Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Valenzuela.
Jim, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It was quite a gamble to open a barbershop since I am not a barber. Back in 1999, I wanted to find a clean, competent and upscale barbershop to replicate the barbershop experience I shared with my dad and my son. Problem was that, I couldn’t find such a shop in Phoenix and then after investigation, that they didn’t exist anywhere in the United States. There were thousands of barbershops operating in 1999, but they were all dirty, non-welcoming and had dissipated all of the nostalgic equity that made them cool in the first place. I reasoned that if I was looking for a cool, authentic barbershop to share with my son, surely there were others. So in late 1999, I opened the first V’s Barbershop at 48th St. & Indian School in Phoenix. It was an effort in attention to detail and authenticity. The shop soon became a hit and then I opened a second shop in Kierland Commons in Scottsdale. The Kierland shop was a fantastic success and it was then that I knew that I was on to something. We now have thirty-five V’s locations in 15 states. All locations share the same DNA as the original location in that they are authentic barbershops offering top-notch grooming services for men and boys in a memorable venue.
Great, 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?
It was definitely a road less traveled with many a sleepless night being someone coming from the corporate world entering in to the barber world and not having that background or ability. In fact, I would have to say that one of my biggest struggles was finding the right barbers early on and taking a chance. I literally hired the first barbers who answered my ad and, in a way, was at their mercy (even though they didn’t know that). If one of them walked out, it wasn’t as though I could pick up a pair of scissors and start cutting hair. The positive in all of this is that the barber relationships I have built over the years have definitely evolved and some of my original barbers are the most successful in our franchise business.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about V’s Barbershop – what should we know?
Authenticity. I am extremely proud that although as a company we plan to evolve and stay on top of the latest technological advances when it comes to our patron experience, through it all we will remain an authentic barbershop down to our antique barber chairs, checkerboard floors and the way a patron feels when they step in the door. Every V’s Barbershop is a blend of nostalgia with a modern flair and I’m proud that patrons across the Country can rely on a true barbershop experience unlike any other shops.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Our success is directly tied to a small corporate team of individuals who strive everyday to “keep it real.” We are honest and we know that the success of the company as a franchisor, resonates in the sincerity and support we give to our franchisees. Their success, is our success and we truly believe that and work each day under that mantra.
Pricing:
- Men’s Regular Haircut $23
- Straight Razor Shave $30
- Kids Haircut $18
- Beard Trims $15-20
- Facial & Face Massage $30
- The Works (Haircut & Shave) $50
- The Whole Deal (The Works, plus a facial) $80
Contact Info:
- Address: V’s Barbershop Corporate Headquarters
2320 West Mission Lane
Suite 3
Phoenix, Arizona 85021https://www.facebook.com/vbarbershop/ - Website: vbarbershop.com
- Phone: 602-414-4800
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/v_barbershop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vbarbershop/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/vbarbershop
Image Credit:
JP Photography and Stephen Miller Photography
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