Barnes Group salon managers built seven bikes at a kids’ bike build in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Nov. 3, 2026. About 50 leaders met at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Lincoln for the company’s annual leadership conference. The Barnes Group is a family-owned company based in Lincoln. It runs more than 45 Cost Cutters, Supercuts, and SmartStyle salons across Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota.
Shear Teamwork Drives The Barnes Group’s Kids Bike Build in Lincoln, Nebraska
The two-day conference brings salon managers and a few corporate leaders together each year. Organizer Jess Cottingham wanted an activity that was fun and gave back to Lincoln. So the group spent the first afternoon on a Build-A-Bike® challenge.
Seven teams solved challenges to earn their bike parts. The all-women group brought fierce competition from the start. A cheer contest stole the show, with some former cheerleaders in the mix. The room buzzed as the teams worked together.
The finish was a true photo finish. One team claimed first place. Then the next three teams finished at the same moment in a scramble to the end.
The seven new youth bikes went to the Lincoln Bike Kitchen. The nonprofit gives free bikes to Lincoln kids and adults who face financial barriers. Its Bikes for Bright Futures program puts new bikes in the hands of local children.
Add a charity bike build to your next leadership conference and give your team a reason to cheer.
