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CUTTING-EDGE EDUCATION FOR ASPIRING BARBERS:
A First Look Inside Wahl Barber Academy With Lance Wahl
WAHL CLIPPER CORPORATION RECENTLY ANNOUNCED IT WOULD BE TEAMING UP WITH PIVOT POINT ACADEMY TO CREATE THE FIRST-EVER WAHL BARBER ACADEMY, SET TO OPEN IN SPRING 2023 IN CHICAGO, IL. THIS GROUNDBREAKING INSTITUTION WILL PROVIDE FUTURE BARBERS WITH THE SKILLS NEEDED TO EXCEL IN THE INDUSTRY, WHILE ALSO OFFERING ADVANCED TRAINING CLASSES FOR PROS.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Lance Wahl, Senior Vice President of Professional Sales & Marketing at Wahl Clipper Corporation, to learn more about this exciting new venture and what it means for the future of barbering education.
We first asked Lance, why is education so vital to Wahl, and why was opening this Barber Academy a natural step in furthering this support of the industry. He said: “At Wahl, we've always believed in the power of education. That's why we launched our Fade It Forward® program back in 2018, providing barber school scholarships to students in need. Now, we're taking things to the next level with Wahl Barber Academy. Our goal is to provide aspiring barbers with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the industry. The Academy will have a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from technical skills to hair cutting, grooming, and business skills. It's all about preparing our students to perform at the highest levels of the industry.”
Lance explained that the initial goal of the Wahl Barber Academy is to create well-rounded, exceptional barbers who will be prepared to succeed in the top levels of the men's grooming industry. He said: “Our partnership with Pivot Point Academy is really what makes us unique to other barber schools. Pivot Point Academy will oversee school operations and is widely respected for developing exceptional new hair and beauty professionals. We were excited to find a partner whose reputation for excellence matched our own.”
Chicago is lucky enough to be home to the Wahl Barber Academy. Lance spoke on this: “Chicago is a great location for the academy as it is centrally located in the US and not far from Wahl’s global headquarters in Sterling, Illinois. The Academy’s location is near O’Hare Airport and is easily accessible via public transportation. And of course, Chicago has a reputation as a hub for amazing talent within the beauty and barber industry.”
Not only will students of the Wahl Barber Academy be recipients of an unparalleled level of education, but they will also receive unique opportunities to meet and learn from some of the best Wahl Professional barbers. Lance said: “The Wahl Academy will have a diverse team of licensed instructors providing a world-class education experience, in a new, intentionally thought-out learning environment for the next generation of barber superstars. What excites me is knowing in 10 to 15 years some of the biggest names in the industry will have started at the Wahl Barber Academy.
“The Wahl Barber Academy’s mission is to train the next generation of barbers and provide education from some of the best licensed instructors in the industry. In addition, from time to time, Wahl Professional Educators may participate as guest lecturers. When class is not in session, the academy will serve as an advanced training center, hosting educational opportunities for industry professionals and Wahl Professional’s global team of educators.”
Wahl’s partner, Pivot Point Academy, has assembled a team of leading licensed instructors. I asked Lance what they looked for when selecting the best educators for the Academy. He said: "The team of licensed instructors demonstrates technical skill, has the ability to inspire and motivate students and has a commitment to excellence in the industry."
Denise Provenzano, Owner & Partner of Pivot Point Academy, is overseeing faculty recruitment in collaboration with Principal Educator, Ken Washburn, and Academy Director, Michelle Lamantia. Their reputation for selecting the best instructors will ensure the high standards of education at the academy.”
Not only will the instruction and resources available to Wahl Barber Academy students be outstanding, but the new state-of-the-art campus will facilitate learning in a way that is comfortable, efficient and effective. Lance said: “The building is being designed by the awardwinning team at Interworks Architecture. It will feature a 6,183-square-foot educational space with design elements that enhance students' and staff's experience and make it conducive to learning.
“It will have an overall modern-industrial style with black leather and chrome-trimmed Wahl barber chairs.
“Workstations will feature warm cherry wood cabinets with black trim and mirrors, and the work labs and color bar will carry the same design with black countertops and drawer pulls, complementing the cherry cabinets.
“Adding to the welcoming feel of the space, the lighting features black pendants with copper interiors, that will cast a warm glow. The flooring is just as remarkable with a cement base infused with a beautiful vein of copper running through it.
“For a modern touch, the glass backsplash boasts a gray color, elevating the aesthetic of the space. Classrooms, offices, and conference rooms carry through the design sophistication with the same look and feel, too.”
When will classes begin? “Classes are set to begin in Spring 2023, and potential students can begin their application process shortly.” Future