Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Cox.
Hi Steve, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
October of 2003 I reached out to Riddle Corporation about the small vacant building in the Wilders Grove shopping center. I spoke to Richard Walker, Riddle’s agent, about the vacancy. He said that he didn’t know when someone could come from the home office in Fayetteville to show it to me. I told him that I was standing in the building as we spoke. It had been unlocked for the past year and a half. . After I told him about my plans for the business, I told him that I found the keys hanging on a nail on the wall and that I would lock the door when I left. I opened the business in February 20th, 2004.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The first two years I worked Monday-Saturday, 6 days a week by myself to establish the business. It was difficult but necessary to build up the clientele before I would be able to bring on another barber. Since then we have had 2 full time barbers working every day. November of 2015 my son started working with me. This coming February we will celebrate 22 years in business. It’s been such blessing, and more than I could ever imagine.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
When I began Steve’s Barbershop I wanted it to be more than just a business. It’s about relationships. It all begins with the barbers. We are a team. We are not in competition. We are not rivals. It takes us working together and getting along with each other to make it successful. It’s a family atmosphere. A place where Mothers can bring their children to get a haircut and feel comfortable. Where everyone feels like they have found a home to get their haircut at Steve’s Barbershop. It’s about relationships with our customers. I have clients that I’ve cut 3 generations of their family. They are not just customers, they are friends. That’s just a part of what has made us successful.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When I began as a Barber, I worked for my Dad. I watched, learned, asked questions. Took advice. I’ve tried to learn from every one that I’ve worked with through the years. I still visit other Barbershops when I’m out of town on vacation. I watch videos on social media. I’m still trying to learn and pick up tips to help our business. I would recommend any young person who has the desire to start their own business to do the same.
