Today we’d like to introduce you to John (J.R.) Ernst.
Hi John (J.R.), thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a veteran entrepreneur and Physician Assistant based in Central Texas. After serving 26 years in the military, I transitioned into business ownership, founding Serious Stuff, LLC, which operates multiple Tune Up: The Manly Salon locations in Anderson Mill, Lakeway, and Killeen. I also lead Ernst Commercial Holdings Operations (ECHO) which is the umbrella company that anchors my ventures from salons to vending to retails and future acquisitions I practice medicine at The Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Central Texas, where my mission remains the same: serve with integrity, build with purpose, and lead by example.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road, and I’m grateful for all the lessons that the challenges have taught me.
In the service, structure is given to you. In business, you have to build it yourself. Suddenly, I was setting the mission, defining standards, and shouldering responsibility when things didn’t go well. I struggled with learning how to delegate thinking that no one would care as much as I did. Once I started empowering my teams and teaching others to carry the standard, everything improved. .
It’ was also difficult to find boundaries. I expanded quickly, and stretched myself thin, both financially and in my personal life. Staying humble, finding mentors and experts in my field to help me find the balance between being ambitious and being reckless. Life is definitely challenging when you have to find that line the hard way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Tune Up salons, where Texas grit meets classic grooming. From sharp cuts and beard trims to cold beers and southern hospitality, we are the pitstop every man deserves.
We are more than just a place to get a haircut, we are a true Texas experience. From beard trims, shaves and fades to facials, waxing, and even manicures and pedicures, or full lineup of services is built to keep you looking sharp and feeling your best.
But it’s not just about the grooming, it’s about the good times. Kick back, sip on an ice cold beer or smooth pour of whiskey and take in the rustic vibe that feels like a mix between an old Roadhouse and a vintage garage. Tune Up is where you come to clean up, hang out and enjoy.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest seeing growth. Not just in my businesses, but in people. From barbers who start shy and now run a full book, or a medical assistant who finds confidence in their role and works up to their potential, or even progress to greater things then they thought possible.
I’m happiest when I’m building systems, teams, or ideas. I like taking something that’s messy or uncertain and shaping it into something that works. Creating order opportunity and stability where there wasn’t any before.
On a personal level, happiness for me is time with my family, teaching my two boys how to be quality humans in teaching them to be servant leaders as well while they chase their own goals and aspirations
Contact Info:
- Website: Tuneupsalon.com | tuneupkilleen.com | tuneupandersonmill.com | tuneuplakeway.com
- Instagram: @tuneupkilleen @tuneupandersonmill @tuneuplakeway
- Facebook: Facebook.com/tuneupsalonkilleentx | Facebook.com/tuneupthemanlysalonaustinandersonmill | Facebook.com/tuneuplakeway
