Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik Dorn.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In June 2019, I left my sales job to become a barber at the age of 32, despite having no prior experience cutting hair. After graduating, I worked under Nicholas Papageorgio at one of the top barbershops in the Milwaukee area, where we eventually earned a spotlight on CBS 58 News.
Papageorgio caught me at the right time in my career. He asked if I wanted to become a barber after I was complaining about a day I had at work. I said yes and so glad I did.
In 2022, I opened Steeples Classic Barbershop in Greenfield, WI; with the goal of creating a family-oriented shop focused on quality, precision haircuts and building strong relationships with the men in my chair.
My family and I moved to the Conroe area in March 2024, bringing the barbershop with us and reopening here in June.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was slow grind. We didn’t know anyone here outside of a few people at our church. I started by handing out free haircut cards to anyone who would take one, posted in community groups on Facebook and anywhere else I could for free. Especially since I wasn’t in an established barbershop, word of mouth was really important and I’ve been able to grow substantially every month I’ve been here. I’ve been blessed with some great clientele.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What sets Steeples apart from other barbershops in the area is our specialization in beards. In my book, the bigger the beard, the better. I’ve had the honor of taming some incredible manes throughout my career.
Bearded men don’t trust just anyone with their beard. As someone who has had a decently long beard, I know how hard it is to find someone who understands how to shape and maintain large beards properly.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
When it comes to barbering. One very clear fond memory is my first trip to a barbershop. I remember hopping up into the chair and trying so hard not to smile ear to ear from excitement.
I remember the smell, the color of the chair, the tiles on the floor; but not the haircut for the life of me. Ever since, I’ve loved the traditional barber scent and the look and feel of a Classic barbershop.
I try to recreate that feeling I had as a kid at Steeples and I think I got pretty close.
Pricing:
- Haircut – $35
- Haircut & Beard Trim – $45
- Military/1st Responder – $5 off
- Senior (60+) Kids (12 and under) – $5 off
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Photography by Micah Guynes
Client: Joshua Cummings
