Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rob Koenig. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rob, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s go back in time a bit – can you share a story of a time when you learned an important lesson during your education?

Barber school is about learning from your mistakes, something I’m not particularly well suited for because I get very hyper focused on mistakes. I had to learn that there’s never going to be a perfect haircut or beard service, in the end that’s not really the goal due to said unattainability, and that focusing on the comfort and enjoyment of my client was the prime motivation. Most clients, if you’re at least attempting a quality service, are not likely to see all the supposed “mistakes” especially if you just gave them an incredibly relaxing service. It needs to continue to grow each time, but to remember it’s not my haircut, I just help maintain it.

Rob, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Trinidad Barber Lounge is a barbershop for all; we don’t gender haircuts and do not shy away from pretty much any general masculine haircut. Gents with long hair, femmes that enjoy a short clipper cut get the same 5 star service as the skin fade or pompadour. Beard trims and shaves are just as much a priority, and we believe in the traditions of barbering as well as embracing the benefits of modern technology. Straight razor shaves done with the assistance of a facial steamer and facial massager to give the smoothest shave with minimal irritation. Hot towels with every service enhance the comfort while also ensuring we send out only the highest quality product. We believe that good grooming starts at the barbershop, hence why every cut includes a shampoo done with offerings from both of our retail lines from Suavecito and Reuzel, which are both fully stocked to help you continue to have that barbershop quality feel every single day. At Trinidad Barber Lounge, it’s not just a haircut, it’s an experience.

Have you ever had to pivot?

After being relocated during the pandemic, I found myself working out of a local salon as I knew little of the community’s needs when it came to men’s grooming. I was given a lot of support initially, but after six months was asked to leave with zero notice. Every other shop in town was either too small or not interested in adding another person, so eventually I was in a position to either give up my dream or go out on my own. I was terrified, I didn’t think I was capable of giving the quality service I desired on my own. Since opening TBL, I’ve had the most success of my barbering career, and the most amount of personal satisfaction in my entire life.

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

As much as social media, good pictures, a quality website and the best location will help and be of genuine use to any business owner, nothing matters if you’re not able to service your clients. Be where you say you’re going to be when you say you’ll be there and own your mistakes when you fall short. More than anything clients just want to feel like the people they trust take that seriously and actually care. That’s been the best way to get new clients, happy and satisfied current clients will send all their friends and family if possible, because people support the people they trust.

Contact Info:

• Website: TrinidadBarberLounge.com
• Instagram: @TrinidadBarberLounge
• Facebook: Trinidad Barber Lounge
• Yelp: Trinidad Barber Lounge