Barber Bar

BY REX A.C. SILVER

Bill Galanis, owner of Barber Bar, Broadbeach studied architecture at RMIT in Melbourne along with Sales & Marketing. Having been an entrepreneur since he was 23, mainly in the housing and construction sector, he established a successful NEW home company called Greater Melbourne Homes which Ihesold back in 2003.

Here is a man who clearly enjoys the challenge of setting up startup’s, with a number of successful companies under his belt, and in 2020 this included the birth of The Barber Bar.

We spoke to Bill about his concept bar and barbershop

What made you get into the barber industry?

I believe the barbering industry is the most under rated profession/ trade/service. The fact that ANYONE can pick up clippers and call themselves a barber was the reason I decided to get into the industry. You know the saying “When there’s no structure opportunity awaits”.

The current business model in the way the barbering industry operates their business’, I believe, is pre-historic and does not offer the genuine professional barber a promising career path that offers them a worklife balance and financial stability.

What does being a Barber mean to you?

Barbering is a profession that offers men a place to go and get away from everyday life and just focus on themselves… anything from men’s grooming, pampering or just someone to talk to. Your time in the Chair is exactly that… ALL ABOUT YOU.

When, why and how did you open this shop?

I was talking with my personal barber who I followed around. When I found him, he was at Hope Island, QLD. After 7 months he changed shops and moved to Coomera. Then again after about 7-8 months he jumped again to Mermaid. I decided to ask him why do you keep changing shops?

He said “Prior to starting we have a mutually agreed verbal on the job description, remuneration etc... After a few months the agreement changes in favour of the owner so you just run with it. After 6 months or so the job condition is completely different to what we had agreed on and the remuneration doesn’t cover my living expenses, so I look for a better workplace.” Now, I know my Barber is a bit of a “hot head”, so I started asking other Barbers and the response was the same.

I did some research and thought this will be a good opportunity to set up a Barbershop with a difference based on what I expect from my Barbershop and the current barbershop mentality. I went to my Barber and proposed to him that if I can come up with concept for a Barbershop set up in which I will attract the customers, it will be up to the barbers to maintain the customers, based on service and professionalism to which he said it would work.

So, after some R & D I decided to set up a modern “old school” barbershop that is inviting, with good vibes, great atmosphere and where people want to meet not only just for grooming but as a place to relax… like a “mancave”.

I decided to create a place where everybody knows your name and applied for a fully licenced premises…. WOW! What a challenge!

Also set up a pool table, 2 big screen TV’s, VIP members and specials for the members with discounts offers etc…

The interior design is the traditional Black & Gold with grey undertones. The logo represents the barbering industry with the classic “scotch on the rocks” glass representing the bar and ambience of the shop. Each Barber station has its own hair wash basin and towel warmer, concealed power points for a clutter free work area.

Each person is greeted by our concierge/front person who confirms his booking and offers him a FREE complimentary beverage of his choice before he is greeted by his barber to commence his service. All services also come with our signature hot & cold scented towel prepared FRESH every morning.

We have also created a database of over 2,500 thousand customers. All our barbers are experienced, professionally educated, either locally or internationally, and have adopted the TBB work ethic. Most of all, everyone - clients, barbers & staff, experience the difference in traditional men’s grooming.

The shop has 6 chairs, 5 qualified barbers, (men & women) and 2 apprentices of aboriginal background.

We cater for groom packages, special events and can be booked for private events as we can accommodate up to 60 people. The Shop opened its door on the 28th of April 2021. Three weeks later QLD shutdown the borders due to COVID 19. We were fortunate enough to be the approved barber for the NRL bubble groups that were here on the GC and the locals were also very supportive.

What makes your shop stand out?

Mainly, our warm friendly atmosphere. We are also FULLY LICENCED and our clients can come in for a drink, watch sports, or play pool without having a service. Our signature Scented towels, Razor services and finishes, VIP membership and special offers, packages, product promotions and apparel has also been popular.

Most of all customer satisfaction where the focus is on the service not the time.

What products do you love and use and sell to your clients?

We proudly use and recommend American Crew/Revlon products. The back up support and everything they offer really aligns with our business model.

We also use and promote Jericho Australia beard product. Local business and great products for our Beard Club members.

Do you work with the local Community?

Yes! We are proud sponsors of Dylan Lockard – QLD Strongest Man and competing for the Australian & World Strongest man... GO DYLAN! We sponsor Aaron Schoupp from Gold Coast Titans and Lilly Street, (one of our Barbers) who plays for Women’s Southport Sharks AFL. We also held an LIVIN org event BEARD 4 BATTLERS fundraiser for Mental Health, PTSD & suicide prevention where we raised over $5,000.00

What are you Barber goals?

We are in the process of looking for other sites, both in QLD and nationally.

Our goal is to have another 4 shops in QLD within the next three (3) years, two (2) shops in both NSW & VIC and I am also in the process of setting up an educational facility within the next three (3) months

The BarberBar Shop 2 / 97 Surf Parade

Broadbeach QLD 4218

@thebarberbarbroadbeach