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Minnesota man finds new life, career in Red Lodge

The Billings Gazette (Billings, MT) September 10, 2007 | Anonymous It’s not like Bob Johnson grew up wanting to be a barber, and it never occurred to him to live in Montana.

He was knocking around from job to job, doing seasonal work in his small southern Minnesota hometown and knowing he wanted to go back school.

“I just didn’t want to spend a lot of money going to college and then graduate and not have a job,” he said.

That’s when he stumbled onto a barber school in Fargo.

“I said, ‘That’s it.’ I knew I could go to any town or city in the country and find work right away,” said Johnson, 22.

Then he came across a barber shop for sale in Red Lodge.

“I came out and drove around, went up the Beartooth Pass and to Yellowstone and fell in love with the area,” said Johnson, who runs Bob’s Barber Shop, at 206 S. Broadway. “I like the small-town atmosphere, and I love the outdoors, so it all worked out.” Unlike many businesses in Red Lodge, Bob’s Barber Shop isn’t as susceptible to the rise and fall of the tourist season. The locals need haircuts no matter the weather. go to site men s haircuts

“The customers from the past owner have been pretty good about coming in, and I’ve got people coming from Billings and the surrounding town and even people from Wyoming,” he said.

Here’s what else Johnson had to say about starting his own business:

What is the nature of your business?

Barbershop, men’s haircuts, neck shaves, beard trim.

Why did you start this business?

I love what I do and interacting with everybody. I enjoy making people, young and old, look and feel better when they leave the shop.

Where did start-up funding come from?

A personal loan was taken out to buy the existing business and to get started. I also got help from all of my family.

How long have you been in business?

Going on six months.

What are the biggest challenges in running the business?

So far so good. I am learning, though, just by talking and listening to customers and getting ideas for whatever.

What was done to overcome those challenges? website men s haircuts

I took all ideas and opinions from customers, friends and family to overcome any challenges I have or will have.

What is being done to expand the business?

I am soon going to be offering hot towel shaves. I am selling custom Bob’s Barbershop T-shirts and selling assortments of pomades and hair care products.

Your best business decisions?

Making Sunday and Monday my weekend.

What advice do you have for someone running a business?

Take everything with a grain of salt, whether it’s good or bad. Always look for ways to make the customer’s experience with your business enjoyable. Always make room for improvement.

How many workers do you employ?

One – me.

What is your five-year plan for the business?

To mainly find out what my winters will be like in Red Lodge, and just my calendar year in general. I don’t depend much on tourists for business, although I’ve cut a few If you weren’t doing what you are now, what would your dream job be?

At this time, there’s nothing I would rather be doing.

Anonymous