Leo Rivera Creates Bishops Barbershops

posted by David Wolf on Jun 30, 2009 | Comments (1) | Permalink | Trackback URL

Q&A with Leo Rivera
Founder, President and CEO of Bishops Barbershops

What is Bishops barbershop?
Bishops is a new kind of neighborhood barbershop for Generations X, Y and Z. We are a hybrid old school barbershop offering affordable prices, high-end salon quality and a convenient walk-in only policy in a hip, fun environment that includes edgy artwork and music, stylists with attitude and cold Miller High Life. We support local artists, musicians and designers, community events and local charitable organizations.

What services and products do you offer?
Cuts and colors for men and women, as well as KMS, Goldwell and Joe Grooming hair care products. There is no diversion of these products to outlets other than salons, so you can’t find them at your local drugstore or supermarket, and they are all color-safe. Joe Grooming is an organic line that is actually for men, but women love it as well.

How are you different from other barbershops?
We’re a salon that incorporates the “lifestyle” aspect of the old school barbershops. The convenience of our walk-in only policy is enhanced by the fact that we have enough stylists to accommodate our customers, rather than just the one or two barbers you find in a traditional barbershop. Our customers can choose from our list of a la carte services that are affordably priced, and we continually educate our stylists and provide training that keeps them current on the latest trends.

What is your target market?
Our primary target market is men and women, aged 18-40, but we have many customers of both sexes and all ages.

Who do you consider your main competitors?
Floyd’s and Rudy’s, as well as national haircut chains and high-end salons.

How are you different from those competitors?
We are edgier. Our pricing makes us recession-proof, and our community involvement keeps the buzz going. Our staff philosophy is based on respect and recognition of their professionalism and working with them to enhance their skills. This attitude is passed down from our stylists to their clients, which creates a rewarding work environment built on strong relationships. We have fun, but deliver great results and customer satisfaction.

What is your business model?
A walk-in only, full-service salon at affordable prices.

What are your key strengths?
Customer service, quality and edginess.

What are your key weaknesses?
That we small and have not proven our concept outside of Portland.

What are the main challenges that you face right now?
As with any small company looking to expand, growth is our main challenge. It is critical that we successfully manage our growth as we extend our footprint beyond Portland across country, into Canada and the around the world.

What is your vision for the company?
I want to go global. I can see Bishops Barbershops in Canada, Mexico, Tokyo, London, Paris, Dublin and beyond!

Why did you choose franchising?
It’s the next natural step in the company’s evolution. Organic growth is extremely slow and very capital intensive. I know people want to be part of the Bishops concept right now, and franchising is the most effective way to offer them the opportunity to do that.

What are the three things that you want people to remember about Bishops?
People are always talking about how cool we are, so that’s probably the first thing someone will hear about us. At Bishops, you can get a great haircut, style or color in an environment that is fun, hip and edgy at an affordable price. And finally, at Bishops, you will leave you satisfied with every aspect of your experience.

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