2020 Best of Boise Finalist
I find myself on the opposite side of a keyboard more often these days. Most of the time has been spent writing a book that will eventually become the long form version of the story behind The Barber Story, but today, I get to take a happy break from all of that.
The process for the Boise Weekly’s Best of Boise competition was delayed, largely in part to the coronavirus, because that nasty little bugger likes to ruin everything. Between us closing the shop, paying attention to a constant media stream of depressing news, and trying to assist other salon/shop owners with their own return to work plans, I had completely stopped focusing on a popularity contest. Typically, the voting phase is over at this point, but earlier today I saw that my brother’s gym posted about the voting phase, and was pleasantly surprised to see that The Barber Story had made it into the top 5 finalists for the “Best Barbershop” category for our 3rd consecutive year.
I already know this much to be certain. We have the best clients that come into the shop, I have the best coworkers I could ever hope for, and I’ve labored hard to create a place that I look forward to going to every day of the week. These simple facts are why it breaks my heart that I haven’t been able to spend time there for nearly two months.
But aside from the things I already know to be true, recognition from our community and hearing that they also appreciate what we do for them speaks greater volume to the fact that we are doing this for the right reason. I am so incredibly proud of the team at The Barber Story, and not just for their quality haircuts. They are my second family, and they all truly care about the place we share, as well as the public we share the space with.
It’s a once in a lifetime career opportunity to have the right people working together with a common vision and an ability to see and encourage common growth. It’s one of the parts of The Barber Story that cannot be faked or duplicated, and it’s the thing I am the most thankful for.
If you have a moment, your vote to help us move us into the final category of winners would be the best way for us to be welcomed back to work.
Vote Here ( Voting is open from 5/4/2020 - 5/30/2020)
On a side note, we are a small business that supports other small businesses. It’s our community that has brought us to the level of accomplishment that we have found, and many of the owners of some of the finalists in this competition are also patrons in the barbershop. If you are on the fence with your vote in some of the categories, here are some great local companies, ran by amazing people, that deserve your support.
Best Brewery - Barbarian Brewing
Best Gym - Combat Fitness/SBG Idaho
Best Non-Profit - Boise Bicycle Project
Best Nursery or Gardening Store - North End Organic Nursery (this is where we got all of the shop plants from)
Best Pet Boarder - Companions Dog Resort
Best Donut - Donut + Dog (I wouldn’t shut up about the hangover burger for a month solid after I tried it)
Thank you again for making The Barber Story one of the most amazing experiences of my lifetime.
-Chris
