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From Being the Community, to Serving the Community
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Jimbob, 33, who always rocks his trusty hat, a well-groomed beard, and a contagious smile, was a member of the Marine Corps right after he graduated high school, and served for four years, traveling to many places such as Japan, Thailand and various stations around the U.S.
After his service, he decided to attend Michigan State University where he studied fisheries biology, and worked on his business “Jimbob’s Grizzly Beard Care,” which he developed the idea while serving in the Marines. JBGBC is a hand-made and hand-packaged business that started from a want for quality beard care.
In pursuing this passion, Jimbob developed a desire to know more about cosmetology, where he learned how to cut hair as well. After working as a barber at Campus Barbers for quite some time in downtown East Lansing. He decided he wanted to start his own barbershop with his own culture and environment.
In doing this, he had former military members and first responders in mind. Though not yet open to the public, Spartans Edge Barbershop, located in the Hannah Plaza, is set to have its grand opening in just a few weeks.
“Being a military member, or a first responder, is the greatest service you could make to a community,” Jimbob said.
Spartans Edge Barbershop gives a $5 discount to seniors and veterans, and a $7 discount to active military members and first responders.
“There are so many people who do so much for the community that people couldn’t even imagine, so it’s the least I could do to give back.”
Jimbob has done other things to support the community as well, like sponsoring a NASCAR driver with his JBGBC business. Spencer Boyd, a NASCAR Cup Series driver, was sponsored by JBGBC in 2019, and on the first day of the sponsorship, Boyd got his first cup series win.
Jimbob sponsored Boyd more than once, originally with just a sticker on his helmet, but as their relationship grew more and more, he was able to get a sticker on the race car and on his traveling truck, more than once.
Jimbob credits the support of his customers and the community who helped him achieve his goals to be able to sponsor a winning car.
A frequent customer of Jimbob’s, Jerud Payne, has been a customer for over three years now, since he came to Michigan State to study history.
“To be in the Marines and to be forced to get a haircut can be annoying sometimes. Jimbob has the only barbershop in this area that offers a military discount.”
He is grateful that Jimbob treats all of his customers as well as himself, no matter who they are, no matter what rank they are in the military, with the same respect, and gratitude as everyone else.
Jacob Smith, a senior at Michigan State, loves getting his haircut by Jimbob. He is another frequent customer. Smith, who gets his haircut around once a month, thinks that Jimbob is the most reliable barber in the East Lansing area.
“I think that Jimbob is one of the most selfless humans on this earth and he only means well. Every time I talk to him, we have a wonderful conversation, and he actually cares about his customers, he doesn’t just cut your hair and then make you pay and leave.”
Smith had more to say when asked about Jimbob’s demeanor towards his customers.
“When going to Jimbob to get your haircut, expect a full in-depth conversation that will have you walking out wanting to go right back in and talk for longer.”
Jimbob’s transformation from a dedicated U.S. Marine Corps corporal, to going back to where it all started in the heart of the State of Michigan at Spartans Edge Barbershop is inspiring to the power of community connection.
Jimbob has created more than just a barbershop, but a brand of his own and a brand that serves the East Lansing community.
“I want a barbershop full of veterans, however, I do know how difficult it is to find barbers in this area, and especially vets.”
As his grand opening day approaches within the next few weeks at 4790 S. Hagadorn Road, Suite 162 next to the GNC, Spartan’s Edge Barbershop isn’t trying to be another barbershop and business, but an inclusive and inspiring place for everyone.