Today we’d like to introduce you to Bruce Melendez.
Hi Bruce, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was just a teenage kid from Phiilly when I moved to Florida in 2000. Then is when I learned the appreciation for having a good barber and I started trying to groom myself in between my search for a good one. Over the years i discovered more passion for the craft as I grew my knowledge and skill for hair cutting. After highschool i went to trade school and get certified and have been doing hair ever since. In 2011 I opened my first location. Expanded in 2017. After 2020 COVID season make me settle down until we Rebranded and evolved to the downtown area of Lakeland, FL.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. I am the sole proprietor and I still operate as a barber. Doing business and being a barber has its challenges because you can’t be everywhere at once. Covid definitely added its strain to restructure how you manage your clientele with time management and keeping things sanitary. Of course the time for work and family is always evident as well. I’ve learned that the success doesn’t have to be measured only but how much money or how much bigger your shop is . But how your relationship with your clients when they almost become family determines how far you can take your business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Center City Barbers?
Centery City Barbers evolved from the teenage kid cutting in his parents garage with kids in the neighborhood to one of the longest tenured establishments in the city of Lakeland, FL. This shop was originated with ideas rooting from the philly culture and pride. 14+ years ago we started as “Phade Phanatix Barbershop” and after growing into a more formal and traditional setting we evolved to the more premium feel of Center City Barbers to maintain the prideful foundation that started it while moving to the next level. Being downtown lakeland which happens to be very neutrally located in the city, matches the vibe of “Center City” which is also the renown downtown district of Philadelphia. I strive to keep the blue collar hard working attitude and blend that into a classy and upscale grooming setting where everyone is welcome. e
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Your reputation is everything in this profession. First impressions matter but maintaining that over the life of the relationship will help you grow more .
Contact Info:
- Website: www.centercitybarbers.com
- Instagram: @centercitybarbers
- Facebook: CenterCityBarbers
