This month, Floyd’s Barbershop celebrated the opening of a new Union Station shop at 1725 Chestnut Place in downtown Denver. Live music and delicious food enticed passersby to come in and check out the event. Floyd’s welcomed guests with free samples and discounted hair services. What cooler way to get your hair cut than in a mobile barbershop inside a decked-out Floyd’s truck?

The company donated all proceeds from the event to a local non-profit, Youth on Record. This organization uses the music and stories from Colorado’s most talented artists to inspires at-risk youth to graduate and enter the workforce.

Floyd’s 99 co-founder, Rob O’Brien, weighed in on his business journey and what sets his company apart from competitors.

What got you into barbershops?/What interests you about the barbershop industry?

My brothers and I got our start working in the concessions business by traveling the country with Harlem Globetrotters and Ice Capades selling a simple product to huge crowds of people. After 5 years, we wanted to branch out on own taking the experience we had as operators with us. Equip with an entrepreneurial spirit, $3,000, and cotton candy machine, we decided to move to Denver to start our own concessions business. As we settled in, we searched for a place to that provided a great experience and quality haircut. Whenever we needed a haircut, we felt we were forced to either pay too much for a haircut at a place where you’d have to book out weeks in advance or compromise on quality at a budget salon. We saw an opportunity to reinvent the haircut experience providing excellent client service, a quality cut, a welcoming atmosphere, all for a good value…and the idea of Floyd’s 99 was born. ​ In 1999, Paul, Bill and I established Floyd’s 99 Barbershop with the client experience in mind as we set out to create a one-of-a-kind barbershop founded on the principle of great, old-school style service. 

What is the worst haircut mishap you’ve experienced?

I wouldn’t call it a mishap as much as a “self-inflicted wound”. There are two particular haircut trends that specifically stick out in my mind as “winners”. First, I rocked a mullet for a short time (all-of high school to be exact). My second “Big hit” was once when I got the George Clooney Julius Caesar cut….not everyone can pull   that off. I’ll just let you know, I wasn’t one of the one’s that could

Who cuts your hair?

I don’t have a specific barber, stylist, of even Floyd’s 99 barbershop location that I go to for my haircut. I go to a variety of our shops across the country and try to see a different barber or stylist with each visit as I trust every one of our employees can provide a great haircut and experience. It’s a great way for me to engage with our staff and experience what many of our walk-in clients do

 

What elements of your customer service stand out from other barbershops?

 We pride ourselves on a client first approach to our business. We guarantee great customer service with our patented client service roadmap outlining our “Floyd’s Difference” which guarantees that every client receives the full Floyd’s experience every visit. Our great atmosphere, experience staff, and continued focus on education through our Floyd’s 99 academy are just a few things that set us apart. In addition to an expertly crafted cut, every service includes a personalized consultation, hot lather straight razor neck clean-up, and signature shoulder massage.

Where do you see your business in the next 10 years?

We will be continuing to create the standard for excellent service. We will expand our reach across the country by focusing on growth in existing markets and develop in development of new markets with company and franchise shops. I see us as the leader in client centric innovations in the hair service industry as we continue to find ways to enhance the client experience

 

How does your company impact local communities?

We are your neighborhood barbershop. Offering a full menu of services for everyone, we cater to needs of every one who walks through our doors. As a neighbor barbershop, Floyd’s 99 has been actively involved in the communities where we’ve held a presence since our inception. Not only do we care about making a difference, our staff members are intimately connected with local charities, schools, arts programs, businesses, and other institutions. We offer military discounts, free haircuts for clients donating their hair to charity, donate countless hours to organization like St.Baldrick’s and the Round McDonald House, and are active supporters of local organization and businesses. To date, we’ve raised over $1m for JDRF, our national charity partners, to help make a life changing impact on the lives of more than 3 million children & adults.

How do you keep up with the latest trends in hair styles?

We regularly attend and send our staff to trade and industry shows as well as provide continued education and inspiration through our Floyd’s 99 Academy, which offer paid education for all our staff. In addition to training on cutting and techniques, the National and Regional Educators as well as our Color Specialists, stay up to date on new and upcoming trends and bring their expertise to the classes they teach across the country. 

What advice would you give to someone starting their own company?

Jump….believe in yourself. If you have a great idea….do it! Treat people how you want to be treated and always take care of your employees