The G-Spot Column
Here is a lovely review of my book from the great country of POLAND!
It asks the question too - ‘Nurture or Nature.’
http://jeziorki.blogspot.com/2010/03/nature-or-nurture.html
New GW speeches coming: - in Warsaw, Poland; Hong Kong; Australia; and India.
Graham Webb: A Unique Motivational Speaker
Book Graham to speak at your event here.
Here is a lovely review of my book from the great country of POLAND!
It asks the question too - ‘Nurture or Nature.’
http://jeziorki.blogspot.com/2010/03/nature-or-nurture.html
New GW speeches coming: - in Warsaw, Poland; Hong Kong; Australia; and India.
Graham Webb: A Unique Motivational Speaker
Book Graham to speak at your event here.
Tour Report
- CINCINNATI / NORTHERN KENTUCKY was the next stop for me after Chicago.
International Academy - Cincinnati
Graham Webb visit Kentucky
enthusiastic stylist!
Back to Basics Products
My speech at the Garden of Park Hills, at Fort Wright, Kentucky went very well and again I received a very kind 'standing ovation.' Later that day I attended a dinner with the executive team of SABLEUX Salon & Spa. Next day sales consultant Chris Canfield and I did a whole day of 'meet and greets,' autographs and photographs across Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. It was also great to address students and the education team at the impressive International Academy, run by industry legend Gary Mooar. I had met and worked alongside Gary during earlier speeches over the years in the US professional beauty industry.
Next stop was Cleveland, Ohio.
I was met by Kelly Ramos and the always positive and efficient P & G sales consultant Michael Gaudioso - who I last worked with when I spoke at the Walforf Astoria in New York City. It's always fun working with Michael. But he opened the door for a day of teasing though, when - particularly it being late at night, and me very tired after a long day and a flight - we drove out of Cleveland airport only to discover 50 minutes later that we were back at Cleveland Airport ! Michael said it was Kelly's fault that we had gone around in a circle. It certainly was not my fault (I am used to driving on the 'wrong' side of the road, and I was just a passenger!) But on any tour, one needs these 'mistakes' and 'happenings' to be able to have fun about them - and you can bet that I used this 'story' in my speech the next day at Michael's expense :) ! I spoke exclusively for an extremely positive and very professional team from MC Hair Consultants - headed by owner Marcy Cona - someone who commands great respect in my industry and who I have been very keen to meet over the years. This was another standing ovation for a very professional team. Marcy generously treated every member of her team to a copy of my autobiography - which I dedicated and signed to each individual stylist.
With owner Marcy Cona
Book Signing for MC Team - Ohio
Hello Mr. Graham!
What a joy to devour your book.
It was so refreshing to read an honest account of your life, your passions, your music, your family!
I am a 51 year old cosmetologist in the Minneapolis area and have worked with hair for 33 years now. I've loved the profession so, after all, where can I be creative, chatter and listen to great music all at the same time?!
I always envisioned myself going on for a degree, and never had the drive, because of the satisfaction I've had with hair. You have reaffirmed the value of our industry for me and sometimes that is just the kick we need in our 50's!
I've always loved Graham Webb products, indeed, I have just purchased small sizes for Christmas favors. And now,,, I have new stories to tell of the great name behind it all!
I was so impressed with the "realness" of your words in your book. For many years, hairdressers here at least, have wanted most of all to impress with grandiose perceptions of themselves and I've always hated the competition instead of solidarity in a very unique profession. I so appreciated your defense of this as an honorable career. It's been difficult to have the respect for what we do and how we care for people, as much spiritually as well as physically.
As I age in the profession, I am keenly aware of what we mean to our clients and how we can affect our surroundings in such a great way. You've put this across in your book, you've "gotten it" for many years, and oh how I wish the entire industry thought through your eyes!
Your connections with people are so vast and imagine what a huge "web" of compassion and care you've spread in your short 50-something years!
What an absolute joy to hear of someone in our profession really embracing humanity! So yes, as I age I so appreciate my clients and how they let me see the world in many ways.
I do not know how long I will be able to stand and am already dreaming of what could be next for me in the hair world aside from behind the chair. Your ideas give me great hope. It is also reminding for me not to take my health for granted and not complain about the sky being too blue...although our youngest daughter does have congenital heart issues and has had 3 open heart surgeries and so we are aware of this every day.
Also fascinating to read were your constant music connections. Now I'm off to explore your children's music, we have 3 of our own and the baby at 17 has been on snare drum for many years,(she is the one with heart issues),,more in a marching band sense rather than rock and roll. Although, my husband and I are rock and roll fans from way back and grew up with some of the English greats.
What an interesting facet of your family, we will certainly be following their music! My in-laws loved merrie olde England dearly, they spent a year in 1981 exchanging their house here for a house in Brighton. We were able to visit and absolutely loved it all. They spent an entire year exploring every nook and cranny and still couldn't see it all! Very fond memories from then!
Thank you so much for putting into words to inspire the rest of us, your life philosophy, your struggles, your humanness...what a refreshing read in today's frantic unappreciated world.
I look forward to further inspirations from the entire Webb family!
Sincerely, Cathy Ann DeJarlais
MY FINAL STATE - on my tour was Pennsylvania - where I have visited many times before. I stayed at the Hyatt in Philadelphia - where I would be speaking next day.
Karoline - from P & G and her team had a great audience here, for 'Breakfast with Graham' - which included the Philadelphia Hair Colourist of the Year and a dear friend - Francesca Rivetti - from the FOLLICLE Salon. , Patricia Fulvio, The President of the Spina Bifida Association of Pennsylvania also attended. Karoline was to make a donation to the association from and so too was I from book sales. These donations have now been received. Karoline also donated from the event to the Breast Cancer Appeal - this (October) being Breast Cancer Awareness month. I had worn my City of Hope breast cancer pin on my jacket for my whole tour.
Another standing ovation here in Philadelphia - thank you all who attended for a great event - and Karoline and team too. After some salon 'meet and greet' visits in Philadelphia, I headed out towards Allentown PA - for more salon visits and to Reading PA where I would be speaking that evening.
I was now working with Amy Mercuri from P & G,
A large crowd arrived - hosted at the beautiful METRO ACADEMY. One of the finest buffets I have ever seen was provided, and everyone was in fine fettle for my speech, which was very well received. I was pleased that students had also been invited to attend this prestigious evening as well as all the VIP guests - students after all are our future ! I made sure I 'recognised them' at all events where I was speaking and where students were present.
This was the first night in fifteen days where I was not staying at a hotel. I was put in the 'best accomodation in the area' at-the lovely Stone House Inn in Macungie - at what was said to be a 'very old house' - built in the 1800's.' I couldn't help mentioning that I loved the 'newish building' - my home in England being built in 1580! It was also great to see that the salon attached to the accomodation carried Graham Webb products!
Amy and I drove out to Sinking Spring PA for my special visit to Hair on the Avenue. Owners Debbie and David and team had been at my speech the previous evening and it was great to visit their busy salon. They had gone to a lot of effort for my visit including booking a professional concert harpist (I'm not sure if they already knew that I have spent years hauling (and buying) my daughter Hattie's concert harps?)
I had a lovely conversation with harpist Phyllis Ensher-Peters - NOT whilst she was playing - as does happen too often! We shared tales of what it is like to be the Dad of a young harpist! David and Debbie had pre requested I do a book signing for all their team, and after doing so they then 'surprised' me - calling me into their office - and they presented me with a lovely painting and other gifts for me. I met their representative from their local radio station and heard that a new campaign for the salon was soon to be recorded. Next thing I know I was whisked to the studio's and I was very happy to do a sound bite for the Hair on the Avenue salon. It's what we try to do at Graham Webb / P & G Professional Exclusive Brands - TO OVER DELIVER!
with Amy and Jeff at Hair on The Avenue
Kind Gift from Debbie and David
Doing Radio Interview for Hair on The Avenue
On this the final day of my tour, I spent the afternoon with Amy with more salon 'meet and greets' ... before my flight from Harrisburg to Washington DC. Next day I boarded my Virgin Atlantic flight back to the UK - reflecting on yet another very successful US tour. Thank you to all the team's who I travelled and worked with - and most of all to all the customers of Graham Webb, Wella, and Sebastian - who I so enjoyed meeting. Thank you too to everyone who kindly supported my book.
GRAHAM WEBB MBE. ENGLAND. NOVEMBER 2007
- I flew out from London, Heathrow to Chicago on Virgin Airways and on landing, drove my rental car from Illinois to Wisconsin, - the first 'stop' on my US tour - which was at the Grand Geneva Resort at Lake Geneva, for our distributor 'Aerial.'
At Salon Extrordinaire - Green Bay, Wisconsin
I had heard about Lake Geneva and it's history - where the prominent Chicago and professional families founded the Lake Geneva summer vacation community (with huge and elegant lakeside homes) in the 1870's. Many of the homes are still there to see.
On 'show day' I addressed a group of customers and 'would be' customers, at an especially arranged private luncheon, and I then proceeded to the 'show floor' where I signed autographs, and had photographs taken with those visiting our Graham Webb / Back to Basics show booth. There was great interest in two new ranges within my Graham Webb and Back to Basics collections - VELVET SOFT, AND FRESH MINT REVITALIZING.
Velvet SoftLate afternoon, Linda Hilke - my regular 'tour colleague' when I visit the Mid West - drove me to Oshkosh, ready for salon 'meet and greet' visits in Fox Valley, Fond du Lac, Green Bay, and Appleton. As I drove past the Green Bay Packers stadium, Linda told me that Brett Favre had just created the record for the most career touchdown passes. My son Brad in the UK loves his 'Packers' shirt that I bought him several years earlier -so it was time for me to renew it on this special day - but most places had sold out - I eventually found one at Appleton Airport! In Appleton, I visited and spoke at the ONYX salon - a great salon carrying GW products.
with Angus Mitchell and Vonda, Director of Sales
at Aerial Beauty Supply Company
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
When I learnt that a TV ad crew was soon to arrive, I offered to Brian and Edward - the salon owners - to contribute, by saying something in the ad - reflecting my positive view of their salons professionalism. They sounded surprised! You can see the ad by clicking here !
Outside Onyx Salon
Addressing The Team at Onyx Salon
Beauty Students outside Onyx Salon
Linda and I then flew to Kansas City. I always enjoy KC. A lovely audience attended for my event "Breakfast with Graham," many travelling several hours - leaving home in the middle of the night! For the rest of the day, Linda and I visited 'key accounts' in and around Kansas City. After several VERY successful days, I was sorry to say au revoir to Linda, Thank you also, to salons across the Mid West, for your kind support of my book, Out of The Bottle.
It was an early start on October 4 - for my flight to Chicago. Soon after my arrival, I attended a rehearsal for Mayor Daley's fundraiser for the Spina Bifida Association of Illinois. This was held in THE most amazing and creative building in Chicago - Architectural Artifacts - a great venue for my up-coming speech, and for the fashion show to follow - and for the performance of The Webb Sisters - my daughters, who had flown in from LA to also perform at the event.
MAYOR DALEY FUNDRAISER - CHICAGO
Graham,
We had a great time and your speech was truly inspirational. I am very proud to call you a friend and that my father was able to help you in your amazing journey.
Also, I can never get enough of The Webb Sisters live -- a great performance.
Have a great time in beautiful Chicago today.
Lowell Weil Jr
WEIL FOOT AND ANKLE INSTITUTE
October 5 - show day! Mayor and Mrs Daley were called away, but the event MC, Rob Johnson - the local CBS news 'anchor' - read out a supportive letter from the Mayor - who apparently lost his son after being born with spina bifida. I was 'first on' after Rob's introduction. The audience graciously gave me a lengthy 'standing ovation' after my speech and then it was on with the fashion show. The Webb Sisters then performed a great 'set.' - Apparently some $20.000 was raised from the evening towards Family Outreach; Camp Ability; Emergency Assistant Funds; Public Awareness, and a summer picnic and holiday party - for families affected by Spina Bifida.
Charley with a Blue Man
I thanked Proctor & Gamble Exclusive Care Brands - and Beverlee Abell in particular - for their corporate citizenship in making it possible for me to attend this event.
Just before I departed Chicago, daughter Charley and I visited two 'Blue Men Group' friends from the Chicago show.
Hattie in her police car
The Webb Sisters (Charley and Hattie) had the 'honour' of being transported to their respective airports - Chicago Midway, and Chicago O' Hare by the Chicago Police Department - c/o Commander Elias Voulgaris.
The Webb Sisters on Stage
CBS TV News Anchor,
Rob Johnson
introducing Graham
Graham's speech at
Mayor Daley fundraising
for Spina Bifida
Association, Illinois
Graham's speech at Mayor Daley fundraising
for Spina Bifida Association, Illinois
Graham's speech at Mayor Daley fundraising
for Spina Bifida Association, Illinois
Graham's speech at Mayor Daley fundraising
for Spina Bifida Association, Illinois
It CAN be done!
Graham with his daughters -
Charley and Hattie - The Webb Sisters
Hello Graham!
Thank you very much for the fantastic speech you gave at our first annual fashipn show. We truly appreciate your donated time and efforts, and thank you for supporting us all the way from England!
Take care and we hope to catch up soon!
The 2007 Fashion Show Committee Planners
End of Fall 2007 Tour Report Part 1. Click 'next article' below to read Part 2. - I left the UK on March 8 for Chicago, where I was preparing a video for the opening segment of my speeches. My tour began with meetings on March 11 in Minneapolis.
Fargo, North Dakota
I flew to Fargo, North Dakota on March 12, and drove with Linda Hilke, - one of THE most efficient people I have ever travelled with - to Moorhead, Minnesota ready for the first 'Breakfast with Graham' the following day.
Graham Webb Regional Manager Linda
Hilke and Graham - a mid afternoon
milk shake in the Mid West.
Attendees came from the Moorhead / Fargo area as well as several from as far away as Bismark ND - and a number of people left home at 4.00 am in order to attend the meeting - I am very grateful for their commitment and interest. After breakfast, and my 45 minute address, photo opps and book signings, Linda, Aerial salesperson Marc, and I, attended ''meet and greets' to key accounts, and later in the day, we flew to Minneapolis where I stayed in the Sheraton Hotel - the ex Radisson South - the venue for my first ever visit to America for National's World of Beauty in 1980. I felt nostalgic and the memories of the start of my American venture came flooding back ! Linda and I addressed our distributors Aerial - sales team and it was great to meet up again with the effervescent Joan Silver Weaver - former sales manager for Graham Webb in the early days of the company.
Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth, Minnesota, came next for another 'Breakfast with Graham!'
On board the plane at Duluth, Minnesota,
about to take off in a snowstorm !My hotel room looked out over the frozen and gigantic Lake Superior - a strange view for a 'Brit' - where huge lakes rarely freeze. It was very cold and I was pleased to get into the historic private Kitchi Gammi Club to prepare and welcome attendees for the second 'Breakfast with Graham' Not many people in my position go to the smaller out-of-the-way towns and it was good to do so on this tour. Customers seemed to really appreciate it.
Lake Superior
Minnesota
After salon 'meet and greets' and photo opps, we headed out to Duluth / Superior airport in a blizzard. As we waited to board our little plane the runways looked full of snow and again for a Brit, I was intrigued to see huge wheeled vehicles charging up and down the runways through the snowstorm, as they tried to clear the surface. Our plane made it's way to the runway - with the sound of 'crunching snow' underneath and I was surprised as we charged at high speed down the runway, to see only occasional patches of tarmac / concrete amongst the snow covered runway. I was quite relieved when airborne!
Graham with GW products and team
from the Jade Patrick Salon,
Monticello, Minnesota.
I received the following letters from the Jade Patrick Salon, Monticello
"Dear Graham,
WOW! Everyone at jadepatrickSALON is still talking about you and your visit. I could never express how grateful we are that you took time out of your very busy schedule to come to our salon. We loved talking and listening to you. You are extremely inspirational and made my girls feel special. I thank you so much for that. As a salon owner we are constantly trying to come up with ways to keep our employees motivated and your visit was the epitome of that. Nothing has ever topped it, and I really can't imagine anything ever will. Everyone is immensely enjoying your book. A couple of them are close to finishing it. It is very interesting and your story is heart wrenching but also happy which makes for terrific reading.
Again, we thankyou for your time, the beautiful compact mirror and just your overall kindness. You are definantly a ray of sunshine (even when your just taking out the garbage)! I am enclosing some of the photos taken on our special day. Wishing you happy and healthy days."
Michelle Sawatzke
Monticello, MN
"Hi Graham,
I just wanted to let you know how much everyone in our salon (Jade Patrick Salon, Monticello, MN, USA) enjoyed your visit. What an honor it was for all of us. Thank you for being so gracious, witty and you are a wonderful story teller. We were so nervous to meet you and then you turned out to be wonderfully normal and not a stuffy person/businessman. What at treat.
I am in the middle of reading your book. What an adventure you have had. I cannot put it down. You give us all hope for succeeding in all that we do in life, career and shampoo. (My eleven year old son Denver wanted me to add that one.) I can't wait to read more of your book. Please let us know if you are doing another talk in Minnesota, USA, I (we) would love to come."
Thank you again,
God Bless
Theresa Kalahar
Jade Patrick Salon
Monticello, MN USA
Milwaukee
Next stop was Milwaukee, where I was to be based for 5 nights. This is a rare treat on tour and I was able to totally unpack my suitcases and my tour schedule was marked with 'laundry stop.' Speaking of laundry, it is one of the 'downsides' of touring, that hotel laundries, or the 'outside' laundries they use, seem to iron shirts by machine, and they are returned un inspected and consequently often have deep gouges in collars, rendering them unwearable. Laundry lists with 'Please hand press shirts' are so often ignored!
In Milwaukee I performed at a 'Brit Style' Tour with Graham Webb Products International Artistic Director Irene Miekle. There were some 250 people at the event - Irene spoke so professionally and produced her usual high quality looks on her models.
The audience was very kind at the end of my 50 minute speech - giving me a lengthy 'standing ovation.' Jesse Otto coordinated this event and my daughters loved the 'backstage passes' that I eventually gave them in LA. The next few days saw me doing a number of 'meet and greets' in and around Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin.-- Two cities that I have visited many times, and which have a large number of very loyal and impressive salon / academy operations such as Hair; Duncan Edward; Vici Academy ( and Salons); RZ & Co; and Spargo.
Graham with the enthusiastic
team of 'Spargo' - one of
THE most beautiful salons !
On a free evening in Milwaukee, I went to a concert featuring the great hip hop band The Roots.
GILL (formally from Mansfield UK)
with Graham Webb products at the
Duncan Edward Salon,
Madison, Wisconsin.
I was pleased when reading the Milwaukee Sentinel newspaper to see an advertisement promoting the up - coming speaking engagement of my dear friend Helen Reddy and her memoir 'The Woman I Am' and in the same newspaper a listing of the great guitarist John Jorgenson and his Quartet - another great friend of my family. I am sorry to miss both of these events.
Chicago
Flying has lost much of it's fun, with the huge lines to go through security, and reduction in baggage allowances to 50 lb per bag. It is impossible to undertake the kind of touring I do without incurring baggage overweight charges. People are very kind - giving me gifts in each city, which adds to the baggage challenges. I managed to keep the bags under 70lb though - where the charges increase still further. So - for the short journey to my next city - Chicago (again) I decided to drive, rather than fly from Milwaukee. It was such a joy to put my bags into a jeep and to hit the road for the 90 minute drive, rather than another flight. On route I stopped at the famous Apple Hopper farm near the Wisconsin - Illinois border and indulged myself - eating one of their wonderful Apple Pancakes for breakfast!
In Chicago I visited a number of 'key accounts' with GW representative Paul Flanery, and I spent several days at the Proctor & Gamble Professional Care Exclusive Brands Direct Selling Operations conference. Graham Webb brands have joined with their 'sibling' brands Wella, and Sebastian, under the 'parentage' of P & G - a company I have long admired, and am now proud to be a part of as Goodwill Ambassador. I addressed the whole conference, and they were very gracious in affording me two 'standing ovations.' Thank you Bev, Karen and Bill and team for all your help.
After the Conference I received this letter
"Hi Graham
Thank you so much for coming in and speaking to the Woodland Hills organization. Everyone really enjoyed the experience and hearing your story. I think it was a great morale booster for the company.
Please also thank Hattie and Charley for their impromptu performance and for being so kind and friendly to all the employees. I hope they let us know about their upcoming performances.
Thanks again and please keep in touch. You guys are great ambassadors for the company."
Sherry Berkin
Marketing Manager, Market Strategy and Planning
Wella, Sebastian, Graham Webb
P & G Professional Care Exclusive Line
Woodland Hills, California, USA.
Calgary, Canada
I then flew from Chicago to Calgary, Canada, meeting up there with Danny Cyr. my friend and highly organised Graham Webb manager. I shared the stage with the ever - humorous Ken Baker and his speech on the 'Retail Authority programme.' The event was Calgary Fashion Focus - promoted by our distributor BSG and held at the Calgary Stampede conference centre.
Grahams address at Calgary Fashion
Focus, Canada Grahams address
at Calgary fashion focus, Canada
En route out to a social visit to Banff, with Danny, and colleagues Mala and Shantelle, Danny received an emergency call saying 'that the 'Keynote Speaker' for that evenings VIP event had cancelled at the last minute, and with customers due in 90 minutes time, would Graham rescue the evening.' So, I moved from 'chilled out' mode to 'gearing up' - writing a speech, making sure that my slides were in order, suit pressed and I was on stage to be greeted by a relieved organiser, and another standing ovation from a very kind audience who also bought a large number of my books at my following 'book signing.'
I will be sending donations from this tour to Spina Bifida Associations in Alberta, Canada; Wisconsin; and Illinois.
Los Angeles
Graham with the 'Customer
Services Team' P & G Professional
Exclusive Brands.
Woodland Hills, California.My last stop was Los Angeles. I visited the headquarters in Woodland Hills of P & G Professional Care Exclusive Brands. I had the honour to address many of the personnel and was particularly thrilled that my LA based songwriting daughters Charley and Hattie came with me to hear my speech.
Graham addressing the
Proctor & Gamble Professional
Exclusive Brands team at
Woodland Hills, California.
They so enjoyed meeting my P & G colleagues, and were also wonderful to agree to open my speech by singing acca pella the first track 'BLUE' - from their 'The Webb Sisters' Universal Records album 'Daylight Crossing.' (Available from amazon.com!) A real thrill for me, and everyone present! www.myspace.com/thewebbsisters
Another 'standing ovation' came on this, my last speech of a very successful tour.
Hattie and Charley left for concerts in Hawaii, and I flew in the opposite direction back to London. I'll be back in the USA in May, when The Webb Sisters perform at America's Cup of Polo, in Leesburg, Virginia, on May 12 www.americascupofpolo.com and at America's 400th Anniversary in Jamestown, Virginia, on May 13th
www.americas400thanniversary.com
Fall 2007
I look forward to my next USA tour for Graham Webb products and P & G Professional Care Exclusive Brands in the Fall of 2007. A big thank you to the whole P & G Professional Care / Graham Webb team, and to all our loyal and committed customers.
iTunes
Hear me live on Apple itunes in the business section ! GRAHAM. April 2 2007
Clickhere TO LISTEN TO GRAHAM WORLDWIDE ON ITUNES - FREE
- ATLANTA
October 9 eve and I arrive from NYC into Atlanta ! I had four days in Georgia, efficiently hosted by Zoe Wilkerson. Lots of 'meet and greets' and a couple of days in the area of Gainesville, Georgia.
It was a thrill for me to pass LAKE LANIER in Gainesville. The lake is mentioned in my book. In 1989, the day before the first ever 'event' for Graham Webb Products, I drove out to the hotel at Lake Lanier - an enormous area of lakes some 40 miles from Atlanta - only to discover that Paul McCartney and his band were staying at the then Stouffers Hotel.
I met McCartney drummer Chris Whitten and the next day, c/o Chris, I unexpectedly found myself in the 4th row of the McCartney concert at the OMNI in Atlanta, together with the new (and first) President of GW Products. This remains one of THE special moments in my story. Atlanta has special memories for me - the launch city for my products, and the amazing McCartney experience.
Atlanta is also mentioned in the first chapter of my book as an example of what I do on tour.
Zoe and team from Macon, organised an 'Evening with Mr Graham Webb MBE' in a private room at the beautiful Maggiores Restaurant and it was a real pleasure to meet so many customers. I gave a speech using my Powerpoint slides, the story of our products, and at the end of the evening I did a book signing. Photo here shows just 'what a tough job' I often have :)
GW product customers / 'groupies' - who run the Halo Salon in Georgia, USA, at a speech event, with 'the name on the bottle' - Graham Webb.
OK. This is a tough job
doing 'meet & greets!'
In Atlanta I was given the '$1 million tour' of the up - scale Jamison Shaw salon and was most unexpectedly given a signed card with very generous comments by the JS team and a photo album of shots taken during my speech at The Waldorf Astoria, New York City, five days earlier. I was very touched by this.
On my last evening in Atlanta, Zoe had arranged a dinner in a jazz club and when the drummer arrived (before the band) Zoe mentioned to me that she had just reached the section in my book where I mention drummers experience of setting up the drums, only for the band to arrive, stare at the drums location, and annoyingly ask the drummer to move two or three feet to the right or left. The band THINK it is easy, and that one can just tug the drum mat, but of course, the cymbal stands can fall over and the mat gets rucked. I decided to tell the drummer this and he smiled empathetically and seemed very interested in my book and kindly bought it. No doubt at some time, he will show musicians this piece in my book, when some band asks him to move his already set - up drums!
KANSAS
Friday October 13 and I am on a flight from Atlanta to Wichita, Kansas, after a three hour delay at Atlanta airport due to a plane change through mechanical failure.
I rarely have three hours to spare, so I catch up on e mails, and hand write some 'thank-you's' to people I have met on tour.
I arrive later than expected in Wichita, but helpfully I am staying at the airport Hilton. Next morning I meet Bekky, Mary and Liz we make our way to Salina, Kansas, where I am to give a speech at the State Beauty venue that evening. Passing a huge 'Guitar Centre' store, I pop in for some Vic Firth drumsticks with Bekky and Mary, and we are all amused to see photo's of my son Bradley on the drum section wall as 'the young face of LP Percussion.' The team at State (Sharon and Butch) have decorated the room beautifully, even using M and M candy in jars, in the GW corporate colours, with Union Flags around the room. I greet arriving guests for the event, and they all have 'photo's with Graham' which are efficiently printed out for me to sign. I then give a speech and a book signing. Some crazy gals from Wichita (some 2 hours away) try to get me into their rented stretch limo for photo's inside - which I diplomatically decline, but I had some shots taken with them all, outside of the huge white limo. Everyone did so well to get such a good turnout for a speech on a Saturday night, and I am grateful for everyone coming to meet with me.
KANSAS CITY
Sunday October 14 and we drive the three hour journey to Kansas City. I can't help thinking how many times I have played 'Kansas City' in many bands over the years! I do a 'pop in' to another State Beauty venue where GW International Artistic Director Irene Miekle is coaching a class. I give a 10 minute address to everyone, sign some books, and then head to my hotel before dinner with long time customers Steve and Evelyn Klindt. It was a lovely dinner and as friends of my family, I played them the new DVD of The Webb Sisters on my Mac laptop, which they seemed to really enjoy.
KANSAS CITY
Monday October 15. Today is the last day of what has been a hugely busy and exciting USA tour. TEN cities in FIFTEEN DAYS!
I spoke to fellow Kent Ambassador, Sir Robert Worcester on the telephone from his home town of Kansas City, and shared with him that I was about to speak in his town. I met someone at my speech in Salina, Kansas, who knew him and I was told that Sir Robert had recently made a generous 'Professorship' donation to Kansas City University.
Sir Robert is co - Chairman of the British Committee of Jamestown 2007 - the commemoration of America's 400th anniversary - to be held in Jamestown, Virginia in May 2007. Direct flights begin from Kent (UK) to Norfolk, Virginia, in May 2007. Kent and Virginia enjoy a unique 'partnership' following the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Governor of Virginia and the Leader of Kent County Council. My powerpoint slides included photographs of me with the Chief of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe, and fellow tribes - people, who several of us from Kent sponsored in July 2006, for their first official visit to Kent for over 250 years.
The Chief of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe
receiving a gift of Graham Webb
products from Graham at Gravesend,
Kent, England
I am speaking at the Comedy Club in Zona Rosa, a newish area of Kansas City, not far from the airport, with lots of up - scale restaurants and shops. Apparently this area was green fields just a few years ago, but is now an area where the city is spreading to. Our distributor, State Beauty, has rented the theatre and Lori from Graham Webb did a totally amazing job organising the whole event. The Graham Webb Show included International Artistic Director Irene Miekle and GW 'Bibo' Make Up artist Kim Busse. They did some fantastic looks on stage, with pre prepared 'presentation' models too.
Just before they returned for their 'final looks' I was introduced as a 'special guest' and gave a 45 minute speech which received a much appreciated 'standing ovation' from the 150 or so attendees. I then participated in a 'photo with Graham' session, and as the photo's were being printed off on three printers, I did a major 'book signing' and photo signing session.
It was then out to dinner at a huge Italian restaurant with the team (although Irene had to dash to the airport for another show in Puerto Rica) In the restaurant, Kim decided to have them play the whole of The Webb Sisters album 'Daylight Crossing.' The restaurant staff came to our table to say how much they liked the album and could it be purchased in America?
I had to tell them it was yet to be released in the USA (hopefully in 2007) but that it is available on Amazon.com as an 'import.'
We gave Lori a 'thank you' toast for a great job done, and wished her well for her first baby - due in three weeks, and thanked her for 'hanging on' pre birth :) to organise this event so professionally.
Back at my hotel I faced the challenge of the final packing, before my long flight back to England via Washington DC next day.
I AM NOW HOME, REFLECTING ON A HUGELY SUCCESSFUL TOUR. Thanks to everyone who came to hear my speeches and for all the GW team people and distributors, who helped make the tour so successful. Italy beckons in 24 hours - I'll be out there with The Webb Sisters, Destin, Keith, and Mandy participating in the art show of the wonderful artist Piero Resta, who combines Art, Music, Food ..... and where better to do this than Tuscany, Italy.
Thank you for your interest.
GRAHAM
- Hi Everyone. Greetings from The Waldorf Astoria, New York City, where I was speaking this weekend. Here is my 'road report' for my first 8 days of my USA tour.
At a plane change from my Virgin Atlantic Flight to Washington DC, after immigration, there were some 400 people in the line to get through security for my connecting flight. I was in line for around one hour!
As I am not an American Citizen, I was pulled over at security - shoes in one tray, laptop in another, coat in another and mobile phone (cellphone) in a tiny tray. I remembered everything ..... except my cellphone. I called the TSA many times a few hours later - never able to get past the 'busy signal.' It was a dodgy start to what is now a really successful tour.
DENVER, COLORADO
My Fall US tour began in Denver, Colorado on October 2. My efficient colleague and friend Linda Hilke met me and we conducted a large number of 'meet and greet' visits to Denver area salons carrying Graham Webb products. Lots of photo's were taken with stylists, and my books were purchased and signed by me.
DES MOINES, IOWA
One of many posters
around the Mercy Hospital,
Des Moines, Iowa, before
my speech.
I was last in Des Moines in 1984 and it was at a Beauty Show there that I met Helen Reddy, who became a very dear friend of my family and me (photo of us elsewhere on my website) For this visit I had the honour of speaking not only in a beautiful 'Country Club' outside of Des Moines to a FULL HOUSE of Beauty Professionals, some of whom had travelled several hours to hear me speak, but also to a number of young trainee cosmetologists - the future of our industry, I then went on to speak, uniquely, at The Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.
I always feel emotional when I pass what WAS The Radisson South Hotel (now The Sheraton) in Bloomington, MN, where I did my first US hair show in 1980, and immediately across the street is 8400 Normandale - is where I met with Robert Taylor in 1989 to form the Graham Webb product company.
The audience at the Country Club were SO kind to receive my speech with a 'standing ovation.'
At The Mercy Hospital I spoke in the hospitals impressive new auditorium. The event was organised by the very successful Mercy Hospital Beauty Salon, who sell a great deal of Graham Webb products. The salon (interestingly) is a 'not for profit' salon, with proceeds going to the benefit of The Mercy Hospital Foundation. It was 'something different' for me on my tours to be speaking in a hospital, and not only to people from the Beauty Industry, but to some Doctors, Nurses and other health professionals too. This event not only brought me in touch with a very successful Graham Webb products retailer, but also 'shared me and my story' with health professionals and others, and supported the 'social conscious' of the Graham Webb company. As I toured the hospital, it was a funny feeling for me to see many especially printed posters with my name and photo on, promoting my speech at the hospital. I shall be making a donation to the Mercy Hospital Foundation from the sale of my books at the event.
A signed Graham Webb Wonderland tee
shirt to The Mercy Hospital,
Des Moines, Iowa.
AFTER a dinner hosted by President Wayne King (an interesting name for Brit's!) at the top of the highest building in Des Moines (with a wonderful view) Linda and I left for our mid evening drive to Omaha, Nebraska.
OMAHA, NEBRASKA
On the 'loo' wall in my home, I still have an article from when I was interviewed by The Omaha World Herald, on my last visit to Omaha (in the late eighties) It was great to be back in Omaha. I love the historic looking 'downtown area' .... I say historic looking, as someone who's UK home was built in 1580 !
In Omaha, I spoke to a really friendly group, again in a beautiful 'Country Club,' - some of the attendees had (once again) travelled several hours (leaving home at 6.00 am) in order to be there for my speech at 9.00 am. There were cosmetology school attendees amongst the audience here too and I love it when people of 'the future of my industry' are present to hear 'my story.' I was able to share some of 'my tips for success' with the students. I am really appreciative of the loyalty shown by so many people during my US tours.
In the late afternoon, Linda and I dashed to the airport for yet another flight - this time to Minneapolis, Minnesota - where my career in the USA has TWICE begun.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
Minneapolis has a huge place in my story (and in my heart!.) In Minneapolis, Linda and I visited many salons who carry Graham Webb products, doing meet and greets, photo's with salon teams and book signings. Some of the loyal salons I have visited several times before. I also had the opportunity to 'address' stylists at Simonsons, and the Androli Salon and I particularly appreciate them both 'booking out time' for me to actually address their team members.
With the team from Simonsons
NEW YORK CITY
I arrived 'in the city which never sleeps' late evening on Fri Oct 6 after a flight delay. On Saturday I met with many of my hosts at the Intercoiffure Atelier at The Waldorf Astoria Hotel. During lunch I met with the wonderful talent Keith Carlock - drummer with Steely Dan, Sting, and many others. I was able to show Keith the new single DVD of The Webb Sisters, and a couple of tracks from my son Rocco's band Rex Radio. On Saturday evening I was a guest of the legendary performer Judy Collins who gave a marvellous concert at the New York Society for Ethical Living concert hall in NYC. I was encouraged to go to the concert and meet Judy, by my friend Helen Reddy.
On Sunday I attended the opening ceremony of the Intercoiffure Atelier and spent the morning meeting very many old friends and acquaintances and colleagues from Wella and Proctor & Gamble. I signed books to a number of delegates at a book signing table too. I was brilliantly assisted at the whole event by GW colleagues Richard Cappiello and Michael Gaudioso, and wish to thank Intercoiffure President-Elect Lois, President Kenneth, Atelier Chairperson Candy Codner Shaw, and all the ICD team for all their help and support.
In the afternoon I slipped out to meet my friend and Chicago Movie and Broadway drummer Perry Cavari. I was able to attend the hit show The Drowsy Chaperone and from my seat I could see the show as well as clearly seeing Perry, the master drummer - playing the show in the orchestra pit.
A 4.30 am call, Monday, had me writing my speech for my two speeches which took place at 9.00 am and 10.30 am.
I was honoured to be a speaker at such an important event, and at The Waldorf Astoria in New York and both audiences kindly gave me a 'standing ovation' at the end of each speech.
image 4 image 4
The Waldorf Astoria, New York City, October 2006 The Waldorf Astoria, New York City, October 2006
I am now about to fly to Atlanta, Georgia and I will file another 'road report' around Monday / Tuesday October 16 -17. Wichita, Kansas, and Kansas City to come.
Thank you for your interest.
GRAHAM
- May 15 '06
I am home ! What a welcome from my dogs, wagging SO enthusiastically at the gate. It seems like very many weeks ago that I began my spring tour, and yet it is actually only 19 days ago since I flew the Atlantic from England and began criss - crossing America from West to East; West again and then East again. In Washington I had meetings with a major speakers bureau who I hope to work with, I also paid a brief visit to the Graham Webb Academy in Rosslyn, Virginia. I stayed overnight with Charles and Ingrid Kolb. Charles is one of two people who encouraged me to write my book, and has played such a significant part in 'my story,' especially back in the days when he was Deputy Under Secretary in the Department for Education, and in the Office of Policy Development in the West Wing of the White House. I check e mail at home. E mails are coming in from all kinds of people who heard my speeches, or who I met at 'meet and greets' and also from the many people who bought my book on the tour. It's great to be home with my wife and family, and I look forward to up - coming speeches in Helsinki, Finland in June; in Lisbon, Portugal in September; and my next US tour in October...
I'll be sponsoring a Virginia Indian from one of the original tribes to come to the UK in July, as my County of Kent hosts an American Indian festival in Gravesend, (where Pocahontas is buried) - as part of America's 400 year commemoration since the three ships left Blackwall, London in 1606, arriving in Jamestown, Virginia in May 1607.
Check out www.jamestown2007.org and www.beginyouradventure.co.uk for more information.
Many thanks to everyone who I met on this tour, to everyone who helped to make it a success, to Krista in the Graham Webb USA office, and to all those who kindly bought my book.
GRAHAM WEBB MBE
- May 8 '06
Here I am in Los Angeles, adjusting to yet another time change as I prepare for my speech tomorrow.
I arrive at the Marinello Beauty School in Burbank and meet and greet 100 or so students. They are wonderfully attentive for the whole of my forty five minute speech. I was glad to welcome my friend Mary Ekler to hear me speak - Mary was the pianist with Helen Reddy when Helen first visited my home during a UK tour in the eighties. As well as being Musical Director for Wilson Phillips; Little Anthony; and Rita Coolidge, Mary is a well - established and respected pianist, singer, and songwriter.
I arrive at NBC studio's with my Graham Webb colleague Brian Bennett. We pass through 'artists / guests security' and pass the amazing vintage car that Jay Leno has parked in his private bay and enter the backstage area of the studio. We are greeted by my friend Margaret Dempsey,hairdresser to The Tonight Show. Brian looks around, amazed that he is here and backstage. We chat to drummer 'Smitty Smith' and say hullo to Sergio Mendes who is on the show with The Black Eyed Peas. I say hullo to Jay, and Brian gets to shake his hand and Margaret invites us into the 'Green Room' for snacks and drinks. A 'floor manager' takes us to the excellent seats that have been reserved for us.
Jay appears in blue jeans and welcomes everyone, making a few jokes at some pre - targeted guests. The pre show warm up comedian asks for 6 volunteers to come to the stage and many people leap into the air seeking his attention. I shrivel in my seat at the thought, and horrifyingly to me (maybe as I was in a smart business suit - most were casually dressed in sneakers / jeans) I am 'picked! I join the other 5 people who, unlike me, all seemed thrilled to have been selected. Each one of us is asked to walk forward onto a mini stage to 'dance' to music that is changed for each 'performer.' As I stand in line, drummer Smitty notices I have been picked and says ' I see they have got you Graham!' I then see Margaret who appears to be on stage ready to make sure that Jay's hair is good for the camera's - she smiles when she sees me - I wonder if she had something to do with me being picked! To my great embarrassment I do my 'dance' for a couple of minutes (it seemed to me like hours) as the audience cheer .. I spot Brian smiling as he sees me 'performing.'
All 'dancers' are given a Tonight Show present and return to our seats and the show begins. After some chat show guests (who I have never heard of) the Black Eyed Peas and Sergio Mendes perform. I sit thinking of how thrilled I will feel when my daughters play the show after their album is launched in America later this year / early next year.
After the show Brian and I return backstage for some 'meet and greets' and we chat and have a photo with the singer of The Black Eyed Peas. We say au revoir to Margaret, who will be visiting my home in England in June. (see 'photos' on this website) We head off to The Hollywood Studio Centre to meet up with my long time friend Rickey Minor. Rickey (who used to be the long time bass player and musical director for Whitney Houston) is now the Musical Director of American Idol, in addition to many other extraordinary activities - Diva's Live; Motown Live; Jamie Fox Movie Soundtrack - the list goes on.
Rickey hand picks the best musicians for all his projects and I am intrigued to ask him 'what's it like to work with ...' and what about this or that drummer (many being hero's of my musical family) As pianist Herman finishes recording a piano track in the studio for an upcoming movie, it's now 8.00 pm, and American Idol comes onto the TV. We are thrilled to see Rickey alone on stage playing bass on stage with one of the contestants, bopping to Jailhouse Rock - just Rickey and the singer. Rickey tells us that he just bought a vintage Gretsch bass guitar that he is using. The band are 'blistering' and amazing!
For the next 40 minutes or so, Rickey turns up the volume whenever the band are playing, Brian and are feel thrilled to be in Rickey's presence as he clearly enjoys watching / hearing his band playing with such excitement.
Brian is pleased to see Graham Webb products in the cabinet in the studio bathroom and, in a gap in the TV programme, I get to play Rickey a couple of tracks from The Webb Sisters forthcoming album 'Daylight Crossing.' Rickey listens with his acute ears and appears genuinely happy and impressed, commenting especially on the girls beautiful sibling harmonies. Rickey has been a friend and always encouraging and supporting of my daughters ever since meeting them when they were performing in New Orleans at the wedding of legendary Sammy Davis Jnr and Tony Bennett drummer Clayton Cameron.
Rickey declares that they are destined to be big stars, something, coming from Rickey, that I know Charley and Hattie will be thrilled to hear. Rickey then decides to play more tracks from the girls album making comments on each track. I can't wait to tell the girls of Rickey's genuine interest and positive comments.
After a couple of photographs with Rickey (see 'photos' on this website) Brian and I leave to go to see Charley's boyfriend Keith playing drums in a band in Venice.
We hear a few songs and then head back to our hotel after a very busy and memorable day. Brian comments frequently about 'my connections' - combining the profile of GW products being in all the right places, and the associated fun and interest!
I had two more days of 'meet and greets' in the top salons in Brentwood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, to both established GW customers, and some 'pop in's' to up scale salons where we would like to have a presence. My colleagues Brian and Ken, and our distributor salespeople are surprised when I spontaneously choose to go in to say hullo to some prestige 'untouchable' salons. Everyone in these salons greets me enthusiastically and are surprised that I take the time to do so. I take a 'complimentary' copy of my autobiography in with me, signing this to the salon owner. Distributor reps Alison and Laura have a 'door opened' now for them to do a re visit. I expect to see GW present when I next visit these LA locations! At the end of my penultimate day in LA, Ken and I go to see my friend Clayton Cameron play a jazz gig. My daughters musician boyfriends Destin and Keith join us and we marvel at Clayton's talent as a drummer, especially when Clayton does a 'tap dancing history' - playing brushes on a snare drum, replicating the rhythms of many of the dancers he has performed, including Sammy Davis Jnr.
I am given all kinds of very kind gifts along the way in the various cities that I visit, and the weight necessitates a last minute trip to Santa Monica Mall to buy a replacement for one of my well - worn suitcases.
May 13 '06
It's yet another 4.00 am wake up call, and a 5.30 shuttle to LAX airport for my flight to Memphis, and on to Washington DC, and, despite flying first class, it takes 30 minutes to go through the security line. At Memphis airport I had a 2 hour 'layover' - enough time to buy some Memphis pit barbecue, cole slaw and beans.
I try to check my e mail and suffer the irritation of a lengthy on line form only to find an 'error' note. Ten minutes of an automatic 'your call is important to us' type of message, and, unable to reach a human, I respond to the call to board my flight. Oh how frustrating it is that some firms and organisations have lost the 'human touch' and all you get is an electronic system that drives me (and most people) crazy. I am sure that any firm that advertises 'always a human response' could admit to charging more and would STILL get more business.
May 14
I am now in Washington DC, one day to go before I leave for home and the UK.
I have just received an e mail from dear friend Helen Reddy - check out her website http://www.helenreddy.com - I am sorry I missed her book signings in LA - I had no idea she was there. Her 'memoir' is called 'The Woman I Am' - a great read!
Final report in a couple of days. ....
- Monday May 1 '06
I notice that today (without allowing for jetlag and the enormous time changes - London / LA, LA - Wisconsin) I have what looks like a 16 hour day!
11.00 am - I have just addressed one hundred students at the amazing VICI academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Some of the students were on their first day at the academy. I used my powerpoint slides to tell 'my story' and to share with them many of the various things that I feel may have helped me to achieve commercial and personal success.
After speaking, I had a long queue for my book signings and one student slipped a note into my pocket, which she wished for me to read later. My colleagues teased me that this might be an invitation for a date, but when I read the letter it was a sweet and very kind letter, which I was very touched to receive - it is reproduced below ....
"Dear Graham Webb, I have just finished listening to your speech / presentation and I would like to tell you how much of an inspiration you are to me. For so long I have dreamt of being a successful hairdresser, and you have proven that anything is possible.
I love to make people happy, and love the feeling of knowing that I have accomplished that. You have made me / helped me to understand the things that are very important in this industry. All your accomplishments are all things I've dreamt of and I hope that one day I can stand in front of a group of people, and share my story and make an impact, just like you have!"
Sincerely, KELLY HOUGH. VICI ACADEMY, MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, USA.
In Milwaukee I did a number of 'meet and greets' at key accounts who carry the various Graham Webb brands. Most of the salons and staff purchased my book, Out of The Bottle. In one salon (who even booked themselves out and provided breakfast for their team and me) most bought my book and there is (or will be) a photograph of this enthusiastic team in my website photo section. From Milwaukee I visited Madison, Wisconsin for dinner with Ruth and Alan Zacharius, who own one of Graham Webb product's long time and most successful salons - 'RZ and Company.'
Lynda kindly drove the long journey to Minneapolis with products and my books, allowing me to take the short flight, and I am looking forward to four very busy days in the Minneapolis / St Paul area. This area has a special place in my heart. It was the city where my team and I first came to America (when we headlined National's World of Beauty' in April 1980) - an event I shall never forget - then nine years later - I negotiated my product deal with Robert Taylor at 8400 Normandale, Bloomington, MN - with National's World of Beauty venue (then the Radisson South Hotel) - now the Sheraton - visible from Robert's office window. I am always amazed at this serendipity.
May 3 '06
It's Wednesday 5.00 am and it must Rochester MN today! Lynda and I are hosting a Graham Webb 'Breakfast with Graham' event at 9.30 am. I am interested to see that The Mayo Clinic dominates the whole of downtown - this is probably a great city to be in if one is taken ill.
I am now en route back to Minneapolis after a successfully received speech, and enthusiasm for what is happening at GW products, and more book sales. This afternoon I have an 'Afternoon Tea with Graham' event at The Hotel Sofitel in the Twin Cities.
It was great fun welcoming former GW National Sales Manager Joan Silver Weaver to the event and to catching up with this VERY enthusiastic non - stop chatting lady. (Joan now heads up the Red Door Salon and Spa's in the Twin City area) I am so pleased to be back in touch - I was also happy to sell her two books and to talk about GW products being the 'chosen range' at her salons in the future ! Wow - I'm tired after the strain of 2 speeches and several 'meet and greet' salon stops for hullo's and 'photographs with Graham.' Thursday and Friday involved more speeches and 'meet and greets' and it has been an enormously successful and busy week.
Saturday morning May 6.'06 - I have NO IDEA on a 'no event' day, why I am needing to take a 7.00 am flight to my next stop - Boston, especially as there is a 1.00 pm flight.
The wake - up call comes at 3.45 am ! - very tough indeed after a busy week. I need to pack and check out at by 5.00 am in order to check in at Minneapolis Airport at 5.30 am. Being a 'foreigner' I am often singled out for a bag inspection.
I arrive in Boston very tired, and after a 'limo' takes me to Wakefield, MA - the location of my 4 x 45 minute speeches on Sunday (May 7) I am asked to make two 'meet and greet' events at some major GW product salons. I have to admit that this is a very tough call. After a 'try to wake up shower' and changing into a suit, I just about manage to 'turn it on' in the two separate salons that I visit (that feel like a jolly long journey apart.) Three hours later I am back at my hotel where the lifts (elevators) are out of order. It's just what I need - climbing 9 floors of stairs, feeling exhausted. The CB Sullivan host / salesperson, Beth (a great salesperson for GW products) kindly goes off to get me some New England Clam Chowder and Lobster which is delivered to my room (a kind hotel person did the 9 floor climb!)
At 7.30 pm (for the first time in my life) I am in bed and asleep - until 5.30 am the next morning!
May 7 '06
I feel great, and am ready to 'sock it' to my 4 separate audiences today - where I am very happy to share the room with long time motivator / life - coach Douglas A Cox. We were colleagues many years ago when my UK team were major 'guest artists' of Redken - but Doug and I have never shared a speaking segment. Doug starts each 'show' with a fabulous 45 minute speech, with regular (and very kind) mentions of me, and then Doug introduces me for each of my 45 minute segments.
The audiences honoured me at the end of my speech each time with a 'standing ovation' - which is most humbling. Many book signings and photographs took place after each segment, and many more people will now read about 'my story' and my amazing journey (which I feel is still only just beginning!)
This is the first time I have given four speeches in one day, so, once again I am very tired and looking forward to a nourishing dinner with Jeff and the management team at the CB Sullivan Company. They show an interest in The Webb Sisters, so on the way home after the meal I play a few songs from my daughters soon to be released album 'Daylight Crossing' - I sense genuine joy and enthusiasm for this wonderful collection of self penned and performed songs! They all ask 'when can we buy this in America.' I point them to the girls website http://www.thewebbsisters.com (and http://www.myspace.com/thewebbsisters).
May 8 '06
The alarm call is at 5.15 am and I leave the hotel at 6.30 am for the flight to Los Angeles. Wonderful - I am flying first class, so the security line takes only 35 minutes (bad enough) but the 'coach' line is four times longer! I am also one of the first to board the plane (no long lines to board - as when flying 'coach') I am looking forward to being met at LAX by GW Regional Director Brian Bennett, a long time colleague and friend. I am addressing students at a Beauty School in Beverly Hills tomorrow and then attending The Tonight Show with Jay Leno at NBC Television, where my friend Margaret Dempsey is head of hairdressing.
MORE AT THE END OF MY TOUR.
- Apr 25 '06.
Greetings from Oslo, Norway, where I am making my third visit at the invitation of Svein Ove Olsen, Director of Sales for Wella Professional, who distribute Graham Webb products in Norway. You can read about Svein Ove in the latest - fourth edition of my book and his innovative plan, when I helped launch Graham Webb into Norway back in 2005. I was in Edinburgh, Scotland, yesterday seeing my daughters in concert. See www.thewebbsisters.com Their single launched in the UK on June 19, with album 'Daylight Crossing' released on June 26, with other countries to follow.
My previous (and second) visit to Oslo coincided with me being in the city at the same time as one of my favourite bands, Coldplay, and I was very fortunate to be able to see this great band in concert. I left a copy of my book backstage for fellow drummer Will Champion, but sadly I have no idea if he received it. It would be so cool if in these situations one heard something back - even from a member of an artists management. For this visit to Norway I am speaking at the introductory launch of GW products into the impressive Nikita salon group, the largest salon group in Norway, who are about to launch in Sweden too. They already have five salons established in the UK.
I have just finished my visit with Nikita. Over 100 of their managers were on a two day management visit. The Graham Webb introductory programme was part of this two days. I spoke for about 50 minutes and received a very warm reception after my speech. In the evening, Svein Ove and I returned to Nikita, this time to their corporate offices for a get together with food buffet. It gave me the opportunity to dress more casually and several of the Nikita team commented on my relaxed image in blue jeans ! (I often find on tour that if anyone sees me NOT in a suit they are quite surprised that I have a 'normal life' in normal 'dress down' clothes !! I was pleased that accompanying the meal, music was provided over the speakers from our family friend Jamie Cullum who my daughters and son Brad have performed with. The Webb Sisters play several big UK concerts with Jamie this summer (2006) Nikita people got quite a kick out of me actually knowing Jamie, who is very popular in Norway.
Apr 26 '06.
I am now back in the UK and dashing from the airport to chair the judging of the Kent Business Awards, after which I have one day at home (and lots of office paperwork) before leaving for my US tour.
Apr 28 '06
Greetings from Los Angeles ! I had a super flight out here on Virgin Atlantic Airways. The plane was delayed in London for ninety minutes due, sadly, to a fatality on board the incoming aircraft, but back in the Virgin lounge I got chatting to some guys who were in the music business, en route to a music festival in California. (It turned out that over half the plane passengers were involved in music in some way.)
I was pleased that the guys had heard of The Webb Sisters and I made some useful contacts both in the lounge and on the plane - including the tour promoter of Coldplay ! In my book I describe flying Virgin as 'the service is excellent with organised informality,'- I also admire the constant innovations and great customer service of Virgin Atlantic Airways. I was very chuffed last year to actually receive a letter from Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson, saying that my book was to be his 'holiday reading.'
With a 20 hour journey door to door and an eight hour time change to cope with, I was relieved to wake up next day at 5.00 am (1.00 pm in the UK) - often I wake up on the first day at something as ghastly as 2.00 am. A day in LA visiting some Graham Webb product fans and a quick catch up with my daughters LA boyfriends and it's back to my hotel. Tomorrow I have a 4.30 am wake - up, 5.30 am check in, and a 6,40 am flight to Milwaukee via Minneapolis.
30 Apr '06.
I am now en route to Milwaukee. The line at LAX security took 45 minutes - tough to cope with at 5.30 am, eventually with shoes off, full bag inspection (probably because I am not a US citizen) I am through, and a Starbucks is calling.
My 'mid west' tour will last all week and takes me to Milwaukee; Madison; Minneapolis; (for several nights) Rochester, Minnesota, and Minneapolis / St Paul.
I have various events including several days of "Breakfast Tea With Graham" and "Afternoon Tea With Graham." Valued customers of GW products will attend the events and I shall also have many 'stop in' visits to salon locations. As well as hosting the 'meet and greet' events with a focus on GW products, I also have lots of book signings for Out of The Bottle. On May 6 I fly to Boston to give 4 x 45 minute speeches at the CB Sullivan show, the Graham Webb distributor in New England.
My family had a smile when they saw the flyer for my appearance - somebody had erroneously increased my Buckingham Palace honour to a Knighthood, and referred to me as 'Sir Graham Webb,' and also printed that I 'was raised in Jordan!' instead of course as 'London.' After Boston I fly back west across the US for five days of 'meet and greets and book signings in California before flying to Washington DC for meetings, and then back to the UK for May 16 landing.
- I flew London to Oslo, Norway. I was collected at Oslo airport by Tone Munther, a lovely lady and a 'life coach' who is leader of 'Customer Service' at Wella Norway. I had a relaxing evening in the city and an early to bed recovery from very bad jetlag. Next day I met, in the hotel lobby at 8.00am, Mr Svein Ove the Director of Sales for Wella, Norway, who have the project to launch Graham Webb products into Norway. On arrival at the Wella corporate offices (which also incorporates the Wella training academy) I was "smuggled in" and put upstairs so that none of the arriving sales people could see me.
At an appointed moment, Tone Munther came to get me and when she saw, through a glass window in the door of the conference room, a signal from Svein Ove I was briefed to enter the room saying "I am Graham Webb and I think it best if I take the history of Graham Webb." The sales force present looked shocked and amazed.
After an appropriate hullo, I then did my Powerpoint presentation, details of the spirit and history of Graham Webb, and told 'my story' based on my book 'Out of the Bottle.' Everyone was so sweet to give me a 'standing ovation!.' After a little break, we then all re assembled and I then sat through a presentation / launch talk where they told the story of the development and success of Graham Webb products. Occasionally I was asked for my support / comments, after which we all enjoyed a lunch in the Wella restaurant.
Following my signing books, personalised - naming the individual sales people and office team, I gave a brief 'wrap up' and thank you, and a car then returned me to my hotel in Central Oslo. I then took a walk along the harbour in glorious sunshine and had dinner in a waterside restaurant. All that remains is my next day flight back to London and a weekend recovering from the many changes in time zones and relaxing with my family. The following weekend is my son Roderick's wedding in North Yorkshire, UK, which I am so excited about. For a few months now I shall enjoy being on terra firma and signing LOTS of book orders that are coming in for pre Christmas gifts. I look forward to the next adventure / tour to the USA in Spring 2006.
Thanks to everyone in the USA and Norway for making the last three weeks so very special.
GRAHAM WEBB MBE
- Today it's thursday - and it must be St Louis, Missouri. I flew here from Wisconsin where I had two amazing days in both Madison, and Milwaukee, doing 'meet and greets' accompanied by the wonderful Linda Hilke who always takes care of all my needs - business wise! - lots more books sold too. The Brit Style Show in Minneapolis last weekend was super with some 350 attendees. I had a huge number of photographs taken and I personally signed a similar number of books. All the executive team from GWI were in town for this one, Thank you, Aerial, for your ongoing support.
It was terrific to also catch up with dear friends Andrea and Rob for breakfast on my day off in the Twin Cities. OH how I get confused with those road signs! Take '494 West' - only to find that at the junction it ONLY says '494 North or South!'
St Louis had a 'meet and greet' VIP event and it was then two days of 'detailing' to lots of locations. At one salon I visited I met a lovely lady who was very inspired when she heard me speak a few years ago. She had told her daughter a lot about me and the daughter has married a man called WEBB. They recently had a baby and decided to name him Graham (Webb) after me. How amazing is that? I am so flattered.
I have a photograph on the site of me and the 'young' Graham Webb in Missouri! Click on the gallery link (at the top of the page) to see this photo and many more!
It was at St Louis that I encountered one of those nightmare hotel laundry services that regular travellers will have suffered. They sent two shirts back to me that were almost ruined and totally unwearable. They must have been ironed in the dark! Having them re done (as my next stop was on a weekend, and no laundry service) meant that I JUST caught my plane to Philadelphia, but my bags were meant to go 'on the next flight.' I had a 37 hour nightmare during which American Airlines thought my bag was 'lost.' It ended up in Baltimore, Maryland and it took many many phone calls to persuade American Airlines to PLEASE persuade the other carrier US Air to be willing to ship my bag to Philadelphia. It arrived at Hershey PA 37 hours after me, at 2.00 am ! However it was a lovely event that I attended for the wonderful Schoeneman Organization and it is always great to support Dale and Kay and team who have been so supportive of me over the years.
I hope for a cheque going to the Spina Bifida Association of America from this event. Francesca Ravetti was our Guest Artist and was fantastic as always. I had photo's taken at Francesca's new venture - her new salon Follicle in Central Philadelphia. I noticed a huge change in Philly, which is becoming one 'hot and fashionable city.
I drove myself to NYC after the Schoeneman show in a wonderful Cadillac DeVille which GW manager Carrie had kindly rented for me. It was to be a short flight - Philly to NYC but after the bag lost incident, I felt happier to drive! In NYC I attended a great gig as the guest of 'monster' drummer Keith Carlock. Keith plays drums like NOBODY else, he is amazing!
No wonder he is the drummer with Steely Dan and Sting! I met renowned guitarist Andy Timmons at the gig - Andy is on tour as Olivia Newton John's Musical Director. Next day it was a luncheon at Goldman Sachs, and yet another incredible serendipitous meeting with a wonderful lady who had been a client of mine back in 1973 and is now in the career 'winners club' big time. It was then back to my hotel for an hour with Keith Carlock and his girlfriend Lynne - LT as she is known as a recording artist. I am now on my transatlantic flight back to the UK for just a few hours before flying to Oslo, Norway, where Graham Webb Classic products are about to be launched. Although jetlagged, I am very excited to be attending. While on the plane I have hand written cards to many of the locations I had attended during my tour. There is nothing like a personal hand written 'thank you' card arriving.
I will complete this Fall Tour 'road report' after Oslo. Thanks for reading this, everyone, and for your support of GW products and my book 'Out of the Bottle.' It is empowering people more than I ever imagined, and making financial contributions to help people too:)
On to Norway now ...
The sales force who Graham Webb products are to be launched to in Oslo have NO IDEA that 'Graham Webb himself' is in Norway and is going to be introduced during the session. I am a 'surprise' - just like the rabbit out of the hat, in a magic show :) ' What fun it is going to be!
Read on in the 'End of Tour' report to hear about the Norway adventure ...
Many thanks to everyone for their help and support.
GRAHAM
- Addressing the GW team at Carlsbad CA headquarters was special for me. I flew into LA and drove myself to Carlsbad so that I could meet a special book purchaser Marc Mortimer - an amazing man who was caused to have Cerebral Palsy when his oxygen was turned off too early. Marc and his sister (who is completely well) were born prematurely. It was a magic moment for me (and apparently Marc) when we met. I am SO humbled that my book has had SUCH an effect on Marc. He was not sure that I would take the trouble during a pressurized schedule - but I would always - and did! I also stopped to see my former business partner Robert Taylor, and Mary Kay at their home on Linda Isle. I had a terrific tour of Newport Harbour on their boat.
Seattle came next and it was lovely to meet so many customers and salespeople at the VIP party, apparently held in my honour, but it was an honour for me to be able to thank everyone for their help and support. I did lots of book signings and photographs (also sold out of books) with Graham Webb customers at the West Coast show the next day, before my long haul flight east, to Detroit. Thank you wonderful Sue McVee and Brian Bennett for a great visit.
Detroit had me addressing the sales force of Beaute Craft and Maly's - I did my full Powerpoint presentation, and this group were SO generous to give me a standing ovation. To have a hardy sales force give me that reaction was so appreciated. In the evening I welcomed over 100 Graham Webb customers. With the generosity of the host company, books were sold with all the proceeds going to the American Spina Bifida Association.
Next day I flew to Hartford, Connecticut and met up with the fantastic salesperson Dennis Schleicher. Dennis had everything sorted and obviously has a fantastic reputation with both the distributor salespeople and many salons throughout the State. Three days of 'meet and greets' and literally hundreds of photographs with me and our valuable customers, all of which I personally signed, saw me on a final visit to Westchester NY. The latter two days being a Thursday and Friday, somehow Dennis managed to get several salons to close for my visit, and in one case, a chain of four salons closed for several hours, assembling in one of their salons, where I gave them a 1 hour address. I commented on the salons' vision to be thinking of the long term benefits, rather than the short term 'cost.' I thanked them all for their generosity.
An amusing moment happened in Connecticut. In one salon, a stylist who always pinches her husbands butt whenever they have a photograph together - just to make him smile, was absolutely mortified when she caught her self doing the same when having a photograph with me. Of course, it caused lots of merriment with her colleagues and me, with me pretending that I would ' come back tomorrow' for another photograph! This is a salon which definitely will not forget my visit to them !
Fri Sept 30 and I am a VIP guest of the Paul McCartney band at their opening concert at Madison Square Garden. I cannot believe it when I am ushered backstage into the MPL hospitality suite and chat to SO many interesting people. Band members Wix Wickens, Brian Ray, and the incomparable drummer Abe Laborial Jnr spend time with me. Then - it was THE most amazing concert! I was tired though after the exhilaration of a busy week. Next day it was a day off. I had breakfast with one of my heroes - the great tub thumper Liberty DeVitto and his fiance Anna- he on the 150 million or so record sales of Billy Joel.
I also had a visit from the great Broadway drummer Perry Cavari - who also plays on many famous movie soundtracks inc Chicago (with Catherine Z Jones and Renee Zell....
Then it was off to JFK and my flight to Minneapolis. I hear from daughters The Webb Sisters as they are performing at a big music industry show in Manchester UK. My son Rod signed this day with his band Rex Radio, to the 'hot' UK 'Indie' label BeUnique. They also have The Kaiserchiefs in their stable - who I just saw on Jay Leno.
I also say au revoir to my youngest son Bradley who is off to Berlin, Germany, to rehearse the great BLUE MAN show - Brad is one of the two drummers to land the drumkit spot on the London show - opening next month. It's important to me to keep up to date with what is happening at home.
Reading the Minneapolis Sunday Star Tribune, I notice that the great Steve Winwood is in concert tonight in Minneapolis. A call to London and LA has me confirmed as a guest of the band especially the great percussionist Karl Van den Boshe. The visit was also arranged by Walfredo Reyes Jnr - former long time drummer for Steve, and also drummer with Santana and many great bands. The band and crew all received a batch of Graham Webb products to use for the rest of their US tour. Backstage after the show, several of the 'backstage guests' notice 'Graham Webb' on my briefcase and remark that they use and love Graham Webb products. I laughed when one of them asked Steve Winwood to wait as she wanted a photograph with me too ! I have a great photo (which I will put on the site later) of Steve Winwood and me as he receives my book Out of the Bottle from me.
Before the show I have a meal at Murray's 'butterknife' steak house. This was where I had my first meal in the USA when I came to headline my first show in April 1980. I meet Jill Murray - daughter of the founder, who now runs Murray's. Turns out that Jill is a big GW product fan (naming to me some of her favourite products) I surprise her with a few bottles with my compliments - and she then buys my book which I sign for her.
I now have a 'Brit Style' show in Minneapolis and then I am off to Wisconsin, followed by St Louis, Hershey, PA, NYC, and London for 24 hours, before 2 exciting business days in Oslo, Norway.
Many thanks to everyone for their help and support.
GRAHAM
Please continue on and read part two ..
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