In this edition of our “Member Spotlight” blog series, we interviewed Garrett Kenny, founder of Garrett’s Barber Shop.

Garrett’s Barber Shop provides classic haircuts and hot towel shaves in a laid-back, clean, and comfortable environment.

While the business’s primary mission is to provide quality haircuts with a focus on customer service, it also aims to elevate the perception of the haircutting industry. Garrett’s Barber Shop’s sub-mission it to set an example of professionalism, while still maintaining a comfortable atmosphere by being friendly, going above and beyond for their clients, and making their clients feel at peace.

What inspired you to start Garrett’s Barber Shop?

“I’ve been cutting hair since I was 14-years-old and I had worked at a few different salons and barber shops before stumbling upon Luigi’s Barber Shop, which was for sale at the time. I had a ten minute conversation with Luigi and then six weeks later, at age 19-years-old, I bought the shop and renamed it Garrett’s.”

Why did you choose to become a member with reSET?

“A couple of years ago we started a haircare line called Founders Pomade. Upon its inception, we incorporated a social mission to go along with it. We donate fifty cents of every bottle sold to local charities here in the Central Connecticut region. At some point early on, as we started to meet with different charitable organizations, we were introduced to James Woulfe who, at the time, was busy working on legislation to bring Benefit Corporations to the state. He told us about reSET and we were very impressed by the work being done, as well as the opportunities available to entrepreneurs and small-business owners to access resources. Becoming a member and feeling like a part of the small-business community was really a no-brainer for us.”

How do you see Garrett’s Barber Shop & Founders Pomade positively impacting the community?

“Outside of the things I mentioned earlier, we really try to reach out and help our community in any way possible. For instance, once a year we host “Cuts for Camp,” where we take one Saturday and donate all of the proceeds to Hartford’s Camp Courant. Over the past couple of years, we’ve raised over $6,000 for Hartford’s children. We also present an annual award to a student here in Berlin who has shown initiative to help others in the community. It’s called the “Unsung Hero” Award and it recognizes young people who often go unnoticed. It includes a plaque and a $250 cash award. It’s really a highlight of the spring season for us.”

What do you want your company to look like five years from now?

“I’d love to be in a larger location. We’re really outgrowing our current space and we’re always looking for a more suitable location. But beyond that, I’d like to see us doing exactly what we’re doing now, only better!”

Why did you start your company in Connecticut? What do you hope to give to and to gain from the community here?

“I’m Connecticut born and raised! I wouldn’t have started this anywhere else!”

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about being an entrepreneur?

“It’s actually a quote from Winston Churchill: ‘To improve is to change. To perfect is to change often.’ For the last 14 years, people have constantly walked into our shop and said, ‘This place is always changing!’ I really believe that as entrepreneurs, we can’t be complacent. We must always look for ways to better, to exceed our customers’ expectations, and to adapt to the needs and wants of our changing clientele.”