Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Martin.
Hi Thomas, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My wife Heather and I started Jude’s Barbershop in 2005 with our children Megan, Elle, Paige, and Nicholas. Heather worked for a company named Success Club, which went out of business (extreme irony) sometime in 1997. This opportunity enabled her to pursue her dream of becoming a hairstylist, so she enrolled in Chic Beauty School. After graduating and receiving her license, she was hired by Panopoulos Salons at their East Beltline location.
From 1997 to 2000, I worked for Meijer in their Properties department as an Architectural Engineer. In 1999, Heather and I purchased a Fantastic Sams franchise. At first, Heather didn’t want to leave Panopoulos to work at a Fantastic Sams. But after a few months, she was so badly needed that she reluctantly left Panopoulos to manage their newly franchised salon. About a year later, they severed ties with Fantastic Sams and started Studio 1 Hair & Tanning Salon.
In 2004, Heather became pregnant, and we wanted to find another business to supplement our income so Heather could spend time with their new baby. During a meeting with a shampoo salesman, I learned of several barbershops owned by the salesman’s cousin in the Portland OR area. After several phone calls and extensive research, we opened Jude’s Barbershop in its first location in downtown Grand Rapids in August of 2005. We offered free haircuts and free beer during the first week they opened for business.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We had this great idea of offering a free beer to each customer who was legally old enough to drink alcohol. The idea came from the old-fashioned barbershop experience. Customers loved the free beer idea, but some busybodies did not. Obscure ordinances in different municipalities were identified and brought to the attention of Sheriffs in Ottawa and Kent Counties. We received a cryptic letter regarding what was legally permitted. Our interpretation was different than the authorities, and eventually, the vice squad raided 4 of our barbershops on Christmas Eve and confiscated all of our beer, including the refrigerators. We made a request to the Michigan Attorney General for an opinion on giving away free beer. The opinion stated that it was illegal, so we had to stop giving the free beer.
As you know, we’re big fans of Jude’s Barbershop. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We started Jude’s Barbershop over 20 years ago and now have 27 locations in Michigan and over 190 team members. I work behind the scenes on almost everything before handing it off to someone else to manage. I’m always looking for opportunities to improve the business for the customers, team members, and investors. I always try to find a win/win/win in all we do. When we started 20 years ago, nobody in Michigan was providing that old-fashioned barber service (straight razor neck clean-up, vibrating shoulder massage, hot towel treatment, etc). We brought the level system to our business, which allows talented team members to grow and earn more based on supply and demand. Those with a lot of experience and talent are able to build a loyal clientele, which allows the team members to move up to levels that have higher prices. We started a 401(k), which is very rare in the hair industry.
What matters most to you?
I’ve been blessed with an amazing family, and they are what matter most to me. They are loyal, dedicated, and I can always count on them. They are also a lot of fun to be around.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://judesbarbershop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judesbarbershop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JudesBarbershop
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/judes-barbershop
- Twitter: https://x.com/judesbarbershop
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JudesBarberhopHeyJude
