We were lucky to catch up with David Rodriguez recently and have shared our conversation below.

David, appreciate you joining us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

The best boss I have ever had and still have is Kyle Parker, CEO and founder of ClipDart. Not only is he revolutionizing the hair industry that I am a part of, but he’s also revolutionizing all hair professionals that participate in the events. Through his traumatic experience while attending Grinnell College in Iowa by not having access to a barber with coarse hair texture knowledge, Kyle Parker has made it possible for many marginalized communities to receive free haircuts via selfless mobile barbers and stylist. Besides making history in the hair industry, Kyle has taught me more patience, professionalism, understanding and business IQ. He’s also trusted me with certain responsibilities which allows for my personal and professional growth and development. One of the best things about working with Kyle is that we learn from each other because we both have the same mission and passion for our communities.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is David Rodriguez and I am the lead Barber and Chief Strategy Officer of ClipDart. Within the 18 years of being in the hair industry, I have achieved numerous goals. I am a licensed barber and instructor, SMP certified, and eyebrow threading specialist. My barber journey began in seventh grade. Due to lack of funds I started giving myself haircuts, then friends, then family, and then I made it a career. In 2022 I joined ClipDart a social enterprise that has found a cure for the haircare inequity in our historically marginalized communities across the U.S. I participated in the ClipDart giveback tour. The giveback tour allowed us to provide free monthly haircuts to 8 different human service organizations. After 2 years of pure volunteerism we realized in order to accomplish our mission we must put more value in all hair professionals. We are the only haircare organization that strives to modestly compensate their volunteers for providing an essential service. I also participated in the use of the on demand mobile barber ClipDart app which allowed hair professionals to give patrons haircuts at home, their place of business or anywhere they felt was applicable. Six months later, I was promoted to Arizona barber team lead then to Chief Strategy Officer in 2023. In a short 4 years the ClipDart giveback has partnered with over 100 human service organizations and businesses, we have over 100 selfless hair professionals and we are in 26 different states currently. I’m proud to be a part of an organization that is making history in the hair industry and dramatically improving the mental wellness of the people we serve.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

There are many factors that have helped the ClipDart organization gain a great reputation within the communities we serve. Because the goal is to build partnerships with different human service organizations and businesses, we always strives to be trustworthy, loyal and responsible. We understand that in order to cure the haircare inequity within our nation, forming strong partnerships is the only way to effectively improve the mental wellness of our neighborhoods in need.

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

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele is our mission itself. Our mission is to improve the mental wellness of people all around the world via selfless, mobile barbers and hairstylists. No one should worry about looking their best, and where their next haircut is coming from. When you think of FREE, ON SITE, MOBILE, PROFESSIONAL HAIRCUTS you think of ClipDart. We inspire life and mental wellness one mobile haircut at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: ClipDart.com
• Instagram: ClipDart
• Facebook: ClipDart
• Linkedin: ClipDart
• Twitter: ClipDart