Tragedy struck (again) at John Paul Mitchell Systems (JPMS) earlier this. Angus Mitchell, son of company co-founder Paul Mitchell, drowned in January.

“It is with tremendous sadness that we mourn the sudden passing of Angus Mitchell. As a hairdresser and co-owner of JPMS, Angus had a deep love of family, community and the beauty industry,” John Paul DeJoria shared in the heartfelt statement. “Angus was the son of late co-founder Paul Mitchell and was a beloved colleague and important part of our JPMS family. Angus had a huge heart that impacted countless people who crossed his path. We are grateful for the time we got with him, though it ended far too soon. During this shocking and difficult time, we kindly request privacy as we navigate this profound loss.”

Angus Mitchell served as co-owner of John Paul Mitchell Systems. Paul Mitchell died from pancreatic cancer in 1989. Following his death, Angus inherited his father’s stake in JPMS and the schools.

JPMS has been focused on philanthropy and the environment for years. It partners with Bees for Development to reduce poverty and increase biodiversity through sustainable beekeeping. The company’s Clean Beauty line features recyclable, biobased packaging that’s made from 90% sugarcane and includes low-profile caps to produce less virgin plastic. Furthermore, JPMS is promoting refill pouches for several formulas, including Tea Tree Special shampoo and Awapuhi shampoo.

Sales: $975 million

John Paul Mitchell Systems (JPMS), a leading manufacturer of professional hair care and color, continues its commitment to the betterment of people and the planet through its partnership with Bees for Development. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to reducing poverty, building resilient livelihoods and increasing biodiversity through sustainable beekeeping.

Paul Mitchell color is formulated with the sustainable, natural resource beeswax, and will extend the line with the all-new Cools Series. Beeswax plays a leading role in Paul Mitchell’s permanent hair color line to maintain its rich, creamy consistency that leaves the hair feeling smooth and healthy. JPMS sources the beeswax used to create its formulas from West Africa, where bees can pollinate plants year-round, contributing to the area’s biodiversity and helping uphold their ecosystems. The beeswax is sustainably sourced while also assisting local beekeepers in supporting their families and uplifting their communities.  With JPMS’ partnership, Bees for Development will help over 200 Ugandans with disabilities by educating and training them to achieve greater economic and social empowerment through beekeeping. According to Bees for Development, beekeeping allows income generation without destroying forests and other habitats. The organization has trained over 5,000 beekeepers, focusing on locally appropriate skills and knowledge.

Paul Mitchell’s new Cools Series is available now, as well as the entire permanent hair color collection. These three ash blue cool tones provide soft control to the dominant pigment when lifting, without dull results.

In other news, in November 2022 John Paul Mitchell Systems (JPMS) named sustainability expert Sean Ansett as the company’s senior director of sustainability, a newly created position. Ansett has more than 20 years of experience.

Sales: $925 million

Nearly a year ago, JPMS Co-Founder John Paul DeJoria announced a business partnership with plastic surgeon Leif Rogers, MD. The two friends announced their plan on a retreat with other entrepreneurs and leaders, sharing their commitment to making the world a better place through technology and innovation.

“We are committed to making our world a better place. Innovation, technology and heart make our aspirations achievable. Our partnership brings together our vast experiences to offer solutions to tremendous needs, especially in our evolving and demanding world. Stay tuned, you will not want to miss our coming announcements.”

The world is still waiting to learn more about that.

That said, DeJoria has turned his attention to green energy by investing in the Swedish-American battery technology development company Texel Energy Storage. Texel has a exclusive license agreement with the US Department of Energy’s Savanah River National Laboratory and is preparing for several technical demos, followed by commercial demonstrations in three targeted market segments—long duration grid energy storage, creating energy storage for independent households and micro grids.

“I am very happy to partner up and invest in Texel’s next generation battery technology… This development not only makes our planet better and safer for all earth’s people… but a technology ready to be developed now! More cost effective, more eco-friendly, hybrid where no additional backup power is needed… A great way to contribute to Earth’s survival, and a future must for all homes, businesses, cities, states, and countries,” DeJoria said in a statement.

Sales: $875 million (estimated)

The largest privately-held US professional hair care company took a beating during the pandemic. With 47,000 storefronts closed off and on throughout 2020, JPMS Co-Founder and Chairman John Paul DeJoria and Co-Owner Angus Mitchell (son of JPMS late co-founder Paul Mitchell) needed a survival plan. They found it within themselves. Every month, DeJoria and Mitchell each put up $6 million to help the independent salon owners and hairstylists who are the lifeblood of John Paul Mitchell Systems.

“When we started this company, we had absolutely nothing. Even though we are having real problems and this terrible virus, we’re a lot better off now than we were back then,” DeJoria told Forbes. “We made good money before, let’s weather the storm, put our money back into the company. The entire decision took 30 minutes.”

In other moves, the company extended pay periods and offered shampoos and treatments at discounted rates. When salons re-opened, the company also offered free in-person training classes from more than 400 JPMS educators.

Earlier this year, JPMS promoted Michaeline DeJoria to CEO. DeJoria is the daughter of John Paul Mitchell Systems Co-Founder John Paul DeJoria. Michaeline DeJoria began working at JPMS in 2007, starting on the production plant floor and following in nearly every department of the business. Ultimately, this led to her role as vice chairman, where she directed the company’s future development for all brands.

Recent initiatives spearheaded by DeJoria include COVID-19 relief efforts with a $4 million salon jumpstart stimulus package, a global sustainability pledge, the launch of the brand’s first-ever clean beauty line Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty, a venture into AI technology with Hair AI powered by Fitskin, and the announcement of the brand’s first-ever global ambassador, style icon Winnie Harlow.

Sales: $510 million (estimated)

The professional hair care industry has been facing major challenges for years, but the COVID-19 pandemic has the business on the ropes. According to the Professional Beauty Association, about 72% of hair salon workers live paycheck to paycheck and have only about a month’s worth of savings to fall back on. Furthermore, 23% have no health insurance.

John Paul Mitchell Systems is the largest privately-held professional hair care company in the world. Its tools, styling products and dyes are sold in more than 100 countries in 150,000 salons, as well as Ulta. According to COO Jason Yates, sales to salons make up about 95% of JPMS’ revenue, and 70% of its US business comes from independent salons.

To help keep its customers afloat until the pandemic subsides, JPMS redirected $4 million that was earmarked for an August 2020 event in Las Vegas to celebrate the company’s 40-year anniversary. The money will be used to donate $4 million worth of free products distributed to salon partners. Product allocation will depend on a variety of factors including how long a salon has been a customer of JPMS, whether the salon only uses JPMS products and what size business the salon represents to JPMS.

“During this most difficult and challenging time in our world and our industry, John Paul Mitchell Systems wants to make sure you know that you, our salon partners, are at the heart of everything that we do,” Vice Chairman Michaeline DeJoria and Yates said in a statement. “In fact, everything we do begins with the question, ‘How will this benefit our salon partners?’ With that, we have shifted our focus for 2020 to be that of rebuilding our industry and supporting our most valuable partners—you.”

Other JPMS initiatives included free online education programs for stylists and manufacturing hand sanitizers for medical and other at-risk groups.

Sales: $475 million (estimated).

The professional hair care market continues to face major challenges as hairstyles and distribution change. According to a study by Professional Consultants & Resources (PCR), Plano, TX, all types of salon service revenues grew by only 1.7% in 2018. Industry barriers to growth, like distribution changes, M&As, brand consolidation, restages and fierce competition continued at top manufacturers.

“In 2018, the US economy’s GDP growth was 3%. Yet Sally Beauty declined -0.5%, BSG grew at 0.3%, and Salon Centric grew 3%, mainly due to Redken and partner brands,” explained PCR’s Cyrus Bulsara. “These two major distributorships comprise around 55% or more of the entire salon industry. Their flat-to-low growth is a bellwether of total salon industry growth, trends and future growth.”
Furthermore, salon visit frequencies grew only at suite-rentals, family-economy chains Great Clips and Sport Clips and some independent artistic salons. Rentals do not retail well, thus impacting growth and diversion continues to flourish.

“Premium, mall-based salon chains like Regis, Toni & Guy, JCPenney and Ratner, continue declines in both clients and revenues, and economy chains like Great Clips and Sport Clips grow,” added Bulsara. “Geographic regions of both good and poor economy exist across the USA. Growth comes from salons in good economy areas. Poor economy areas are seeing service and retail declines. This is the multiplicity of factors that is impacting and hampering salon industry growth.”

With problems like these, it is no wonder that DeJoria turns to Patron…and real estate, too.

Last month, DeJoria purchased McDonald’s 80-acre campus in Oak Brook, IL, after the fast food giant vacated the property. A purchase price was not disclosed. The site includes the McDonald’s former main office building, the Hamburger University training site and the Hyatt Lodge.

It’s unclear what DeJoria plans to do with the location, but the 218-room Hyatt hotel will reportedly remain open.

“This campus comes with a rich history and significance to the community, and there’s such beauty throughout the entire site,” DeJoria said in statement. “I am honored to continue that legacy and we look forward to welcoming the next generation of special guests and corporations to the property. There’s most certainly going to be a bright future ahead.”

Town officials agree. David Carlin, president of the Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce, said DeJoria is a great addition to the village.

“When the founder of iconic brands as Paul Mitchell and Patron Spirits Company invests in your town, it means your future is bright,” Carlin said.

Sales: $456 million.

John Paul Dejoria is the one-time homeless man who controls the largest privately-held professional hair care company in the world. At 73, he’s still following three simple rules for success:

• Always be prepared for rejection;
• Make sure your product or service is the best it can be; and
• Doing good is good for you and your business.

Unfortunately, right now, things aren’t so good in the professional hair care category. Salon industry services rose just 2% last year, according to a study by Professional Consultants & Resources.

Sales: $450 million.

John Paul Mitchell Systems is the largest, privately-held professional hair care company in the US. In fact, it trails only L’Oréal and P&G in the category. New products have fueled growth at JPMS, and one of the newest launches is Neon. The line is geared toward teens with six products ranging in price from $9.99 to $11.99. That younger demographic is a major reason why JPMS made the decision to sell Neon online. Products include Sugar Confection spray, Sugar Twist tousle spray, Sugar Spray texture boost, Sugar Cleanse shampoo and Sugar Rinse conditioner.

Sales: $437 million (estimated).

Privately-held John Paul Mitchell Systems’ sales rose an estimated 3% last year, inline with the overall salon industry’s growth. DeJoria’s rags-to-riches story is well-known and the billionaire isn’t forgetting where he came from. Two years ago he co-founded Rok Mobile, a wireless operator. Now, that company is introducing a new plan to help low-income customers with a variety of expenses.

For $49.99 a month, Rok’s mobile phone plan with unlimited minutes, texting and data streaming up to 5GB will also cover a $100,000 accidental death insurance policy and $20,000 to cover burial costs, as well as 24/7 online access to doctors through MeMD and roadside assistance for family members. DeJoria and his cofounder Jonathan Kendrick are dubbing the concept “compassionate capitalism.”

DeJoria is also stakeholder in Aubío Life Sciences, a startup with a natural treatment for cold sores. The formulation is fueled by an extract of the Pitcher plant.

Sales: $425 million (estimated).

Still the largest, independent professional hair care product company, John Paul Mitchell Systems’ products are sold through distributors within North America to more than 100,000 hair salons. Internationally, John Paul Mitchell Systems works with distributors in 86 countries that supply thousands of hair salons.

From animal welfare to prostate cancer research, JPMS’ Culture of Giving supports many charity efforts around the world. But its not a handout; the company is committed to sustainable giving, like Grow Appalachia, which has helped Appalachian families produce more than 1.1 million pounds of organic food.

Then there’s the company’s Marula Pure Beauty Oil, which is obtained from a fully integrated supply chain from natural resource to finished product that provides economic opportunities to thousands of rural African women at Fair Trade wages. The program has expanded its network of Marula nut harvesters from 4,000 in 2014 to 7,500 as of May 2015.

The Marula Oil products range is part of ROK Stars PLC, co-founded by John Paul DeJoria and Jonathan Kendrick, with a mandate to “Build The Mega-Brands of Tomorrow, Today.”

“We take our Fair Trade mission very seriously,” said Kendrick. “Marula Pure Beauty Oil totally stands apart from its peers in this regard, as well as in the ultimate quality and purity of our finished product.  As our business grows, so does the economic advantage that is shared in the communities who are working to harvest the Marula nuts, while being able to maintain their long-held traditions and way of life.”

Sales: $510 million (estimated).

With retail sales approaching $1 billion, John Paul Mitchell Systems’ products can be found in nearly 90 countries around the world. And the company also teaches what it preaches, by operating more than 100 Paul Mitchell schools in the US.
Co-founder John Paul DeJoria has created more than a dozen companies over the years, but that hasn’t kept him from advocating for a variety of causes. Last month, the company joined Cruelty Free International in supporting the US Humane Cosmetics Act.

“Paul Mitchell is the first professional hair care brand to take a strong stance against animal testing…we just refused to do it,” said DeJoria, who remains chairman of  Paul Mitchell.  “Since our beginning in 1980, we have been extremely proud to be cruelty free.
We are honored to join Cruelty Free International in supporting the Humane Cosmetic Act to end cosmetic testing on animals in the United States.”

The Humane Cosmetics Act (HR4148) would enhance worldwide momentum in ensuring animals are not harmed in the process of creating or manufacturing cosmetics, has been introduced by Congressman Jim Moran, D-VA. The Humane Society of the United States’ Be Cruelty-Free U.S.A. campaign applauds Moran for introducing federal legislation to prohibit animal testing for cosmetics manufactured or sold in the US.

If passed, the Humane Cosmetics Act, H.R. 4148, would:

• Make it unlawful for anyone to conduct or commission cosmetic animal testing in the US and
• Prohibit selling, offering for sale or transporting any cosmetics in interstate commerce if the final product or any component was developed or manufactured using animal testing.

The bill is endorsed by The Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society Legislative Fund and Humane Society International, along with members and stakeholders of the personal care products industry, including Lush, Jack Black, Biao skin care and Aubrey Organics.

Sales: $500 million (estimated).

Company News:  Paul Mitchell is still a top privately-held company in professional hair care. The company sells its products in more than 100,000 beauty salons in nearly 90 countries.

JPM CEO John Paul DeJoria’s motto is, “Success unshared is failure.”

This year, the hair care company bulked up its marketing efforts with the addition of a new vice president, Jason Yates. He took over for Robert Yates (no relation), who retired as the senior vice president of marketing. Yates brings more than 20 years of leadership experience working on all sides of the professional hair industry, beginning behind the chair as a hairdresser in England and as an international platform artist.

“We are delighted to welcome Jason Yates to John Paul Mitchell Systems to lead the continued growth of our product lines,” said DeJoria. “We are so fortunate to have found someone with a multi-faceted background like Jason’s. In addition to his experience leading sales and marketing teams, Jason’s background as a hairdresser and platform artist will be especially invaluable as we continue to innovate and positively impact the professional beauty industry and stylists all over the world.”

DeJoria continued, “I would like to thank Robert Yates for his many, many contributions to the company over the last 15 years. He has been instrumental to our company’s global success.”

Paul Mitchell kicked-off a partnership with select Marriott brands in Spring 2012, in which products became available in-room for guests of Courtyard by Marriott, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites nationwide.

In May 2013, John Paul Mitchell Systems and Residence Inn by Marriott thanked moms for all they do with a month-long celebration. As part of the “Residence Inn by Marriott Mom’s Month Sweepstakes,” Paul Mitchell The School locations in Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington, D.C. areas, along with Paul Mitchell Focus Salon, Raika Studio in New York City treated sweepstakes winners to complimentary services in assorted markets.

Sales: $480 million (estimated).

Paul Mitchell remains the No. 1 privately-held company in the professional hair care industry. The company sells its products in more than 150,000 beauty salons in nearly 90 countries. Annual retail sales are estimated at $1 billion.

Paul Mitchell struck a distribution deal with select Marriott hotels.

It’s well documented how, in 1980, John Paul DeJoria teamed up with Paul Mitchell to form John Paul Mitchell Systems. Mitchell died at 53 from pancreatic cancer, but his son Angus, 42, serves as the company’s artistic director and has his own salon, Angus Mitchell Salon Beverly Hills.

In May, Mitch Construction Paste was named “Best Hair Paste” by Men’s Health readers.

Everyone knows that DeJoria is the founder of Patrón Spirits Co. But did you know that he is big backer of sustainability? He is the majority shareholder in Gustin Energy, an environmentally-friendly natural gas and oil explorer, and his DeJoria Diamonds sells conflict-free diamonds. Last year, he started JPSelects.com, an online marketplace for sustainable products.

In a recent interview with Fortune, DeJoria offered three bits of wisdom for would-be entrepreneurs:

• Be prepared for rejection.
• Make the highest-quality products.
• Practice sustainability.

This year, John Paul Mitchell Systems will enter 2,000 select Marriott hotel doors across North America—a first for the company. According to reports, 24 million units of four unisex Paul Mitchell’s Salon Classics products be available throughout four Marriott brands: Courtyard by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and TownePlace Suites by Marriott.

Sales: $600 million (estimated)

John Paul Mitchell (JPMS) products—known as Paul Mitchell—are sold through its 25 distributors to 100,000 U.S. hair salons and to salons in more than 80 countries around the world.

This year, the company tapped into two rising trends—natural ingredients and men’s hair care. Add a thickening twist to styles with Lemon Sage Thickening Spray, an uplifting cocktail of body-building ingredients such as panthenol and flexible styling agents that pumps up skinny strands and boosts shine for fuller, healthier-looking hair, according to JPMS. Flash Back 10-Minute Hair Color for Men aims to conquer gray or white hair and is available for professional use only.

The company is also raising its awareness efforts. This year, JPMS partnered with Grow Appalachia, a project dedicated to helping Appalachian families “plant a healthy future.” On Earth Day, Paul Mitchell salons donated one dollar from every haircut to the cause.

Paul Mitchell owner and chief executive officer John Paul DeJoria also made a recent trip to South Africa—working with Brad Pitt, Sir Richard Branson and Nelson Mandela—as a patron of the non-profit Mineseeker organization, which is devoted to battling the worldwide issue of landmines through technological advances.

Sales: $600 million (estimated).

Retail sales are approaching $900 million. John Paul Mitchell products are sold through its 25 distributors to 100,000 U.S. hair salons and to salons in more than 80 countries around the world. After more than 30 years in business, JPMS maintains that it is the largest privately-owned professional hair care company in the world.

Company co-founder John Paul DeJoria’s first love may be hair care, but he’s passionate about liquor too. He owns The Patron Spirits Company and he’s worth $3.5 billion, according to Forbes. Not bad for a guy who was born to immigrants, raised in foster care, spent his youth in a Los Angeles street gang and lived as a homeless man at one time.

Sales: $516 million (estimated).

John Paul Mitchell Systems is the largest privately-held manufacturer in the hair salon segment. All hair and skin care products are manufactured within the U.S. and sold through 25 distributors within the U.S. to approximately 90,000 hair salons and schools.  Internationally, John Paul Mitchell Systems works with distributors in 75 countries that supply thousands of hair salons.