Men's Cut Barbershop

Sofi Monsour became a barbershop owner based on a bet with friends in a bar in 1974. He tells us the story of Men's Cut Barbershop and the necessary ingredients for small-business success.

Q. What's the hardest thing about being a small-business owner in Northeast Cobb?
A. Building your business. There's so much competition for barbershops in the area; that, and finding good employees.

Q. What's the best thing about your job?
A. Watching the business grow and pleasing the people, developing friendships with the customers. I've been in the area 26 years, 10 across the street and 16 here.

Q. What is the best thing about Northeast Cobb?
A. I love watching this area grow. When I first came out here, you didn't have Publix, Home Depot, Target or Mazzy's. There was nothing.

Q. Why did you choose to open your business in Northeast Cobb?
A. I really thought that this area was growing. I could see potential in East Cobb moving up fast.

Q. Why did you pick this particular kind of business?
A. You wouldn't believe me if I told you. ... It was on a bet! There was a movie called Shampoo with Warren Beatty. A friend and his wife and my girlfriend and I were in a bar after the movie. My friend made a bet that I couldn't cut his hair. I cut his hair, and when I finished, he said I owed him $100. So I went and paid 25 and a quarter to go to cosmetology school. That was in '74.

Q. What are some of the services you offer that people don't know about?
A. We do neck shaves and flat tops, shampoo and conditioning. You can watch sports on TV here; a man can watch the ball games on Saturday on our four color TVs with cable. We are open six days a week, we have appointments, and we have free drinks. Everybody's licensed and experienced with at least 20 years' experience per cutter.

Q. What advice can you offer to someone thinking about starting a small business?
A. Get as much education as possible. Take a business class. Talk to business owners. Make sure you know your field. Just because your mom and dad did it doesn't mean that you can automatically.

Be a good listener for your customers. There's two things you don't talk about: religion and politics. You're going to upset somebody eventually, so let the church and the TV do that for you. We're not here to change people. I've seen too many people run off customers. You want to convert somebody, do it on your own time.

Q. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?
A. With today's economy the way it is, having your own business is a struggle for employees and for customers. If you have a lifetime customer, make sure that he feels special. Listen to his problems and leave your attitude at the door; it'll be there on the way out. Always remember that if you're in a service business, learn people's names.

Men's Cut Barbershop is at 3125 Roswell Rd. near Old Canton Road.