Rick Carroll, owner and sole proprietor of the Cave Spring Barber Shop is answering the questions for today’s Small Business Snapshot.

What is the primary purpose of your business? Men’s haircutting and styling. I haven’t gotten into any retail of supplies because I don’t want to have to deal with sales tax. Here in Cave Spring I don’t think there’s a big market for selling supplies. I do have enough space and am considering shampoo cuts and blow-drying for ladies, also.

What is the business background of the owners? I have more than 40 years experience in cutting and styling men’s hair. I went to barber school in Peoria, Ill., during the mid-’60s. After only three months in school, I was asked to become a floor instructor with new students. My last barbershop was located in Bremen a number of years ago.

Why did you start this particular business? It was an effort to continue my trade. I got back behind this chair in September because I turned 65 that month and Social Security just doesn’t get it. When they told me how much money I was going to be drawing I laughed and told the lady I used to waste that much money on the way home from work!

What makes your business unique? There are no other master barbers in this area. There is one beauty shop in Cave Spring cuts men’s hair. Quite honestly, I’m good. I care about what I do and I like to turn somebody loose and be able to say, “Wow I did that!” I don’t just whack the hair off.

What do you enjoy most about your chosen profession? The opportunity to meet people. It is true that people tend to open up to their barber and bartenders. You hear an awful lot here in the barber shop and you’ve got to know when to keep your mouth shut. People like to talk to their barbers when there is nobody else in the shop and they should realize that what they tell me, this is where it stays.

What has been the biggest or most interesting challenge to overcome as a small business owner? Being the only master barber in the area. I find it difficult to understand why people will drive more than 20 miles for a haircut when they can get a real barber taper cut here in their hometown.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? Over the years I have won many state competitions in men’s cutting and hairstyling.

The Cave Spring Barber Shop is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., serving walk-ins only. Carroll can be contacted at 404-558-3592.

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THE FACTS

Business Age:

2 months

Owner: Rick Carroll

Location: 3A Rome Road, Cave Spring

Telephone:

404-558-3592

Employees: 1

Hours: Hours: Wednesday through Friday,

8 a.m to 4 p.m.,

Other: Walk-ins only.