Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry E. Roberts Jr.
Larry, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I got started when my parents moved to the suburbs. I didn’t have anyone to cut my hair, so I picked up a pair of clippers, and the rest is history.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. I think the nucleus of my problems were always related to finances. Due to the lack of financial resources, I wasn’t always able to run my businesses to a high-end, industry standard and had to take shortcuts in some cases. I had to scale a lot smaller than my vision until I could grow. I also wasn’t as business savvy as I needed to be, which presented its own set of challenges.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Larry’s Barber College – what should we know?
My business is about educating a new generation of barbers and stylists. I run a barber school. I specialize in making sure that my students focus on their long-term success as a whole as opposed to just barbering skills alone. I’m known for bringing professionalism back to the industry and also for educating people about the history of barbers. Historically, we were doctors and dentists as well.
I’m most proud of the integrity that we have in the education sector. I’m proud of making history as the first and only person that has opened up a barber school inside of Cook County Jail. I’m proud of creating alternatives to violence. I’m also proud of starting a not-for-profit organization, DATA Foundation, Inc., that supports the volunteer-run barber college inside of Cook County Jail. The funding provided through that organization allows us to provide tuition-free training to the inmates.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Patience, compassion and empathy have been integral to my success. I deal with a lot of people that are in a transition phase in their lives, seeking to make a change. I’ve been able to impact others successfully because I met them where they were.
Contact Info:
- Address: 10456 S. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60628
- Website: www.larrysbarbercollege.com, www.datafoundationinc.org
- Phone: 773-779-2100
- Email: info@larrybarberscollege.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larryroberts_jr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larrysbarbercollege
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/larryroberts_jr
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-e-roberts-jr-9752362a
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