Lane and Janet Mathis reflect on 40 years of serving their customers at Futura Lane, and giving back to the causes and community they love.
For many years now, The Friendship Center has been the beneficiary of Futura Lane’s signature no tipping policy during the months of November and December. For the uninitiated, in lieu of tipping their cosmetologist, Futura Lane encourages their customers to make a donation to a nonprofit or charity, usually a different one they’ve chosen to highlight each month. At the end of the month, they count up all the donations and send the beneficiary a check for the total. Even owners Lane and Janet Mathis admit that it’s a unique approach to doing business, but it’s been standard at Futura Lane since they opened their doors in 1984. In that time, they’ve supported dozens of organizations through their No Tip Program, with over $200,000 going back into causes and the community that they care about. And they believe that’s probably a conservative estimate.
Besides embracing a philosophy rooted in giving back to the community, Lane and Janet take the connections they form with their customers very seriously. They cite the long-standing, familial relationships they’ve built as a big reason for their longevity in the business: Next year will be 50 years behind the chair for them, with the most recent 40 under the banner of Futura Lane. With retirement on the horizon, Futura Lane’s owners kindly agreed to offer up some reflection in advance of their 40th annual customer appreciation days and open house in early December. Lane and Janet answer some of our questions about their enduring motivation to give back, their belief in making people feel safe and encouraged while also helping them look their best, why they believe in the work of The Friendship Center, and more.
We hope you enjoy what they had to say, as well as their message to other businesses who may doubt the impact that they can have through charitable efforts. The generosity that Lane and Janet have given and received is evidence that small acts of kindness over time add up far beyond any dollar value. If you’re a Futura Lane customer, thank you in advance for anything you contribute to The Friendship Center in lieu of tipping during your November and December appointments! Also, don’t forget to save the date for this year’s open house, happening December 6-7. Visit Futura Lane’s website to learn how you can take advantage of special pricing on Aveda products and enjoy some chili from Rock Starr BBQ while they’re accepting walk-in donations to The Friendship Center during this year’s event.
First and foremost, we want to recognize the impact of Futura Lane's long-running No Tip Program. In the last 15 years alone, The Friendship Center has benefited from this to the tune of $20,000. Of course, you’ve supported us and several organizations for much longer than that. Do you have any idea how much support the No Tip Program has generated over the years?
LM & JM: For a calculated estimate, we looked back in our accounting software from May 2013 to September of 2024, and found over 40 listed recipients of our No Tip Program. Over $65,000 was issued to recipients during that period of over 10 years. We received no tax benefits for administering our unique program, but the benefits we receive knowing we helped others in some small way fills our cup to overflowing.
To put an exact dollar amount of support over all the years that the program has been in place is something we can only estimate. The monthly average is over $450 for the last 10 years—we know the early years of the program were less than that, with averages increasing steadily each decade. We think it would be safe to say over $200,000 has been generated through the No Tip Program, and that’s probably a conservative estimate.
It seems like you've never had to be convinced of the significance of supporting local charities. Is that instinct to give back something you both shared before you were ever business owners?
LM & JM: Yes. We both share the mindset that what the world needs more than anything is for people to help each other and at the least not hurt each other. No one ever knows what battles other people are dealing with, so kindness, caring, and giving—even in the smallest of ways—can and does make a difference! We have become healthier in so many ways from giving back.
Besides directing thousands of dollars to local nonprofits every year, something that stands out about the no tipping policy is that Futura Lane has done this since opening your doors in 1984. Thinking back to then, do you think your younger selves would've been surprised at how much of an impact you would have?
LM & JM: Absolutely, our client (guest) base is comprised of a majority that 100% support the No Tip Program. Every heartfelt thank you letter monthly fuels our desire to continue. In 1984, it was and still is a rare business philosophy but seeing what we have received back from the community during the most challenging times of personal tragedy, illness, and losses that our family/business have endured is so humbling and emotionally uplifting. For what we have given to others, we have received far more back, and we are deeply grateful.
Like the previous question, would younger Lane and Janet have been surprised at the longevity of Futura Lane, and the storms you’ve been able to weather? Do you think your passion for the Helena community has sustained you as much as your passion for your work?
LM & JM: In a few words: YES. The relationships we have developed with the community and our guests in the salon is the reason we come to work each day after 50 years in this business (and 40 as Futura Lane). How we treat and make each other feel is imperative to any relationship in life and what we have received back is nothing short of humbling.
About three years ago, Futura Lane was the focus of a Montana Business Spotlight that made specific mention of the no tipping policy and the familial bonds you've formed with your customers. It seems like you all were already reflecting and taking stock of your years behind the chair at that time. Now that it's been another few years, what are you most grateful for or proud of from your time at Futura Lane?
LM & JM: Being lifted up by our community and guests from horrible events we have encountered personally and in our salon is the greatest reward. We are personally most proud of our No Tip Program. We have weathered this road and unique philosophy we have chosen. It has not been easy, but the path continues to reward us!
In the video that accompanied that same business spotlight, you emphasized that The Friendship Center has been an important organization that Futura Lane has supported from the very beginning. What about our work inspires you to continue supporting us? And what stands out about some of the other causes y’all have supported?
LM & JM: A past director of TFC, Matthew Dale, was a dear friend who initially instilled the interest we have in helping TFC, which grew immensely over the years and is the focus of our No Tip Program every November and December. We are deeply inspired knowing TFC helps families in personal crisis, offering a safe haven from violence and abuse, assisting them to move forward knowing someone is there to help them in their darkest hours.
Other causes we have supported that stand out? We’ve supported over 40 in the last 10 years! Some are more personal because of our own experiences and what we’ve lived through in our families, like cancer, suicide, Alzheimer’s/dementia, and mental health only skim the surface.
Partial list of organizations and charities who've benefited from Futura Lane's No Tip Program since 2013.
Something special about salons and barbershops is that they can really be a place of safety, comfort, or peace for people who may lack that elsewhere in their lives. How does it feel to offer that welcoming and safe space to people? And on the flip side, how has the connection you’ve built with your customers impacted you?
LM & JM: The feeling is humbling when you listen and truly hear what guests share with you during a service, and it allows us to share also. This relationship goes far beyond just providing professional services to make people look their best, but how we make each other feel is imperative. We share laughter, tears, and celebrations connecting beyond the service.
The connection with our customers is one of the most important reasons for our longevity. It is a sense of belonging to something greater than yourself, a place where you feel safe and encouraged, especially in the hard times.
What advice or encouragement would you offer to other small businesses interested in supporting their community but maybe doubtful of the impact they can have, or unsure of how to start?
LM & JM: When you reach out to give back to others in need on a consistent basis and you truly believe in your heart what you’re doing, it will come back in more ways than you can possibly imagine over time. Relationships built on how we treat each other and make each other feel are paramount. People will forget what you said but never forget how you made them feel. Choose to be kind rather than right. Develop a set of values, a mission statement, or core beliefs, and refer to them often. Keep it simple and help the world around you even when you do not think it makes a difference. Believe us: After 50 years and only touching the surface of that with the things said here, knowing you helped in some small way give you peace later in life.
The Friendship Center is just one of many organizations and businesses in our community working to ensure everyone is supported with care and dignity. Each month, we highlight some of the fantastic people and organizations we partner and collaborate with in our email newsletter. Sign up to make sure you don't miss a partner spotlight and learn more about some of the services available in our community.
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