We were lucky to catch up with Dan Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s one of the most important lessons you learned in school?

I was in 3rd grade. It was a normal day, playing soccer in the school yard during recess. All of a sudden, my glasses were somehow knocked off my face as I braced myself before picking them up off the ground. Sure enough, they were broken. I was instantly heartbroken, scared, and nervous, thinking about the look on my parents face when I returned home to give them the bad news. They had repeatedly told me to take my glasses off before playing any sports, and I had disobeyed. When the school bell rang, I sheepishly walked back to the classroom as my friends raced past me to enter the building. Once entering the building, a teacher noticed my dejected demeanor and asked what happened. As I told her the horror story, she tried to ease my pain with kind words, but to no avail. I took my seat and class began.

Not long after class began, there was a knock on the door. I was an administrator that whispered into my teacher’s ear. My teacher looked at me and summoned me to the door. Instantly, everyone looked at me and it seemed as though my day was only getting worse. I wondered ‘why am I being removed from the class?’ I was taken to the principal’s office and told to have a seat. Shortly thereafter, the principal, Mrs. Kronish, appeared from her office, putting her coat on, grabbing her purse and keys. She then walked over to me and asked me to hand her my glasses. As I reluctantly handed them to her, she smiled and told me to grab my coat.

We walked to the parking lot and into her car. I didn’t say much and neither did she, but the energy that she gave off was calm and pleasant. Shortly thereafter, we arrived at a small building not far from the school. It was an optometrist office. I was still confused but then realized that she brought me there, not to fix my glasses, but to purchase new ones altogether. When we arrived back at the school, I said appreciatively said thank you and she just smiled. We never spoke about this again, but years and years later, I have never forgotten her act of kindness.

As we fast forward to present time, I have been blessed to do many things, many of which I thought unimaginable. Whether it was owning a business, writing a book, becoming a licensed professional, being recognized as a ‘teacher of the year’ on a college level, there is one thing that stands out to me; I want to show the same kindness, empathy and interest that Ms. Kronish showed me. Whether it’s in the classroom, as a consultant, mentor, or coach, I want to do my best to show the respect and personable care that all deserve. Of course, much of these values were instilled in me by my parents, but that day, Mrs. Kronish impacted me more than she’ll ever know…

Dan, 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?

I was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts and attended my first barber school at the Massachusetts School of Barbering in Quincy, Massachusetts. After moving to Georgia in
2003, I completed my required school hours at The Hair School in Decatur, Georgia. During this time of learning my craft, I developed a respect and passion for teaching, coaching and providing quality instruction.

With my family’s support and guidance from many industry-respected barbers and instructors, I decided to earn my license to teach. Ultimately, I achieved that goal, and beyond, when in 2010, I became the director of Cutting Edge Barber School. In 2012, I took a break from teaching and my wife Danielle and I opened Crisp Cuts & Creations Barbershop & Salon.

While successfully owning and operating the business, my love for teaching never waned, so I went back into teaching and became a barber instructor at Atlanta Technical College in 2015. Throughout that time, while my focus was primarily on helping students attain licensure, I self-published my first book entitled, “Journey to State Board,” a book that charted my journey to getting my barber license and also highlights tips to pass the exam as well.  I also started the Barber Biz Podcast, which interviewed industry leaders and
entrepreneurs to help provide students with the inspiration to succeed. Additionally, I formed Shear Over Comb Consulting LLC, a consulting company bolstered by innovative online classes and mobile applications geared toward helping barbers and stylists in the industry to become professionals by providing state board prep classes, and helping them prepare to pass their practical and written state board exams. 

My dedication to the craft culminated in 2021 with the honor of being named Atlanta Technical Colleges’ “Teacher of the Year,” as selected by students and colleagues while also being appointed to the Cosmetology & Barber State Board for Georgia.  After serving as the Program Coordinator for the Barbering and Beauty Department at the college for three years, in 2024 I transitioned to serving as the Director of the Atlanta Technical College Small Business Center. In this role I help students and alumni gain access to free resources to start and run their small business. I also do my best to play an integral role in the business ecosystem in the metro Atlanta area.

Currently, I am now the owner of The Dan Brown Biz LLC, which helps to diversify my impact on the business community. Although my specialty is in the barber and beauty industry, helping future entrepreneurs across the business landscape brings me great satisfaction.

I would say that I am honored and proud to be many things, but above all of my accomplishments, I value being loving son, brother, husband and father.

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

My final report card in the 11th grade was as follows:
D
D-
D-
F
F

Despite feeling as though I underachieved and disappointed many people, especially my family, I was able to eventually mature and find it within myself to rise above my previous years of letting myself and other people down. As was mentioned in my previous answered, I have evolved and grown as a man and as a professional.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I have been in the barber and beauty field for the better part of 25 years, so when the opportunity came for me to be the Director of a Small Business Center, I was intrigued but apprehensive as well. I have always struggled with self doubt feeling as though I am not as qualified as others to be successful, but eventually my competitive drive and support from my family helped my to push forward. Have haven’t regretted my decision for a second.

Contact Info:

• Website: danbrownbiz.com
• Instagram: danbrown.business
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-brown-267a1928/

Image Credits
Photos By Danique-Ashley