COMMUNITY, CONNECTION, AND CARE!

THE HISTORY OF JOHN HANCOCK BARBERSHOP IS A TESTAMENT TO THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AND DETERMINATION OF ITS FOUNDER, GRANT QUEZADA

AND HIS BUSINESS PARTNER, JESSE BURKE. THE BUSINESS HAS GROWN AND NOW OWN AND RUN SEVEN BRANDS WITHIN THE FOUNDING FATHERS COLLECTIVE… WE CAUGHT UP WITH GRANT TO FIND OUT MORE.

After eight years of service in US Army Special Operations Command, Grant returned home with a dream to open his own barbershop in Prescott, AZ. With a focus on quality service and creative marketing strategies, he quickly grew the brand from a two-chair shop to a seven-chair shop in the heart of downtown Prescott.

Grant's vision for the barbershop extended beyond just providing haircuts and grooming services. He wanted John Hancock Barbershop to be a community hub where clients could connect with one another and stay informed about local happenings. As a result, the shop became a popular gathering spot where people could share their experiences, exchange ideas, and learn about what was going on in town.

Grant sought help from his childhood friend Jesse to expand John Hancock Barbershop. Together, they collaborated and combined their resources to create a new venture that would help them realize their dream.

This led to the founding of a company that embodied their shared values and vision. The Founding Fathers Collective (FFC). FFC has since become a successful business in Prescott, Arizona, with Jesse as one of its co-founders and owners.

The success of John Hancock Barbershop is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to community. By focusing on delivering high-quality service and fostering a welcoming environment, Grant and Jesse have created a business that is not only profitable but also serves as an asset to the community.

The plan from the beginning was to grow the brand to have many locations. This is what ultimately led him to build what is now The Founding Fathers Collective. The collective is a place that houses seven separate, yet individual and connected, businesses. The barbershop is the hub and anchor of the collective. Which consists of, John Hancock Barbershop, Merchant Coffee, Liberty Mercantile, Seventy Six members only speakeasy, a whiskey and cigar lounge, Founders Gym, The City Tavern Tap room, that is the largest self-serve tap room in northern AZ, with 65 handles.

From the inception of John Hancock Barbershop, the company mission and core values are community, connection, and care.

It takes a lot of skill, dedication, and hard work to run multiple businesses simultaneously. Grant,

Jesse and their team are committed to their vision and values. By owning and operating all of the businesses within the Collective, they can ensure that each one upholds the same high standards of quality, customer service, and community engagement.

We asked Grant how he describes the visual and design of the barbershop. He said: “Our shop's design and aesthetic take inspiration from Neoclassical architecture and classic storefronts found in cities like New York and England. With a nod to our name's history, we've incorporated contemporary and industrial elements that complement the building's original warehouse design. The result is a unique and distinctive style that blends the best of the old and the new, creating a space that is both visually striking and functional.

“Additionally, having a space that is enjoyable to hang out in with friends and family can help create a sense of belonging and encourage people to spend more time at the Collective, further strengthening the community atmosphere.”

Taking center stage are the 1950s replica barber chairs from Collins. Why were these the chairs of choice for such a strong aesthetic?

Grant said: “Our Collins Barber Chairs are top of line, comfortable, classic, functional, longstanding chairs. The Collins Co. is great to work with. They are quick to help in any way they can with any of our needs.”

A huge part of the customer experience at John Hancock is the awesome line of products that the team use and teach their clients how to use for home care.

Grant said: “We use Layrite which includes pomades, waxes, and grooming sprays. These products are designed to provide a strong hold while still allowing for flexibility and easy restyling throughout the day. Also Proraso. This is a line of shaving and grooming products that includes shaving creams, aftershaves, and beard care products. The products are formulated with natural ingredients like eucalyptus oil and menthol to provide a refreshing and invigorating experience.

“To promote healthy hair and scalp, we use Paul Mitchell Tea Tree: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree which are formulated with tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic and antifungal agent. Another one of our products is 1922 JM Keune Professional. This is a line of demi-permanent hair color products that are designed to provide long-lasting, naturallooking color. The products are formulated with a low-ammonia formula and are gentle on hair, while still providing vibrant, fade-resistant color.

“Overall, these product lines offer a wide range of options for hair styling, grooming, and color. Each line has its unique features and benefits and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different customers – which all adds to the customer experience.”

NOBLE SAVAGE BARBERSHOP IN BAY SHORE, NEW YORK IS AN UPSCALE, OLD-WORLD GENTLEMAN’S RETREAT, WHERE MEN CAN GO TO UNWIND, RELAX AND EXPERIENCE THE ART OF GROOMING. WE SPOKE TO THOMAS O’ROURKE, ONE OF THE CREATORS OF NOBLE SAVAGE TO HEAR ABOUT HOW THEY BROUGHT THE NOBLE SAVAGE EXPERIENCE TO LIFE.