With a passion for helping others reach their full potential, Jim has embraced his wide array of professional experiences in order to become what he is today – a leader and advocate in the advancement of the beauty industry.
After a successful career in the hospitality industry, Jim joined forces with his brother, Tom Petrillo, in 2002. Their collaborative efforts led to the establishment of The Salon People, Inc. as the exclusive distributor for Aveda beauty products in Florida, and the opening of five Aveda Institutes dedicated to offering exceptional training in state of the art facilities for cosmetology and spa therapy students.
AI South emerged in 2012 as a result of TSP and the Neill Corporation collaborating to bring together the school operations of TSP Institute Inc. and Beauty Basics Inc. Collectively they operate 20 Aveda Institute locations across the Southeast. Jim’s role as the President of AI South is to incorporate the guiding values of their organizations to ensure that they provide the highest level of education, utilizing the most talented team, with innovative, industry-leading tools and resources. Holding steadfast to their values, AI South prioritizes personal and professional growth and development for those in their network.
Jim serves on the AACS Board of Directors, AVEDA Advisory Board, AVEDA Institute Government Affairs Council and Great Explorations Children’s Museum Board; he is a member of CCST and PBA, as well as the FSU Alumni Association, Dragons Club and University Club; in addition, Jim sponsors the FSU Sales Institute and the International Collegiate Sales Competition (ICSC) with TSP.