In
August 1960, Paula Kent Meehan founded Redken Laboratories, Inc. Now fifty years
later, 418 former Redken employees celebrated the milestone anniversary at the
Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA, hosted by Mrs. Meehan.
In
celebrating Redken’s “50 Years of Beauty through Science” –not to mention a half
century of love—the reunion revolved around the company’s rich history and the
triumph of its leadership values.
The
once-in-a-lifetime gathering, emceed by Ann Mincey, included those
employed by Redken Laboratories from 1960-1993 and their spouses, distributors,
guest artists, and international guests representing eight countries, who made
vital contributions to Redken’s first thirty-three “Renaissance years.” A walk
through a gallery of memorabilia had many guests commenting, “Seeing our former
products on display was like seeing old friends.”
“Redken created superior products and educational programs which propelled the
industry’s transformation and created a solid foundation for the company’s
continued success,” said David Cannell, Ph.D., and now retired Senior Vice
President of Research and Development. He also announced REDKEN ranks first in
total sales among professional manufacturers in the United States
Among those in attendance were Vidal and Ronnie Sassoon, Bill and Pam Peplow,
Redken’s first distributor Bob and Lou Peel, Sr., Bob and Kris Peel, Jr. The
singing trio, Saint Tropez was reunited to sing the Redken song, “Light the Way”
which debuted at Hair World in Las Vegas, 1984. Additional
musical numbers were presented by Steven Goddard, now president of Pravana, and
Mrs. Meehan’s childhood classmate, actress Debbie Reynolds.
Included in the program were members of senior management including Bill Peplow,
Chris Meehan, Jim Brooks, Harry Fairtlough, Jim Pekin, Tom McLoughlin and Steve
Goddard. The event logistics, imagery and guest communications were orchestrated
by Joni Rae and Robert Russell of Joni Rae and Associates of Encino, CA.
Commented Mrs. Meehan, “We’ve hosted reunions in the past and I’ve always been
gratified by the number of employees who returned to connect with each other and
rekindle the spirit of Redken. The fact that 2010 marks such a milestone for
Redken made this reunion the most special of all. We celebrated not just a
company but the incredible caring and rapport of the friends
and colleagues who helped create the central core—the incredible nucleus—that
endures to this day. They are truly the modern pioneers of beauty through
science.
I
missed them all and it was wonderful to see everyone having such a great time.”