managing Director of WD Capital Markets where he helps clients with corporate finance and M&A needs. He has an entrepreneurial background having founded, operated and exited several small businesses, including an automotive dealership, financing company, and an accounting/corporate services company. Artur has a joint JD/MBA from Osgoode Hall Law School and the Shulich School of Business at York University.

Corey comes from 25 years of leadership experience in franchise development for both domestic and internationally recognized brands with core competencies in franchise development (traditional, non-traditional, international, and multi-unit development), with ancillary expertise in lead generation marketing and prospecting, retail leasing, ground-up retail development, franchise operations, and real estate site selection. His primary focus with Blo will encompass the onboarding of new franchisees into the system and strategically expanding our brand footprint within key US and Canadian markets.

Before joining the Blo team, Corey held leadership positions with brands such as Cold Stone Creamery, Kahala Brands, Bruster’s Ice Cream, and Togo’s Eateries. When he’s not working, Corey enjoys the great outdoors and spending time with his 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Corey also has a passion for classic cars and is the proud owner of a 1966 Ford Mustang which he uses as a daily driver. He holds a BA in Business from West Virginia State University.

Dana has been with Blo Blow Dry Bar for over 10 years. Her previous work experience includes working in logistics and office management. At Blo, she’s the go-to for almost everything. She is responsible for accounts receivable/payable, interviewing potential franchise partner as well as the office manager. In her spare time, she’s a proud mama of three.

Shauna holds a Bachelors Degree in Communications from York University and a Certificate in Marketing from Humber College. She is also an accomplished sommelier who is in the process of completing a Diploma in Wine through the Wine & Spirit Eduction Trust in London….just for fun. Shauna started her career working in buying for the clothing retailer Tall Girl and went on to become the Marketing Manager for that company and its European counterpart, Long Tall Sally. Shauna most recently managed the service and operations for a private country club west of Toronto.

Shauna loves to spend time with her husband, her friends and her dog who was rescued from Taiwan. She also loves to travel, shop, cook and drink wine (for research purposes of course).

Kim heads the operations department. She oversees all aspects of franchise operations inclusive of providing direction, coaching and support on all blo accounts, systems and vendor partnerships. Kim and the operations team also work closely with the Corporate Educators on all blo openings, seasonal styles, and education projects. After joining the Blo family 4 years ago, Kim still considers Blo her dream job and is grateful to the Head Office team, Franchise Partners, Educators and blo staff that keep her inspired, motivated and laughing day-in and day-out.

When not at work, Kim enjoys live music, comedy, travel and enjoying a great meal with family and friends.