We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ienn Chacon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ienn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by sharing your thoughts about the pros and cons of family businesses.

I believe family businesses have a unique dynamic that can be both highly rewarding and challenging. When I started Dapper Barbershop, I brought my brothers, cousins, and friends into the business with me. My brothers Qodi and Markus, as well as my friend Mackenzie, are all partners now, each owning their own Dapper locations. This has allowed us to grow together and build a solid foundation based on trust, loyalty, and shared vision.

What works well in a family business is the inherent trust and familiarity. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and there’s a strong sense of accountability. It’s easier to navigate difficult decisions when everyone is on the same page, and we are deeply invested in the success of each other and the business. Also, because we are family, communication often feels more natural, which helps create a strong work culture.

However, there are also pitfalls. One of the biggest challenges is balancing family relationships with professional responsibilities. Emotions can sometimes interfere with business decisions, and conflicts can spill over into personal life, or vice versa. It’s essential to establish clear boundaries and roles to avoid misunderstandings and ensure the business operates smoothly.

As for my children, I would love for them to join the business if they are passionate about it. I want them to have the freedom to choose their path, but if they find joy in continuing what we’ve built, I would support that. Bringing in the next generation can ensure longevity and fresh ideas, but it’s important that they earn their place and bring their own value to the company rather than simply inheriting a role.

One story that has shaped my view is the journey of building Dapper with my brothers and friends. Seeing how we’ve grown and learned from each other shows the potential of family businesses when done right. But it has also taught me that success in this setting requires a clear strategy and the ability to separate family dynamics from business operations.

Ienn, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those who may not know me, my name is Ienn Chacon, and I’m the founder of Dapper Barbershop. My journey into barbering started with humble beginnings, growing up in a rough part of Las Vegas. I began cutting hair for family and friends, which eventually sparked a passion for the craft. It was more than just a way to make ends meet—it was a way to connect with people and bring confidence to those around me.

After serving in the Navy, I knew I wanted to build something meaningful. I took the leadership skills I developed and applied them to create a business that could support my family and community. I eventually settled in Colorado Springs, where I saw the opportunity to open Dapper Barbershop, a place that could be more than just a barbershop—somewhere that felt like home.

Dapper Barbershop is very much a family business. When I started the shop, I brought my brothers, cousins, and close friends into the business with me. Today, my brothers Qodi and Markus, along with my friend Mackenzie, are partners. Each of them owns their own Dapper locations as we grow the franchise together. While we provide high-quality barbering services, what really sets us apart is the experience we offer. We’re not just cutting hair—we’re creating a space where people feel like family, build confidence, and leave feeling great.

After starting the barbershops, I continued my education, earning multiple business degrees, including my MBA, as well as a degree in graphic design to help grow our brand and maintain the high standards we set. This education gave me the tools to manage and expand our company while staying innovative and visually appealing in a competitive industry.

We solve more than just grooming needs. Our clients come to Dapper because they trust us to deliver a consistent, professional experience. Whether it’s the precision of the cuts, the welcoming atmosphere, or the relationships we build with our clients, we pride ourselves on going beyond the basics. We aim to be a community hub where people feel comfortable, seen, and valued.

What makes Dapper unique is not only our commitment to high-quality services but also the family-oriented culture we’ve built. The trust, loyalty, and shared vision that comes with running a family business are key to our success, and we bring that same sense of connection to our clients.

Out of everything, I’m most proud of how we’ve grown this business together as a family. Seeing Dapper evolve from one location into a franchise that’s still rooted in our original values is something I never take for granted.

To anyone considering visiting us, I’d say Dapper Barbershop is more than just a haircut. It’s a place where you’re treated like family. Whether you’re looking for a fresh cut or just a place to relax, we’re here to give you the best experience possible. We’ve built something special, and we’d love for you to be a part of it.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has definitely been a combination of word of mouth and maintaining a strong social media presence. Word of mouth is incredibly powerful in the barbering industry, especially when you focus on delivering quality service and building lasting relationships with your clients. When people leave the shop feeling great about their haircut and the experience, they naturally tell their friends and family, which helps us bring in more clients.

In addition to that, we’ve put a lot of effort into building an active social media presence. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook have been great for showcasing our work, connecting with potential clients, and engaging with the community. We post regularly, sharing everything from haircuts to updates about the shop and even promotions. By leveraging social media, we’ve been able to reach a broader audience and create a brand that people recognize and trust.

These two strategies—word of mouth and social media—have worked hand in hand to grow our business and keep our chairs full.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the toughest moments in my journey came recently when I was hospitalized with several medical issues, including necrotizing pancreatitis. It took me out of work for a few months, and I wasn’t able to return until September 12. During that time, I had to focus on my recovery, which was incredibly difficult both physically and mentally, especially as someone who’s always been hands-on with my business.

What kept me going was knowing that I had built a strong team who could step up and keep things running smoothly while I was gone. My brothers, partners, and staff looked after the business as if it were their own, which allowed me to focus on getting better. On top of that, I was fortunate to have such an understanding clientele. My clients were not only patient with me during my absence but also eager to return when I was able to come back to work. Their loyalty and support meant the world to me.

This experience reinforced the importance of resilience—both in my personal health and in how we’ve structured Dapper Barbershop. I’m grateful to have built a business that can withstand challenges, and this experience has given me even more motivation to continue growing and pushing forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Dapperbarbershopco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_dapper_original/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ienn-chacon-a023b6326

Image Credits

Na