Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick Ricci.
Rick, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The story of the Oldest Barbershop in the world, as recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2014, began in fashionable Mayfair in 1805, the year of Nelson’s victorious Battle at Cape Trafalgar, while King George III sat on England’s throne and William Pitt the Younger served as its Prime Minister. This was the era of fine craftsmanship, innovation and styling which set the scene for a history that is colourful, inventive and pioneering.
Only at Truefitt is there such a sense of history at every turn. Page through novels by Charles Dickens and W. Thackeray and it becomes apparent that from its inception Truefitt played a pivotal role in preparing Britain’s gentry not only for society events but also for their everyday lives. Consequently, Truefitt is mentioned throughout modern English literature as a bastion of style and the highest quality service – a tradition we are proud to continue today. During Truefitt’s unique history the company has had the honour of serving the Monarchs of Great Britain throughout nine consecutive reigns. Throughout this period, Truefitt has held a number of Royal Warrants, and being ‘By Royal Appointment’ is still the envy of other, less revered hairdressers. The Royal connection is continued to this day by Truefitt’s barbers, who visit either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle to attend H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, while other members of the Royal Family and the Royal Household visit Truefitt & Hill’s Premises in St. James’s.
Catering to the exacting standards of London’s gentry, when vanity and good grooming were the essential mark of the gentleman, Truefitt offered its demanding clientele a new level of service unsurpassed anywhere in the world. From its array of exceptional products through to its legendary barbering services, there developed a heritage and sense of innovation that today marks Truefitt & Hill as the world leader in men’s grooming.
In 1994, I bought the rights to Canada, in 2013 I purchased the rights for North America, and became the CEO. How did I get here, I will tell you exactly how, I work smart. You can’t surround yourself with people that are not motivated, someone once told me you can’t soar like an eagle if you’re hanging around turkeys, it’s so true. It was the relationship that put me to the next level.
Setting the standard for men’s grooming took on a new and exciting approach in 1935 with Truefitt’s acquisition of the hairdressing business of Edwin S. Hill & Co. With this event, the modern era of Truefitt & Hill was born. Today, the company enjoys a reputation as a world-renowned barbershop offering a wide range of treatments and services designed to groom modern gentlemen to perfection. Truefitt’s is also well known as a purveyor of the finest quality traditional English fragrances, shaving requisites and grooming products with names evoking a long-forgotten elegance and grandeur of a bygone era.
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing ever run smooth, there’s always challenges every day, staff/ distribution/new accounts/ old accounts.
Barbers that think they’re Prima Donna’s, personality issues, no success always has its challenges.
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the TRUEFITT & HILL story. Tell us more about the business.
I don’t think there’s any high-end luxury barbershops that compete with Truefitt & Hill.
I think Building our line of product over the last 20 years Really separates us from everyone else it’s a whole other Industry when you distributing products.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Can’t say, if I could predict the future I’ll be at the race track. I will say I think that there’s been a tremendous amount of growth and I don’t think there’s any signs of stopping the mail industry and we are at the forefront of that, we are going to be a franchising 50 stores across America.
Contact Info:
- Address: 111 West Monroe St.
Clark st. - Website: Truefittandhill.com
- Phone: 312-696-1111
- Email: info@chicagotruefittandhill.com
- Instagram: truefitthillbarbers
- Facebook: Truefitt&Hill Chicago
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