Q: Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
Ans:
o Wise Guys Barbershop is located in Denver
o When my family moved from Russia to the U.S., we first landed in Richmond, Virginia. A few years later, we made our way to New York City—and that’s where everything changed for me.
o Growing up in NYC during the ’90s was something special. I was obsessed with classic films like Goodfellas and The Godfather, but what really stuck with me were the real-life scenes I witnessed in the city’s old-school Italian barbershops. These spots weren’t just about fades and shaves—they were neighborhood institutions. You’d walk in and find men posted up for hours, talking business, politics, sex—nothing was off-limits. It was raw, real, and full of character.
o Listening to those conversations, I realized these weren’t just regular guys—they were the ones everyone in the neighborhood knew. The Wise Guys. And that energy, that old-school vibe, is exactly what I wanted to capture when I opened Wise Guys Barbershop—a place that’s more than just a cut, it’s a culture.
Q: Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
Ans:
o I was born in Russia and come from a long line of entrepreneurs. My mother, a master barber, owned her own barbershop for over 20 years, and I spent many of my childhood weekends there, naturally developing a deep appreciation for the craft. Alongside my passion for barbering, I’ve always had a creative side—art was my first love, and my schoolbooks were often covered in sketches and drawings.
o I pursued formal training at a barber school in New York, where I had the opportunity to learn under some of the most respected barbers in the city. That experience sharpened both my technical skills and my vision for what a modern barbershop could be. I eventually returned to Colorado and opened a shop of my own—not to follow directly in my mother’s footsteps, but to build something fresh. While I deeply respect tradition, I wanted to bring in newer styles, modern techniques, and create a space that reflected both heritage and innovation.
Q: What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
Ans:
o When I returned to Colorado, I knew I didn’t just want to carry on the family tradition—I wanted to elevate it. That’s when the idea for my own shop was born: a space where classic barbering meets contemporary style, rooted in tradition but driven by innovation.
Q: What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Ans:
o Start with purpose. Know why you’re doing it—because that reason will keep you going when things get tough.
o Be consistent. Success isn’t in the big moments; it’s in showing up every day and doing the little things right.
o Stay flexible. The game will change. Trends shift. Keep learning and adapting to stay ahead.
Q: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? o Resilience: Things won’t always go as planned—you’ve got to bounce back.
Ans:
o Communication: Whether it’s with your team, your clients, or your vendors, how you communicate makes all the difference.
o Vision: Being able to see the bigger picture while still handling the day-to-day is key.
Q: How many hours do you work a day on average?
Ans:
o As an entrepreneur your day starts earlier than the doors open and ends a lot later than when your last customer walks out. On average, I’d say about 10-12 hours.
Q: To what do you most attribute your success?
Ans:
o Consistency and community. We’ve been here for almost 15 years because we treat every client like family and never cut corners on quality. Word of mouth, loyal clients, and always aiming to be better than yesterday—that’s what’s kept us strong.
Q: How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Ans:
o We mix it up—social media, local reviews, referrals—but honestly, word of mouth has been our most powerful marketing tool. When someone leaves the shop feeling good, they tell their people. We also post regularly on Instagram to showcase our cuts and our talented barbers.
Q: Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
Ans:
o I actually self-funded the shop when I started. I worked, saved, and reinvested everything back into the business. It wasn’t easy, but owning it outright gave me the freedom to build it the way I envisioned. As we’ve grown, I’ve reinvested profits into expansion and upgrades.
Q: What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Ans:
o Build real relationships—with clients, your team, and your community. Trends come and go, but people will always remember how you made them feel. Also, never stop improving your craft and your business. Keep evolving.
Q: Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Ans:
o In 5 to 10 years, I see us expanding to a second location. I want to develop younger barbers and create opportunities for them to grow within the business.
Q: Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
Ans:
o I really admire The Cut app—how they’ve combined tech with the barbering industry to streamline bookings and connect clients with barbers. They’ve taken something classic and brought it into the modern age, all while keeping the culture alive.
Q: How important have good employees been to your success?
Ans:
o Good employees have been essential to our success. A barbershop is more than just haircuts—it’s about the experience, the atmosphere, and the trust built between the barber and client. My team shares my commitment to quality service and professionalism, and that’s what’s helped us build a loyal customer base over the years.
Q: How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
Ans:
o I don’t give up easily. I believe in patience and persistence, but I also believe in being practical and learning from results.
Q: What motivates you?
Ans:
o What motivates me most is seeing the impact we have on our clients. When someone walks out of our shop looking sharp and feeling confident, that’s a win. I’m also driven by the desire to grow—whether that’s through better service, expansion, or mentoring the next generation of barbers.
Q: What are your ideals?
Ans:
o My core ideals are respect, consistency, professionalism, and community. I believe in treating people well—whether they’re customers, employees, or vendors—and doing right by them. That’s how trust is built, and trust is everything in this business.
Q: How do you generate new ideas?
Ans:
o I stay inspired by listening—listening to customers, my team, and what’s happening in the industry. I pay attention to trends, but I always think about how they fit with our brand and what our clients want. Sometimes the best ideas come from the people sitting in the chair.
Q: How do you define success?
Ans:
o Success to me means longevity, loyalty, and impact. If your business is still standing after 15 years, you’re doing something right. When clients come back time and again, bring their kids, and recommend you to others—that’s real success.
Q: How do you build a successful customer base?
Ans:
o Consistency and connection. Deliver a great cut every time, treat people with respect, and create an experience they want to come back to. Word of mouth is powerful, and when you treat people right, they’ll become your best marketing.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Ans:
o Freedom and creativity. I get to build something that reflects my vision and values. I also love the day-to-day interaction with people—every client brings a different story, and every day is different.
Q: What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Ans:
o One of the most satisfying moments was when a longtime client brought in his son for his first haircut. That kind of generational loyalty shows me we’ve created something meaningful that stands the test of time.
Q: What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Ans:
o Entrepreneurs carry the full weight of responsibility. It’s not just about clocking in— it’s about building, leading, and adapting constantly. The mindset is different: you have to be driven by vision and willing to take risks.
Q: What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
Ans:
o I set the tone by leading by example—showing up on time, treating clients right, and always being open to feedback. I wanted to create a space that felt welcoming and professional, where both barbers and clients feel valued. That culture keeps people coming back and makes it a place where employees are proud to work.
Q: In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Ans:
o Rewarding!
For more information visit us https://www.wiseguysbarbers.com/