Today we’d like to introduce you to Brock Conrad.
Hi Brock, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
As a teenager, I would cut my friend’s hair. After high school, I joined the Army. While in the Army as a side gig, I cut fellow soldiers’ hair. When I got out, I pursued a career in private security and investigations but still cut my friend’s and family’s hair. Several years later, my daughter went through cosmetology school and inspired me to do so as well, as I had not had any formal training. I attended the AVEDA Institute in The Woodlands, TX, where I graduated with honors. I went through an apprenticeship program and then returned to teach at the Aveda Institute. While teaching, I attended barber school at the Franklin Institute in Houston, TX. After barber school, I obtained my barber and cosmetology instructor license. While teaching, I developed a thirst and hunger to really build my craft. I was in a unique position where I could take time off to study, and that was exactly what I did. I attended the Sasson Academy in both London and Los Angeles, the TONI & GUY Academy in Dallas, and several of AVEDA’s advanced classes. After studying, I worked a few salons and barbershops, but found myself not really fitting in as much as I would hope. I loved the places I worked, but I was not able to find my “forever” salon or barbershop. In 2019 a friend of mine and I were looking for a warehouse to rent so we could work on our car projects, I’m a huge gearhead. While riding my bicycle, I ran across a warehouse development that had a for lease sign. I called the realtor who stated that they only had a small retail space open. I asked to see the space and immediately knew I should rent it and start my ” forever” barbershop. Valor Barbershop was born. Being a veteran, I wanted a place that veterans and first responders could feel at home, relax, unwind, and talk about issues that they face. As you walk into the door you will see the US flag on the back wall. Over the barber, stations reads “WE THE PEOPLE.” We started a challenge coin collection and have collected several other bits of law enforcement and military memorabilia which we have displayed.
I can’t end without telling a story of my WHY. I have struggled with depression and PTSD for years. Just after opening the shop, I finally got some help. I have always had a hard time sleeping, and this morning I woke up refreshed and felt 1000 times better. I was excited! That morning a Marine, who had heard of Valor from a friend, come into the shop. He sat down and told me he had a function to go to next week, and he wanted to get cleaned up. His mother wasn’t a fan of his long hair and beard neither was his wife, so he wanted to get cleaned up. So that’s what we did! I cut his hair off and cleaned up his beard. He looked like a new man! While cutting his hair and beard, I couldn’t help but to tell him about the therapy I had been going through and how it had really helped me. I told him I was sleeping better; my anxiety had calmed down, my sadness was leaving, and best of all no more nightmares! After the service we spoke a little then he left, I thought nothing else of it. Several weeks later he returned. As soon as he walked in, I recognized him and greeted him, asking how his function went and how his mother and wife liked his makeover. We were the only two in the shop at this time, and he immediately teared up, walked over to me and gave me a strong hug. He explained to me that he too suffered from PTSD and depression. He told me how his marriage was on the rocks; he had moved out and had not been able to hold a job mostly because his drinking and anger issues had gotten out of control. He went on to state the “function” he was to attend the next week was his funeral. See he had his gun in the car, and after the barbershop it was his intent to commit suicide. He told me that his mind was made up and he was at peace, but then I told my story, how I was getting better. He left the shop pulled over immediately called his father, who he talked to for hours. He stated he got into therapy, had not drank, and was working things out with his wife. He kept thanking me, but I kept telling him it wasn’t me I was just a dude that was placed in your path to tell my story. This is why I get up every day and go to work hoping that something I say or do can help someone make it. We lose 22 veterans a day to suicide. Since the beginning to the Middle East campaign more veterans have lost their lives to their own hand than have died in combat. Suicide is also one of the leading causes of death among police officers. Valor Barbershop was created to give these heroes a place to feel safe and proud. Everyone is welcome, and we have seen such an out pouring of support from our community and are so thankful. Gif bless our heroes and God bless the USA.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a crazy crazy road; COVID shut us down just months after opening. When we re-opened, there were so many challenges to overcome, many folks were not getting their cut at all. The ones who were getting their hair cut were now the same schedule after not being able to get their hair cut for 6-8 weeks. Masks were difficult to cut around and wear and took away for the personalization of the barbershop experience. Through innovative measures, marketing, and word of mouth our business made it through those challenges and continues to grow.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Valor Barbershop?
Valor Barbershop is a Patriotic themed barbershop that pays tribute to our country is veterans and first responders. We are proud to help give back to the community. We raise money for fallen police officers, cut hair for the less fortunate, and have established ourselves as a donation location for people to drop off clothing and other essentials which can help the less fortunate. Our brand is proud Americana. We are proud to be American and want to do our part to help unite people. On the wall of our shop, we have ” WE THE PEOPLE,” and we believe we the people are the greatest part of this nation. Valor Barbershop provides a great barbering experience for a great price. We provide shaving services for men and hair cutting services for men, women and children.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
For those who are just starting out in the barbering and cosmetology industry, I recommend working very diligently on your craft. Take the time to right out of school to get into an apprenticeship program. Not only will you work towards building your craft and clientele, but you will learn the ins and outs of the industry. A good apprenticeship program should include at least weekly if not daily, classes and instruction. I promise 6 months to a year spent in an apprenticeship program will pay 1000 folds, stay humble, work hard, and suck up all the knowledge you can. Lastly, NEVER STOP LEARNING! A craft is never mastered! Take time to attend classes and workshops on a regular basis. You will not only learn, but it will help you stay motived and inspired.
Pricing:
- Men’s haircut $30.00
- Beard trim: $20.00
- Kids cuts $25.00
- Straight razor shave $45.00
Contact Info:
- Website: Valorbarbershop.com
- Instagram: @valorbarbershop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valorbarbershop
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/valor-barber-shop-houston
