We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Savage The Dapper Barber a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Savage, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
One of the key aspects that sets my brand apart from the industry standard is my willingness to break away from traditional schedules and practices. For example, while very few barbers work 7 days a week, I saw an opportunity and seized it. I’m a motorcycle enthusiast, and in the motorcycle world, shops and dealers are traditionally closed on Sundays and Mondays to honor track days, which stem from racing traditions. Barbering doesn’t have such a tradition, so I decided to capitalize on it. By staying open every day of the week, I positioned my shop as the go-to choice when others are closed, leading to rapid growth in clientele and brand recognition.
Beyond scheduling, I’ve also implemented unique approaches to team-building. When new barbers join my team, I offer them a free month of booth rent to help them start off strong, building a financial surplus instead of struggling to make rent right away. To encourage camaraderie, I also temporarily reduce the booth rent for my existing barbers until the new barber reaches the same level of booth rent. This approach fosters a supportive environment where everyone is motivated to help new teammates succeed, which strengthens our shop culture.
Additionally, my product line is another way I deviate from industry norms. Most barbershops stock products from other brands, but I’ve chosen to create my own. I believe that if someone trusts me with their hair, I should have complete confidence in the quality of the products I’m using. By formulating my own grooming products, I ensure that every ingredient aligns with the high standards I set for my services. This approach not only builds trust with my clients but also elevates my brand as a leader in quality and innovation.
Savage, 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?
The name “Savage” was given to me during my time in the Marine Corps—a name that stuck and eventually became a core part of my identity. The “Dapper Barber” portion came later during barber school, where my habit of wearing a bowtie earned me a reputation for style and professionalism. Together, they represent the balance between discipline, strength, and refinement that I bring to my craft.
Interestingly, barbering wasn’t my first career aspiration. Growing up, I wanted to be a lawyer. That ambition stayed with me until I worked closely with lawyers. It was during that time I realized the legal field wasn’t the path for me, and I began considering barbering—a decision that has brought me immense happiness and fulfillment.
The Marine Corps didn’t change me so much as it amplified who I already was. It brought out the confidence and initiative that have always been a part of my character. As a kid, I had a natural tendency to anticipate tasks and complete them before being told—a trait that stemmed from not liking being told what to do. What started as a rebellious streak evolved into a proactive mindset that serves me well in business today. I aim to solve problems before they even arise, which is part of what led to the creation of my product line. As a barber, clients often ask for product recommendations, so I decided to create products I could wholeheartedly stand behind. Similarly, after years of offering advice to shop owners who never took it, I decided to open my own barbershop to prove what I knew was possible—and the results speak for themselves.
My business, Savage Barber Lounge, is not just a barbershop; it’s a space that redefines the barbering experience. From offering unique services, like being open seven days a week, to fostering a supportive team environment, I aim to set a new standard in the industry. For instance, when a new barber joins my team, they get a month of free booth rent to help them start with a surplus rather than struggling. Existing barbers also receive a temporary rent discount to encourage collaboration and teamwork. These policies create a strong sense of community and support within the shop.
Beyond the shop, my product line, 19Nineteen Grooming, is a reflection of my commitment to quality and authenticity. Handcrafted in small batches and free from harmful additives, the products align with my belief that if someone trusts me with their hair, I owe them nothing but the best. What sets my brand apart is that I don’t just sell products—I create solutions tailored to my clients’ needs, ensuring every ingredient meets the highest standards.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to achieve every goal I’ve set for myself so far. From becoming a barber to launching a product line and owning a barbershop, I’ve tackled challenges head-on, no matter how daunting they seemed. While my next goal feels like the biggest yet, I have no doubt that I’ll see it through because of the confidence, discipline, and determination that have guided me throughout my journey.
For anyone learning about me for the first time, I want you to know that my work goes beyond just cutting hair. It’s about creating a lasting impact—on my clients, my team, and the barbering industry as a whole. Whether through my services, products, or mentorship, I aim to inspire others to pursue their passions with the same drive and determination I bring to mine.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The story of my decision to leave the Marine Corps and become a barber is one of resilience, hard lessons, and learning to pivot when the path ahead becomes unclear. I was a highly motivated Marine, determined to excel and prove my worth to the Corps. I did everything in my power to earn a meritorious promotion—taking college courses, volunteering every single weekend, and making sure my record was flawless. I wanted to stand out on paper and in practice, so I left no stone unturned. Each time I competed for a promotion and came in second, I evaluated what my competitors had done better and made sure to exceed that standard for the next time. I was relentless.
This determination culminated in me competing at a performance board that I simply could not lose. The board involved rigorous physical tests, uniform inspections, and sword drill performances, and I dominated every single aspect. I even earned the honor of being selected for the Marine Corps Ball cake-cutting ceremony—a significant recognition of my efforts. I knew I had proven myself beyond doubt.
However, my hard work didn’t yield the outcome I had hoped for. First, there was the Battalion First Sergeant, who openly disliked me after I expressed my belief that male and female Marines should be held to the same physical standards. She made it her mission to ensure I didn’t get promoted, even going as far as to throw my name out during a book board. Although she eventually retired, her influence lingered. When her successor made an error in understanding the promotion quota, my meritorious promotion was overshadowed by a time-in-grade promotion instead—a technicality that felt like a slap in the face. The recognition I had worked so hard for, over a year of relentless dedication, suddenly felt meaningless. For the first time in my life, I felt completely defeated. I had done everything right, and it still wasn’t enough.
Ironically, shortly after this, I was reassigned to a unit led by Sergeant Major Black—the husband of the First Sergeant who had been my biggest obstacle. One day, I happened to cross paths with her while leaving his office, which brought everything full circle. Later, Sergeant Major Black shared with me that he agreed with the very belief that had sparked her disdain toward me: the need for equal physical standards between male and female Marines. Years later, when he became the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, he implemented those very changes. While this validation was satisfying, by that point, my passion for the Corps had already drained away. I had given so much to prove myself, only to realize that my future there would always be at the mercy of bureaucracy and personal politics.
That’s when I decided it was time for a change. I needed a career where my success would be determined by my own hard work, not the opinions or biases of others. That’s when barbering entered my life. I was stationed on a naval vessel when I started to think about it seriously. I’d always had an eye for detail and precision, and barbering felt like something I could make my own. I traded my military uniforms for clippers and shears, and I’ve never looked back.
Barbering gave me the opportunity to apply the discipline, initiative, and resilience I’d developed in the Corps to build something meaningful—something entirely my own. Today, I’m not just a barber. I’m a business owner, an entrepreneur, and the creator of my own grooming product line. I’ve built a career where my efforts directly impact my success, and I’ve created a space where I can help others thrive too.
Looking back, the Marine Corps taught me invaluable lessons, and I’m proud of the time I served. But pivoting to barbering was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It wasn’t an easy road, but it shaped the person and professional I am today, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
What’s helped me build my reputation in the market is holding myself to an exceptionally high standard, no matter the circumstance. I refuse to let anything or anyone make me falter from that. I’ve often told clients, “I care more about your haircut than you do.” That’s because, for me, every haircut is more than just a service—it’s an opportunity to build trust, gain a returning client for years to come, and earn referrals to grow my business. Each haircut directly impacts my ability to provide for my family, pay my bills, and invest in my future. Every single cut counts.
A bad haircut may only last a few days for a client, but for me, it could have lasting consequences on my reputation and livelihood. That’s why I approach every service with the same level of dedication and care, ensuring that my clients receive my very best every time they sit in my chair. There’s no question in the community that I pour everything I have into my craft every single day. It’s this relentless commitment to excellence that has solidified my reputation as not just a barber, but the best choice for my clients and customers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://savagethedapperbarber.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savagethedapperbarber/profilecard/?igsh=MXNrdnFucGplNDFwNw==
