Startup QA Johnny The BaBa Shanahan, MD, BarberBarber

Startup QA Johnny ‘The BaBa’ Shanahan, MD, BarberBarber Startup QA: Johnny ‘The BaBa’ Shanahan, MD, BarberBarber Image Source: BarberBarberIRISH  barbering legend, Johnny ‘The BaBa’ Shanahan, is at the helm of  one of the  UK’s fastest growing new businesses, the men’s barbering chain BarberBarber.The retro stylings  of Johnny’s  salons, the  old-school men-only policy, the meticulously dapper dress codes of Johnny and his staff (known as ‘The Scoundrels’) have  attracted  â€˜queues around the block’ business for the  BarberBarber outlets in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and London.It’s a man’s world in BarberBarber, inspired by the barbershops that Johnny visited with his grandfather when he was a child. It’s also fun and imaginative. In Barber Barber, customers can enjoy the banter, as well as a fully-stocked bar, poker and cigars.Johnny’s priority is customer satisfaction. BarberBarber provides  close cuts and clean shaves for scoundrels and gentlemen alike. The  business has become renowned for its  impeccable service standards, industry-leading expertise in the craft of men’s haircutting and bespoke shaving, and its luxurious decor and customer conveniences.BarberBarber’s men-only policy has  attracted controversy too, but Johnny insists he is pro-men, not anti-women.  On the cusp of  opening a  fifth UK outlet in less than three years since he first transported his barbering vision from Ireland to set up in Manchester, Johnny’s policy seems to have served him well.The BaBa  recently took some time out from his work to  climb into the AGENT Startup Hotseat  and face some questions about his career to date. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 1. Very simply, what does your company do?We are a barbershop offering clean cuts and close shaves to the Scoundrels and Gentlemen of the UK. We currently have stores in London, Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds and our Birmingham store opens in the Bullring later this month.2. What was the ‘Eureka!’ moment?I always knew that men’s hair would be more than backstreet barbershops, an d after having the idea a couple of years ago, I needed the push from my business partner and team. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 3. What were you doing before starting?I owned a barbershop in my hometown of Limerick that I opened in 20034. How are you funded?My business partner and myself self-funded the business. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 5. What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs starting their own company?Work as  hard as you say you’re going to.6. What do you never leave the house without?Cigarettes and ambition.Image Source:  BarberBarber on YouTube