Today we’d like to introduce you to Gerod (G Rod The Legacy Barber) Sturgis
Hi Gerod (G Rod The Legacy Barber), we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Gerod Sturgis began his entrepreneurial journey as a national recording Gospel artist, releasing two powerful albums that told the story of his near-death experience—being declared dead on arrival from a drug overdose and miraculously brought back to life. That testimony opened the door to a record deal and a 50-city music tour, eventually leading him to Adrian, Michigan, where he has lived for the past 12 years.
Since April 2007, Gerod has served as a Minister at Restore World Church and traveled nationwide as part of the Restore World Tour. In 2008, he married his beautiful wife, Stephani, and together they are the proud parents of five amazing children and grandparents to two wonderful grandchildren.
In 2009, Gerod earned his Master Barber Stylist License from Michigan Barber College in Detroit. After gaining experience in several barbershops, he opened Basilio Barbershop & Supply, becoming the first Black-owned barbershop in the city of Adrian. He successfully ran the shop for five years, creating a foundation for what would come next.
In March 2020, Gerod made history again by opening Legacy Barber College, the first barber college ever established in Adrian. Then in December 2021, he and his wife opened Head to Toe, the city’s first Black-owned beauty supply store—once again breaking barriers and showing up for the underrepresented African American community.
In addition to his work in barbering, Gerod is the author of Lost Now Found, a powerful book released in January 2020 that chronicles his transformation from drug dealer and addict to a man of recovery, vision, and purpose. His story has inspired countless individuals who have lost hope, helping them rediscover their identity and walk in their God-given calling.
Gerod also founded two nonprofit organizations. Lost Now Found focuses on music ministry and outreach to the broken, while the Legacy Foundation provides scholarships to students of Legacy Barber College—especially those who have been incarcerated or face financial hardship. Both organizations are deeply committed to community impact, restoration, and empowerment.
Beyond business and ministry, Gerod volunteers his time in local jails and offers haircuts at the juvenile detention center in Ann Arbor. He has a heart for at-risk youth and those who feel lost, and he continues to use his life and platform to guide others back to purpose
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road.
I faced serious financial struggles and was turned down for jobs—not because I lacked the skills, but because I didn’t have a college degree. On paper, I wasn’t “qualified,” even though I had the experience and work ethic.
Transitioning to a new city with a large family, I took whatever jobs I could find, often living paycheck to paycheck. I couldn’t qualify for loans because of my credit score, which made things even harder.
But through it all, my faith in God and the support of friends—from church and even from afar—helped me keep going and push through the tough seasons.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the owner, director, and lead instructor of Legacy Barber College. I’m also a Life Coach, Recovery Coach, and known for being a Gospel artist and speaker who leads powerful workshops.
One of my greatest passions is using my platform to bring opportunities to young people—especially those who may not see college as an option. I visit schools, speak at career days, and lead workshops for at-risk youth, summer programs, juvenile detention centers, and recovery homes. My heart is to reach those who feel overlooked and give them a new vision for their future.
That’s the real highlight for me—being known for providing opportunities and encouraging individuals who’ve lost their way.
I’m bold about my faith and not afraid to say it—I’m a believer. They call me the “Legacy Barber” not just because I can do every service in the shop, but because I help people discover what’s inside them, unlock their potential, and walk into purpose. My mission is to help others build their legacy—from the inside out.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Life is choice-driven. You are where you are physically because of where you are mentally. Once I truly understood that, everything changed—I started making intentional decisions that shifted the entire direction of my life.
If you’re ready to break cycles, uncover your purpose, and start building your legacy, let’s connect. Whether through coaching, workshops, or barber education, I’d be honored to help you take that next step.
Your legacy starts now. Let’s build it together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.GerodSturgis.com
- Other: https://linktr.ee/GerodSturgis
