EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE

BY LOUISE MAY

HMB Barbers has steadily risen to prominence in the barbering industry, now boasting an impressive 14 stores across QLD, Australia. Known for its modern approach to traditional grooming, HMB is committed to delivering an exceptional experience to every client.

In this interview, we sit down with Fraser Forsey, the General Manager of HMB, to discuss the brand’s journey, its remarkable growth, and what sets it apart in a crowded market. We also explore Fraser’s insights on the importance of education in barbering, as well as the role 4Barbers Education plays in shaping the future of the industry.

From the expansion of HMB’s footprint to the unique barbering culture they’ve cultivated, Fraser shares the story behind HMB and the vision driving its success.

Can you tell us about the HMB brand?

HMB Barbers now houses 14 stores! We are a modern take on your traditional barbershop, specialising in all aspects of barbering including fades, hair designs, scissor cuts, beards and face shaves. We open our doors every day to make people young and old feel confident through a fun and friendly barber shop experience.

You have recently opened a new store in Rockhampton; can you tell us about that?

The recent opening of our new store in Rockhampton marks an exciting milestone for us. Rockhampton is a vibrant and growing community with a strong appreciation for quality grooming and barbering services. We saw a great opportunity to bring our expertise and passion for barbering to this area, offering something unique to both locals and visitors. The new store is designed with the modern barbering experience in mind, combining traditional techniques with contemporary style.

It’s more than just a place to get a haircut; it’s a hub for the community where people can come together, relax, and enjoy top-notch grooming services. We’ve put a lot of thought into the store’s layout and atmosphere, creating a space that reflects our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

What are some of the key strategies you’re implementing to foster growth and development within your teams?

Fostering growth and development within our teams is a top priority, and we’ve implemented several key strategies to achieve this. One of the most important is continuous education. We ensure that all team members have access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities, both through our own 4BARBERS Education programs and external workshops. This keeps our teams at the forefront of industry trends and techniques, ensuring they are always improving and evolving in their craft. Another strategy is mentorship.

We encourage a culture of mentorship within our teams, where more experienced barbers take on a guiding role for newer members. This not only helps to develop the skills of the less experienced team members but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and collaboration within the team.

Can you tell us about 4Barbers Education?

4Barbers brings the most renowned education in the country with a team of leading educators from all walks of the industry. Partnered with some of the World’s biggest tool & product companies Australia has on offer, credibility is what we are all about. Everything we do from education; apprenticeships & Supply is FOR BARBERS or what we like to call @4barbersau

At 4Barbers we are here to ensure the standard, value and credibility of our craft is continuously uplifted through empowering education and access to the best tools & product.

Combined within our team we have years of experience across all areas of the Hair Industry however we share with you…our legacy…our passion…our dream... our knowledge and our mission to take you, your business and barbering the next level!

You’ve placed a strong emphasis on apprentice bootcamps and retail education. Why do you believe these areas are crucial for the future of barbering, and what are some of the outcomes you’ve seen so far?

Apprentice bootcamps and retail education are pivotal in shaping the future of barbering for several reasons. Firstly, the barbering industry is evolving rapidly, with new techniques, products, and styles emerging constantly.

Apprentice bootcamps provide a concentrated environment where aspiring barbers can immerse themselves in the latest industry trends, learn from experienced professionals, and refine their skills in a short amount of time. This hands-on, intensive training is crucial for developing the next generation of barbers who are not only skilled in traditional techniques but also adept at incorporating modern styles and trends.

You have been over in the USA a lot educating. What is the Barbering Industry like in the US? Is it vastly different? And what have you implemented from the USA in your HMB stores?

The barbering industry in the USA is incredibly dynamic and diverse, and it has been a fascinating experience to educate and engage with professionals over there. One of the most noticeable differences is the sheer scale of the industry in the US.

With such a large and varied population, there are a multitude of styles, techniques, and cultural influences that shape the barbering scene. This diversity fosters a rich environment for innovation and creativity, with barbers continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of style and technique.

In terms of what we’ve implemented in our HMB stores from the US, there are a few key takeaways. Firstly, we’ve embraced the idea of specialisation, encouraging our barbers to develop expertise in particular areas of interest. This not only enhances the skill set of our team but also allows us to offer a wider range of services to our clients, catering to more specific needs and preferences.

We’ve also adopted some of the advanced techniques and tools that are popular in the US. For example, we’ve integrated certain cutting-edge grooming products and technologies that were initially more prevalent in the US market. This has helped us to stay at the forefront of the industry and offer our clients the latest and greatest in barbering services.

Lastly, the strong emphasis on community and client relationships that is so prevalent in the US has reinforced our own commitment to these values. We’ve continued to focus on building strong connections with our clients, ensuring that every visit to our stores is not just about a haircut, but about a holistic grooming experience that builds trust and loyalty.

With over 20 years in the industry, you’ve trained in more than 400 barbershops and salons. What do you believe sets your teaching style apart from others in the industry?

We believe that a haircut shouldn’t be just a haircut. Coming to a barbershop should be an experience. HMB is that personal time you finally get to yourself. The time you look forward to, for a relaxing, clean haircut with great conversation, great music and a great atmosphere.

What’s on the agenda for you over the next 12 months?

HMB Barbers is undergoing a huge shake-up with our retail, from shelving to our online store we’re re-inventing how HMB will market and sell its retail. Also, we are opening multiple more locations and adding to the portfolio of HMB over the next 12 months to continue being able to offer our experience to a wider range of clients.

@hmbbarbers

@4barbersau

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