Middle of the Road is Just What Guys are Looking For

"Men want what is easy and reliable," said Amy Tanksley, owner of both the original Uncle Classic Barber Shop in Brentwood and the brand new Uncle location in Belle Meade. It's Amy's business background combined with her lifelong recreational interest in hair and beauty that brought her to understand, "Guys in our community don't want to change hairstyles as much and they need to depend on good service."

There is something to be said about the old school barber shop type of feel. After all, there has been a recent resurgence of those prototypical barber shops all over the nation. Men seem to like the community feel of the establishments that their grandfathers told them about and that they've seen in old mobster movies. However, time has changed just as men have changed. Executive men have busy schedules and sometimes need a woman's point of view on their appearance. That's why Amy made sure to employ the best male stylists and the best female stylists in town. "I wanted to create an environment where we can address all needs. "Make an appointment with your favorite stylist, or simply stop in when you have the time. Uncle's consistent and friendly staff will make you feel comfortable no matter where you are coming from or where you're off to next.

How does Amy ensure her customers get consistent and reliable service? She makes sure she has the happiest employees in the area! When she set out to open Uncle, she had one goal in mind: to be the best employer in town. "My employees know that I will do anything and everything to make sure they love where they work." If the employees love where they work, they're more likely to create an atmosphere where customers love to be, which puts "barber shop" in Uncle Classic Barber Shop. There is still a sense of familiarity and community when you come in for a service.

Since the original location opened in June of 2008, they have never had to drag people through the door. Likely a combination of a great location in a high-traffic area as well as consistent service that keeps men coming back; the business markets itself. However, Amy and her staff never get too comfortable. They understand that every time a client walks through the door, it is their chance to make an impression. "We're always being judged on the most recent haircut that a man received, not a haircut they got in November." This is why they make it a goal to send every client on his way with the memory of a great experience.

The great experience has kept guys coming back. Not only are guys coming back into Uncle, some are committing themselves to a year at the shop by purchasing the Uncle VIP which is a flat upfront rate for unlimited haircuts all year.

Because Amy recognized the huge void in the men's grooming in the area, she was able to accomplish her mission to "provide a level of service for men that just didn't exist in this community." Based on the great success of both locations, it appears the men really were looking for something exactly like Uncle Classic Barber Shop. They now have a place to go that fits them just right and offers consistent service. After all, guys don't want to have to tell a new stylist every time how to do his hair!