Empire Education Group's Chairman/CEO, Frank Schoeneman, Awarded Top Honor by American Association of Cosmetology Schools
The 2007 N.F. Cimaglia Award, the industry's highest honor presented by the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) was awarded to Empire Education Group's Chairman and CEO, Frank Schoeneman.
Frank Schoeneman was elected by the American Association of Cosmetology Schools Past Presidents to receive this prestigious award, granted to those in the profession of cosmetology education, which was established in 1975 to honor the dedication of cosmetology schools and in particular, the support of the late Nicholas F. Cimaglia.
Schoeneman helped propel Empire Education Group to become one of the largest providers of cosmetology school education in North America. He represents the third generation to lead the 75 year old company, from Pottsville, PA, initially headed by his grandfather and father. He is especially proud that his son, Kyle, joined the company in the summer of 2006 after graduating from college, and represents the fourth generation of the Schoeneman family to champion cosmetology.
In 2007, Schoeneman orchestrated a brilliant merger between his Empire Beauty Schools and the cosmetology schools of Regis Corporation into Empire Education Group. The new privately-held company, with Schoeneman as majority stockholder, includes 87 cosmetology schools with rich heritages in the cosmetology education industry in 18 states.
Giving back to local communities is at the heart of Schoeneman's approach to business and life. Three years ago, Empire launched its National Day of Beauty to benefit the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Since then, Empire has partnered with KidsPeace, a private, not-for-profit charity dedicated to serving the critical behavioral and mental health needs of children, preadolescents and teens. The Empire Education Group team has dedicated a Saturday each year to provide hair, nail and beauty services to the public, with every dollar raised going to KidsPeace. "KidsPeace and Empire Education Group are great partners, because we have a parallel mission and philosophy; to create opportunities for people to improve their lives," says Schoeneman. "We are proud to support this phenomenal organization." KidsPeace's values reflect Schoeneman's own, such as integrity, dedication and a passionate commitment to helping others.
In October 2007, the company helped raise over $237,000 for KidsPeace through National Day of Beauty. "Empire Education Group had dedicated our work for 50 years to improving lives," says Mr. Schoeneman, "We are proud to extend that legacy to help more than 10,000 children who are at KidsPeace to find better lives."
"We want to thank Frank Schoeneman and all the wonderful people at Empire Education Group's 87 beauty schools nationwide," says KidsPeace Acting President, Dr. Lorrie Henderson. "Their generosity will truly make life more beautiful for thousands of deserving children." KidsPeace noted Empire Education Group's generous donation will be used for the KidsPeace Children's Fund, where it will help youngsters who have often been denied a chance at childhood to learn, to play, and to grow into happy, healthy kids.
In addition to volunteering his time in the communities in which he lives and owns schools, Schoeneman has contributed significantly both corporately and personally to support the professional cosmetology school issues which benefit so many young people's lives. From government relations activities, to helping fund industry studies through the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences, to serving on the accrediting committee that helps shape the direction of cosmetology school education, he is just as involved in improving his industry as he is in improving the community and the lives of his more than 1500 employees.
Schoeneman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, and he is a multi-engine, instrument rated pilot.
