Cut Out for the Top

I am Daniel Hayes.

I go by Jordan, and I am the owner of Jordan’s Barbershops and Salon’s.

I know you are probably wondering—’Daniel? Jordan? What’s the connection?’ The nickname ‘Jordan’ was given to me in high school, thanks to my striking resemblance to Michael Jordan. So when it came time to name my business, it was only right to go with: Jordan’s Barbershops and Salon’s.

I am married with four children, three girls and one boy. My oldest daughter is twenty-six and she is a lawyer in Atlanta. My middle daughter, twenty-four works as an emergency operator in Florida. My son is twenty years old, and he is a barber at one of my shops here in the Denver Metro Area. My youngest daughter is nine going on twenty-six.

I was inspired to start Jordan’s Barbershops and Salon’s because of my mother. Growing up, she owned cosmetology schools and barbershop and salons. That led me to get my license at the age of seventeen in North Carolina, where I grew up. Cutting hair has been an integral part of my life since.

For over 30 years, I have had the pleasure of building my business and relationships and impacting lives. Today I own and self manage eleven shops, here in the Denver Metro, Dallas, and Atlanta.

Growing my business from a seventeen year old with a license to having recently received an offer from Walmart to open about two hundred shops nationwide, while maintaining a successful and thriving relationship with my wife and children, has not been without its challenges. It took a lot of hard work, focus, and grit to get to where I am today, and I intend to apply that same focus and intentionality to take me forward. Before my tenacity, I credit God for his leadership and making a way for all of my successes.

I know and am continually reminded that on the road to success and achievements there will be distractions and noise along the way, but I’ve made up my mind to keep my eye on the prize, never to give up, block out the naysayers, and remain focused while I strengthen myself in God. And God has definitely blessed me every step of the way.

As I mentioned earlier, I singlehandedly run the operation of all my shops. Yes, on my own! It is pretty much second nature at this point, but you must be wondering how I do it.

First on that list is my partner. Choosing the right partner is crucial. Having someone who won’t hold you back but pushes you forward? That’s a cheat code. Your spouse should push you forward while also providing guidance and space for open communication. My wife is understanding. I can bounce the day to day issues at the shops off of her and she provides me with honesty, perspective, support, advice, and comfort when I need it.

My second key to successfully running all the locations

myself is that over the years, I have been intentional about my circle. You must be intentional about who you keep around you. While hiring the right people is crucial to building 10 a successful business and a healthy workplace, I also understand that my personal circle is integral to my business growth and mental and spiritual health.

A lot of people who sit in my chair, or come to my shops are my close acquaintances, we talk life, business, and growth. There are some of my clients turned inner circle whose hair I have been cutting for close to thirty years. I don’t just have clients come and sit in my chair. Some are friends, community associates and business partners. To become and stay successful we must continually make the choice to surround ourselves with people of like mind, who value hard work, and have focus.

The third key is to protect your mind. I do not entertain the noise around me, and I never will. See, there will always be outside noise, it will always be loud, but I am intentional about what I listen to. I make sure to keep my mind focused and that’s another place where God, my wife, and my circle of friends come in. I make sure to consume words and wisdom that feed my growth and positivity.

The fourth key is to hire the right people. I make sure I have the right people in place at my shops just like in my personal life. But that is just the f irst part, you also have to understand that everyone’s contribution, work ethic, and ability will not be the same. Some people need more guidance, oversight, or even babysitting, while others will be self starters. You will have people who are fully invested and even add to the growth of the business, while you may need to pour extra time, training, and handholding into others. Regardless of the nature of your workers the key for you as a leader is to have a lot of patience.

“SEE, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE OUTSIDE NOISE, IT WILL ALWAYS BE LOUD, BUT I AM INTENTIONAL ABOUT WHAT I LISTEN TO”

Your experience as a business owner is a culmination of your personal life, the business side, the technical side, relationships built and your impact in your community.

It is my pride and joy that Jordan’s Barbershops and Salon’s plays a big role in the community by bringing people together. This impact starts from me to my employees, to each of my patrons and the community around us.

As in any African American community the barber shop is a social hub where people share ideas, build relationships, and problem-solve. It is not just about the haircut here. When patrons open up and talk to us we are happy to listen. We provide an atmosphere where they can speak candidly and earnestly without interruption. This is a space for good conversation, long lasting connection, and of course a good haircut. Jordan’s Barbershops and Salons is more than a business, it’s a calling. A place where haircuts are just the beginning.

jordansbarbershop.com