About this episode...I really hope that all Barbers either hear this episode or learn about Autism in some way.In all candor, this has probably been the most challenging introduction for me to write. While I want to communicate the importance of this subject, I also don't want to be over-dramatic to where I sound like a carnival-barker. I'm just going to let the interview do the talking.We have a growing number of people in our chairs who are dealing with heightened sensitivities and along the spectrum of Autism, and it's an experience that many of us are untrained for.The Sensory Safe Solution is an organization that helps to prepare Barbers to accommodate both children and adults who are on the spectrum. They are working very hard to help as many Barbers get brought up to speed on the subject, making Barber visits easier and a greater experience for everyone. About my GuestKate Owens Heins, the Visionary CEO and Founder of The Sensory Safe Solution, boasts a wealth of experience behind the chair for 25 years as a salon owner for 14 years and with five years dedicated to researching sensory-safe services and refining the associated processes. Beyond professional expertise, she brings a deeply personal touch as a parent to a son with autism. In a remarkably short span of just over one year, Kate has led the organization to successfully certify over 3400 providers across 43 states and 7 countries, establishing The Sensory Safe Solution as a beacon of transformative support for the barbering and cosmetology industryContact my GuestLearn more about The Sensory Safe Solution on their website.You can reach Kate at email kate@thesensorysafesalon.orgInstagram: @thesensorysafesolutionFacebook: The Sensory Safe Solution Page
About this episode...Well... he said that I would start cutting without straining my body and/or the pain......and he was right.We were originally going to record this immediately after the workshop in September of 2024, but by the end of the workshop, we were both pretty well worn out and decided that we would do it later.While I don't think either one of us expected it to be eight months later, it worked out very well, since I was able to go take private lessons from him in Nevada for a couple days and then record the second part of the podcast.In a word, my results have been pretty fantastic, and we go more into depth about Ergonami and how it helps Barbers to be able to cut without the pain and without straining our bodies.About my GuestMr. Ronald D. Wada's journey in the beauty industry is a testament to his dedication and innovation. With over 15 years invested in developing the Ergo-Nami® Cutting System, he has addressed a significant issue faced by stylists and barbers: the physical toll of their craft. His system not only aims to prevent injuries but also ensures that professionals can maintain their artistry while protecting their bodies.Beginning his career in 1997 as an AVEDA Territory Manager and Product & Service Educator, Mr. Wada has been recognized for his excellence, receiving two regional awards from Mr. Horst Rechelbacher, the founder of AVEDA Beauty Products.Raised in Orange County, California, and now based in Las Vegas, he has built a reputation as a leading Master Shear Sharpener and Corrective Shear Repair Expert over the past 18 years.Mr. Wada is a respected speaker at the International Beauty Sharpeners Association conferences and is well-regarded by industry peers, hairdressers, and barbers. He actively shares his expertise through the Ergo-Nami Cutting Workshop, Hair Shows, and Advanced Cutting Academy in Las Vegas.Contact my GuestYou can reach Ron at ErgonamiInfo.Ergonami@gmail.comInstagram: @ergonami
We get taught one way to hold our shears, our bodies, and our clippers, and then we have to take it from there.About this episode...Ergonimics for Barbers... I have been looking high and low for ergonomic developments for Barbers. I have spent thousands of dollars on shoes, inserts for my feet, special socks, extra floor pads, swivel thumb shears, and countless other items to make sure that I can keep Barbering over the next couple decades without the pains that a lot of folks tend to develop over the years.One day, I ran across Ron Wada's Ergonami courses. They talked about different ways to cut with our shears, different ways to position our bodies, and approached Barbering from more natural positions that I had been shown at school and at tradeshows and events since then.I'm going to be taking his class next week, and I see this as a great chance to do a podcast about his methods beforehand, and then do a follow-up afterward. There are points where this leans a little toward becoming an infomercial about the Ergonami classes, but mostly it points out how and why all the things we get taught are great to get started, yet need some tweaking so that we are not tearing up our bodies while doing this profession that we love so much.About my GuestMr. Ronald D. Wada's journey in the beauty industry is a testament to his dedication and innovation. With over 15 years invested in developing the Ergo-Nami® Cutting System, he has addressed a significant issue faced by stylists and barbers: the physical toll of their craft. His system not only aims to prevent injuries but also ensures that professionals can maintain their artistry while protecting their bodies.Beginning his career in 1997 as an AVEDA Territory Manager and Product & Service Educator, Mr. Wada has been recognized for his excellence, receiving two regional awards from Mr. Horst Rechelbacher, the founder of AVEDA Beauty Products.Raised in Orange County, California, and now based in Las Vegas, he has built a reputation as a leading Master Shear Sharpener and Corrective Shear Repair Expert over the past 18 years.Mr. Wada is a respected speaker at the International Beauty Sharpeners Association conferences and is well-regarded by industry peers, hairdressers, and barbers. He actively shares his expertise through the Ergo-Nami Cutting Workshop, Hair Shows, and Advanced Cutting Academy in Las Vegas.Contact my GuestYou can reach Ron at Ergonamihttps://www.ergonami.com/Info.Ergonami@gmail.com Instagram: @ergonami
I see a skin disorder... a splotch... seems innocent enough, but I'm not sure that it is...About this episode...I often share the story from a couple years ago where I saw a brown splotch on a client's head. He got it checked out, and it turned out to signal an advanced stage of cancer.We see all sorts of skin disorders throughout the day. While we are not empowered to diagnose and treat them, aestheticians can and do. I often declare that we should have an aesthetician who we can send our clients to when we find these problemsAbout my GuestAdriana Santiago is the owner and founder of Peachtree Aesthetic Center in Atlanta, GA. She details what an aesthetician can do for a Barber, and why she has a team of dermatologists supporting her. She details where aestheticians fit into a Barber's world,Contact my GuestYou can reach Adrianna at Adriana Santiago owner of Peachtree Aesthetic Center: a skincare clinic and medical spa.404-981-1724Peachtreeac@gmail.com@peachtreeaestheticcenter
I'm getting people in my chair, but they're not my favorite people to hang out with...About this episode...Marketing ourselves as Barbers can be tricky. Yes, we are all supposed to take on all comers, yet each of us has a certain type of person that we vibe best with. In the Barbershop where i cut, soccer fans are more likely to wind up in my chair because we talk about soccer and vibe well with it. A Personal trainer may end up in another chair because, well... I'm not exactly into exercise at this point in my life.Betty Emrey is a Copy Writer, and knows exactly how to make sure that a company is attracting the right clientele... or their BEST clients. We talk aboutThe difference between "I am a Barber" and "I am THIS Barber"How what we show tells potential clients how we are different from other BarbersSome examples of how one can market one product - a coffee cup - to a variety of different groups of peopleAbout my GuestBetty Emrey is a Copy Writer - which means that she writes content for advertising and marketing campaigns. Advertising agencies, Marketing executives and elite level web designers bring her in on projects to hone the marketing messages for their clients. She specializes in attracting the right clients for any given company so that their marketing efforts and budgets are spent in the most efficient way possible. Contact my GuestYou can reach Betty at betty@UseYourWordsMarketing.com and visit her website, https://useyourwordsmarketing.com/ for more informations about what she does and to set up consultations.
We've all tried to sneak a bite in between clients - what if we didn't have to do it?About this episode...This episode hits close to home... I am just as guilty as anyone else of trying to eat something really quickly between clients. Yet a couple adjustments can make it a lot easier and healthier. In this episode, we talk about:Fueling ourselves at the start of the dayHow we create our own tired times in the middle of the dayWhat some of the "popular diets" do to usEasy ways to keep our energy up all day and live healthierAbout my GuestDan Cornett is a former wine salesman who has spent the past five years as a health and wellness professional, helping many professionals and entrepreneurs make simple adjustments to healthier, happier, and energetic lives.During his most successful year in sales, he had the same fast-paced lifestyle as we Barbers do, eating on the run, and gaining a lot of weight and health conditions which resulted in his next year being his least productive. As he began to learn about health and how foods work in our bodies, he turned his life completely around and now helps business professionals do the same. Contact my GuestYou can reach Dan and learn about his programs at https://challengeaccepted.ioYou can also contact him at (509) 435-2633 or info@challengeaccepted.io
It takes a lot of work, yet my Google listing brings in more customers than my Instagram.About this episode...I am very excited about this episode...it has taken a long time to make it happen...Why Google is so importantThe most important parts of Google for BarbersThe one section which makes a big impact (spoiler alert: it's the section that most businesses fail hard at!)About my GuestMichael Morse is the man who got my Google restored when Google had removed my listing.He. got. my. Google. restored.That is a very heavyweight accomplishment.Have you ever searched online and wondered "Why do those businesses show up at the top of the map and I don't?" Michael helps small businesses uncover the mysteries surrounding how Google, Facebook, Instagram, and Yelp all work.Michael Morse is the Sales Team Manager for the Georgia market. Primarily working in Atlanta, GA. A rare Atlanta native, he graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism and went on to write for a local newspaper for 3 years before heading back to college for a master’s degree in Sports Administration at Georgia State. He began his career in sales shortly after and has not looked back after working with a sports marketing and advertising firm. During that time, he learned about direct sales and made lasting relationships with other coworkers that led him to an opportunity with RevLocal, a Digital Marketing Agency in 2015. Eight years later, Michael continues to meet with small business owners and share the importance of digital marketing strategy for the long-term success of any small business. Contact my GuestYou can reach Michael at 770-815-2867 , at his website: https://www.revlocal.com/about-us/consultants/michael-morse or by email at mmorse@revlocal.com
Can we carry our shears in a carry on bag? Who can we ask to make sure?About this episode...Nearly every week or so, I see Barbers asking about what we can and cannot keep in our carry on bags when we fly. As I go through these discussions, I see many different answers, yet I don't see a lot of definitive answers, so we remain confused. In this episode, we talk about:What we can and can't carry (you'll be surprised)The limits of the shears and liquids that we carryOur options when we accidentally take something to the security line that can't go throughTalking with TSAAbout my GuestEric Guthier is a TSA Headquarters Uniformed Advisor for TSA's Administrator. From Roanoke, Virginia, Eric joined TSA in 2008 and served as a Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO) and Transportation Security Manager (TSM) for a total of 12 years. He began his career as a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) in Nome, Alaska; one of the most remote airports in the continental US. After relocating to Cordova, Alaska in 2011 as an STSO, he settled in Roanoke in 2013.Contact my GuestIf you have questions before traveling, visit the "What can I Bring" function in the top right corner of their website: https://TSA.govText questions by texting the word TRAVEL to Ask TSA, (275 872) They can also be reached via Facebook Messenger and on X or Eric, or would like more information or help to find someone who can help you in your area, reach out to her:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AskTSA/X (Twitter) : https://twitter.com/asktsa?lang=en
Dangit - this guy is always doing dumb stuff in the Barbershop... What can I do about it?About this episode...In the game of chess, each piece has its own role and its own job... and it is our job to use our pieces together to capture the opponent's king and win the game.How do we make this work in the "game of Barbershop"?Do we know what each person does?How do we work with each person to make a Barbershop as successful for everyone as we can?
What if you could open a Barbershop in a Publix shopping center (or another high-traffic location)? What do they knw that we don't know?About this episode...Most of the Barbershop owners I have met opened their shop by finding a space (maybe a recently closed shop?) and then moving in.Most of them also wonder what it would have been like if they could have opened in a better, busier location.We can... it takes some prep work, and it often takes having someone representing us to the people making the decisions about what types of stores they ant in their locations... and who knows the ins and outs of getting lessors to look at us and to help us position our shops for success.In this episode, we talk about:A lot of the stores in shopping centers and malls are pre-plannedHow we can get our Barbershops included into those plansThe people who can help get us in front of the right people to open shops in the most desirable locationsAbout my GuestJennifer Spivey is a Commercial Real Estate Broker who helps small and middle-sized business into locations which will serve them best. She has helped high-end realtors, artisans, creative companies, energy providers, and top restaurants locate themselves in places where the location, by itself, is conducive to success. Jennifer has an affinity for small businesses and for adaptive reuse, bringing forgotten community spaces back to vibrant life.Contact my GuestIf you have questions for Jennifer, or would like more information or help to find someone who can help you in your area, reach out to her:LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermspivey/Her website at ITRA Global Corporate Real Estate Advisors
Hackers aren't trying to into my Barbershop, Right?.... Right?About this episode...Are hackers tryin specifically to get into a Barbershop's network and computers? Or is it a numbers game where they just try a lot of things to see what they can get into?In this episode:Hackers go after everybody... it's a numbers gameHow they get us through our email and our phonesAbout my GuestKeya'an Williams is an internationally sought after CyberSecurity expert. His career began as a chmical weapons specialist in the US Army, later transitioning to working with communications security with the US Army Reserve Command Headquarters. Since then, he has served in various IT and Information Security positions for the Center for Disease Control.Contact my GuestIf you have questions for Keya'an, or would Like to get in his chair, reach out to him:LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/keyaan/Keya'an's Company Website: https://www.class-llc.com/
Hackers aren't interested in Barbershops, Right?.... Right?About this episode...A casino was hacked though a thermometer in a fish tank several years ago......but aren't Barbershops too small for a hacker to try to get into?In this episode:Hackers go after everybody... it's a numbers gameHow they get us through our email and our phonesHow our wifi networks leave us open to being hackedSimple steps to protect a Barbershop, and individual BarbersAbout my GuestKeya'an Williams is an internationally sought after CyberSecurity expert. His career began as a chmical weapons specialist in the US Army, later transitioning to working with communications security with the US Army Reserve Command Headquarters. Since then, he has served in various IT and Information Security positions for the Center for Disease Control.Contact my GuestIf you have questions for Keya'an, or would Like to get in his chair, reach out to him:LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/keyaan/Keya'an's Company Website: https://www.class-llc.com/
It's in Barbicide, so it's okay.... Right? ....Right?About this episode...Walk into any Barbershop, and we will see Barbiicide on almost every station...We will also probably see varying shades of blue inside each bottle, varying levels of fullness/emptiness, and other inconsistencies within the shop and the jars.Ivan Zoot breaks it all down for us - and if you have ever attended one of his classes or been at any of the hair shows and Barber expos where he is involved, you know that he explains things in a way that we can't POSSIBLY forget it!In this episode:Ivan's professional observations on how Barbicide is misusedHow the varying intensities among jars takes placeWhat happens when we are not using Barbicide the right wayAbout my GuestIvan Zoot is a widely known and highly respected Barber who holds World Records in haircutting and has written over a dozen books on the subject of growing a Barbering business. Ivan has developed and brought tools into the Barbering world, and is sought after to teach classes and to MC the educational portions of Barber expos across the country.Contact my GuestIf you have questions for Ivan, or would Like to get in his chair, reach out to him:Instagram: @ivanzootFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/clipperguyWebsite: ivanzoot.comBe a $100,000 Haircutter Podcast on Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ivan-zoot or wherever you find podcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/clipperguysays/featuredProducts Discussed on the ShowIvan's Book Store: https://www.ivanzoot.com/educational-materials100x100: 100 Clients in 100 Days https://www.ivanzoot.com/product-page/100x100-chain-salon-edition-on-paperThe Professional Haircutter's Pricing Playbook https://www.ivanzoot.com/product-page/the-professional-haircutter-s-pricing-playbookBarbicide Product Store: https://www.barbicide.com/shop/
I don't want my customers seeing my disinfect... or do I?..About this episode...if it is true that perception is reality, then we control what our clients think about us...Which means that we control our first image by what we do......and if our clients see us disinfecting, then they know we run a clean shop.In this episode:What customers will forgive us forWhat customers will NOT forgive us forAbout my GuestIvan Zoot is a widely known and highly respected Barber who holds World Records in haircutting and has written over a dozen books on the subject of growing a Barbering business. Ivan has developed and brought tools into the Barbering world, and is sought after to teach classes and to MC the educational portions of Barber expos across the country.Contact my GuestIf you have questions for Ivan, or would Like to get in his chair, reach out to him:Instagram: @ivanzootFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/clipperguyWebsite: ivanzoot.comBe a $100,000 Haircutter Podcast on Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ivan-zoot or wherever you find podcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/clipperguysays/featuredProducts Discussed on the ShowBarbicide Product Store: https://www.barbicide.com/shop/Barbicide Concentrate: https://www.barbicide.com/product/barbicide-concentrate/
The Barbicide messed up my shears... right?About this episode...When a Barber first learns about how to use Barbicide in school, we know to sanitize our combs and other tools, and then put them into Barbicide for 10 minutes before taking them out.Then real life happens... and some of us... well... we get so busy that we forget they're in thereSo what happens after those 10 minutes?In this episode:Ivan tells us what happens at minute 11What is not happening after 10 minutesWhat should happen at the 10 minute mark?About my GuestIvan Zoot is a widely known and highly respected Barber who holds World Records in haircutting and has written over a dozen books on the subject of growing a Barbering business. Ivan has developed and brought tools into the Barbering world, and is sought after to teach classes and to MC the educational portions of Barber expos across the country.Contact my GuestIf you have questions for Ivan, or would Like to get in his chair, reach out to him:Instagram: @ivanzootFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/clipperguyWebsite: ivanzoot.comBe a $100,000 Haircutter Podcast on Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ivan-zoot or wherever you find podcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/clipperguysays/featuredProducts Discussed on the ShowBarbicide Product Store: https://www.barbicide.com/shop/Barbicide Concentrate: https://www.barbicide.com/product/barbicide-concentrate/
That blue stuff in the jar... I've got so many questions....About this episode...IF WE'RE BEING HONEST... How many of us Barbers REALLY know the right way to use Barbicide?Yeah.... me, neither.Ivan Zoot breaks it all down for us - and if you have ever attended one of his classes or been at any of the hair shows and Barber expos where he is involved, you know that he explains things in a way that we can't POSSIBLY forget it!In this episode:Ivan spreads The Gospel of Education of BarbicideHow most Barbers are using too much and wasting moneyWhat happens when tools are left in Barbicide for hours or even overnightGetting caught disinfectingThe definitive "How to Use Barbicide"What else Ivan is up to, including his newest book!About my GuestIvan Zoot is a widely known and highly respected Barber who holds World Records in haircutting and has written over a dozen books on the subject of growing a Barbering business. Ivan has developed and brought tools into the Barbering world, and is sought after to teach classes and to MC the educational portions of Barber expos across the country.Contact my GuestIf you have questions for Ivan, or would Like to get in his chair, reach out to him:Instagram: @ivanzootFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/clipperguyWebsite: ivanzoot.comBe a $100,000 Haircutter Podcast on Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ivan-zoot or wherever you find podcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/clipperguysays/featuredProducts Discussed on the ShowIvan's Book Store: https://www.ivanzoot.com/educational-materials100x100: 100 Clients in 100 Days https://www.ivanzoot.com/product-page/100x100-chain-salon-edition-on-paperThe Professional Haircutter's Pricing Playbook https://www.ivanzoot.com/product-page/the-professional-haircutter-s-pricing-playbookBarbicide Product Store: https://www.barbicide.com/shop/Barbicide Concentrate: https://www.barbicide.com/product/barbicide-concentrate/Barbicide RTU: https://www.barbicide.com/product/barbicide-rtu/Barbicide Wipes: https://www.barbicide.com/product/barbicide-wipes/Clippercide Spray: https://www.barbicide.com/product/clippercide-spray/
What happens when two Barbers start talking? We talk for hours without missing a beat!About this episode...This is the first time I was interviewed by another podcaster. I had run across his podcast and found something pretty cool: a couple Barbers talking simply talking about the life of Barbers.I enjoyed hearing his episodes and how he would deep dive into observations, "beefs" within the industry, and into Barbers' lives. He and his guests would also talk about what tools they were using... it was great to hear professionals talking about what we use on a daily basis and why we choose to use what we do.Matt and I go into a lot in this in-depth conversationWe talk about my time with the Navy bands and how Barbering and music share so much in commonThe start of my Barbering career when I was with Great ClipsStarting as a Barber at my ageThe value I place on hair showsAbout my GuestMatt is a Barber at The Anguished Barber in Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia. A beard care and shaping ace, he began cutting in Arizona and has a passion for people and people's stories - a natural trait for this West Coast Barber here in The A.Contact my GuestIf you have questions for Matt, or would Like to get in his chair, reach out to him:Instagram: @mattybladezzzYouTube Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@yourbarberpodcastYou can also find Matt's podcast on Spotify, or pretty much anywhere else podcasts can be foundBook an Appointment with Matt: https://the-anguished-barber.square.site/
Sure, the swivel thumb shears feel good, but what are they doing to help Barbers?About this episode...Willy Hyde is the Director of Education for SharkFin Shears, a shears manufacturing company which focuses on the ergonomics of cutting hair. Willy breaks down the ways that using a set of swivel thumb shears affects how a Barber's whole body worksThe immediate effect in the hands and wristsThe extended effects on our bodiesAbout my GuestWilly Hyde is the Director of Education for SharkFin Shears. He conducts classes nationwide at industry hair shows and in person at several Barbering and Cosmetology schools. His lessons and many videos online focus on ergonomics and how to use shears to prolong our careers avoiding carpal tunnel and other painful conditions/Contact my GuestIf you have questions for Dr. Willy, would like clarifications, or would like to contact him, here is his information:Willy Hyde - Director of Education for SharkFin ShearsWatch the videos on SharkFin Shears' Education PagesPhone/Text: 860-262-1891Facebook: Sharkfin_WillyInstagram: @willyhyde
Whether we are behind the Barber's chair, or out and about, or at home, if we are in pain, we are not fun to be around.About this episode...Every now and then, one statement can sum up an entire concept. Willy Hyde is the Director of Education for SharkFin Shears. His statement really says all that needs to be said about ergonomics and protecting our bodies.Episode SummaryPain keeps us from being present for our families and others in our livesAbout my GuestWilly Hyde is the Director of Education for SharkFin Shears. He conducts classes nationwide at industry hair shows and in person at several Barbering and Cosmetology schools. His lessons and many videos online focus on ergonomics and how to use shears to prolong our careers avoiding carpal tunnel and other painful conditions/Contact my GuestIf you have questions for Dr. Willy, would like clarifications, or would like to contact him, here is his information:Willy Hyde - Director of Education for SharkFin ShearsWatch the videos on SharkFin Shears' Education PagesPhone/Text: 860-262-1891Facebook: Sharkfin_WillyInstagram: @willyhyde
"They" (whoever "they" is) told me that if I'm going to switch to a swivel thumb shear, that I should do it early in my career... it didn't sound right, but...About this episode...Almost every person I know who cuts with swivel-thumb shears really likes it. I'm trying to remember anyone I've spoken with who didn't.... Now early in my career, I was told that if i wanted to cut with swivel thumb shears, that I should do it before my hands had learned the muscle memory of standard shears that don't swivel.It didn't sound right, so I asked Willy Hyde, Director of Education for SharkFin Shears, about his thoughts about when is the right time for a Barber to start suing swivel thumb shears.Episode SummaryDo Barbers need to do this early in our career?What happens as we adjust to the new shears?About my GuestWilly Hyde is the Director of Education for SharkFin Shears. He conducts classes nationwide at industry hair shows and in person at several Barbering and Cosmetology schools. His lessons and many videos online focus on ergonomics and how to use shears to prolong our careers avoiding carpal tunnel and other painful conditions/Contact my GuestIf you have questions for Dr. Willy, would like clarifications, or would like to contact him, here is his information:Willy Hyde - Director of Education for SharkFin ShearsWatch the videos on SharkFin Shears' Education PagesPhone/Text: 860-262-1891Facebook: Sharkfin_WillyInstagram: @willyhyde