Rudy & Kelly Academy of Hair & Nails was established in 1997 when owner Rudy Russo, a successful hairstylist, multi-salon owner and local entrepreneur, sought an outlet to share his passion for the beauty industry with future hairstylists through education. When the opportunity arose to join the burgeoning Paul Mitchell Schools network in 2004, Rudy & Kelly Academy eagerly became a Paul Mitchell Partner School. Since 2004, the school has continued to improve its ability to educate students. In December 2008, the school began operating from a brand new facility, tripling the size of its previous location and providing state-of-the-art equipment on the clinic floor and in classrooms.