It’s an old-fashioned barbershop where I try to blend the best of the past with the trends of today. I’ve always loved the classic barbershop feel from the 1940s and 50s—the atmosphere, the conversation, and the craftsmanship. My goal is to recreate that experience while still offering modern styles and services. Even the look of the shop is designed to capture that traditional barbershop vibe.

 Honestly, it started as a bit of a midlife change for me. I had been working at the Hershey chocolate plant for many years. It was a good job with good pay and benefits, but it never really felt like what I would call my life’s work. I had always been fascinated with barbering since I was a kid. When I was around forty-two, I had the opportunity to go to barber school. I decided to try it, and I loved it. I worked for someone else for about a year, but I realized I wanted to build something of my own. So I opened my own shop and went forward from there.

 In a small community like Hershey, one of the biggest challenges when you start a business is simply getting people’s attention and convincing them to try you out. People already have routines and barbers they’re used to. The challenge was getting people through the door for the first time. Once someone came in and experienced the shop, things started to build from there. It really comes down to patience, consistency, and building relationships with people over time.

 I like to say you crawl, you walk, and then you run. You can’t expect to open a business and have it immediately take off where you’re suddenly successful overnight. You’re going to have to put in the blood, sweat, and tears. There will be slow times and challenges along the way. You just have to keep improving, keep working hard, and keep moving forward.

 I’ve always tried to stay involved in the community. I’ve served since the beginning on the committee for the Hershey High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and I’ve been the chairman for many years now. I’m also on the WITF advisory board and serve on the executive board of the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame as vice president. In addition to that, I serve on the Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners and also on the National Barber Board. I enjoy being involved in organizations that support our community, culture, and the barbering profession.

 A lot of people know me as a barber, but some might not realize that I’m also a musician. Music has always been a passion of mine, and I run an entertainment business as well. It’s another creative outlet that I really enjoy!