18 years ago, I began to develop the idea of a shop that could offer only the best part—the wash and scalp massage at the end—of the hair-cutting experience. However, my interest quickly faded when I discovered that in order to offer that specific service in 2006, the state of Oregon required a degree in cosmetology. There wasn’t any separation between the technical skill of cutting hair and the simplicity of washing a head of hair when it came to health department regulations and licensing. The business model was quickly lost, as it was not in my hopes and dreams to become a hairdresser.

The real story is in the "why"

As a hardworking dad, I raced home from my daytime job to change clothes and head off to training as a community volunteer firefighter. When I burst through the front door, my son, only three at the time, rushed to give me hugs, super excited. Instead of taking the time to love on him or share in the excitement of seeing his blue eyes, I patted him and pushed by to don my uniform and run out for training. I had broken his heart. I knew it because I saw the sadness on his chubby little face when I came back down to leave. It felt ugly.

It stuck with me for a few days. I made a change in my behavior but began to wonder how many times that happens in families at 5:00, 5:30, or 6:00 when daddy comes home.

That’s the "why." That’s when I began to research a pitstop for men to take 15 to 20 minutes on their way home:

• Shuck off the stress from work
• Sit for a quick wash / dry & fresh butter
• Clean up for their family and get out looking, feeling, and being their best

FFWD to the winter of 2023

My current haircutter and I were discussing the finer points of her industry when I remarked that years ago, I had wanted to open a dry bar for men and simply wash hair. However, in my opinion, the Oregon requirements were unreasonable. She quickly recalled in her continuing education that Oregon had changed those requirements in recent years.

When I reached home that day, I began to research. Sure enough, to offer simply the service of a beard wash or head wash, you no longer need a two-year degree but instead a one-day class on “do nots.”

I began looking for a building and designing the brand. Now, with a robustly proud beard, our offering will be beard washing, oil and butter styling for the local beardsman. If your beard is currently hidden by your face, we can offer you a clean head of hair washed and dried on the way home so you can love on your family for the best half of your day.

Together, I hope to inspire other men in our communities to make the most of themselves and bring their best home to the front door after a washout of the world at the new Butter Shop.