Gents,

On November 1, 2013 I met a gentleman at a Movember event in Visalia, CA that would spark a friendship that continues to this day. We hit it off so well the next day we traveled about 45 minutes east to visit his barber shop. The drive through Central California was enjoyable as we passed many farms that were a stark contrast to Southern California’s metropolis. It was a serene and tranquil drive with no traffic jams or crazy commuters. Farm land and groves dotted the landscape that extended to the horizon.

We traveled down a two lane highway on our way to Wild Bill’s Barber Shop &Shave Parlor in Lindsay, CA to meet owner Rick Loftin. The night before he told me about the towns economy and that he could not charge $20 for a haircut because many of the people either work on the farms or youngsters parents work in the fields. As we approached the community I pondered the packing houses that lined the street, a reminder of a time when agriculture ruled California’s economy.

After passing the packing houses we came to Honolulu street and the center of town. A community car show and BBQ was happening and my heart skipped a beat! The barber shop was packed with young and old alike. Rick greeted us with a huge smile and brotherly hug and quickly told us about his beloved shop. Everywhere we looked a story was quickly followed with, “that was my father’s…” “that came from my grandmas…” or my favorite, “we found that in a dumpster/barn”. The shop is named after Rick’s father who passed in 2006, who was known as Wild Bill.

One feature that really caught my attention was a wooden bar that  measured about 12 feet in length. Rick explained that it was originally in the local watering hole and dated from the early 1900’s but was thrown away in a dumpster. Rick decided to rescue the historical gem, dug it out and cleaned it up. There were several school age boys sitting at the bar doing what appeared to be homework. The bar serves a dual purpose because the local kids hangout and use the shops Wifi as long as they are doing their homework!

Rick’s journey into barbering came to fruition by life’s circumstances steering him into his passion. According to Rick, “I started barbering in the late 1980’s in high school which were ‘back yard boogies.’  Football buddies and the homies would swing by for trims. I was not a licensed barber but that’s when I knew it was what I wanted to  do.” Although Rick would eventually land a job with the city and started a family but it wasn’t until he was laid off that he was able to realize his dream of attending barber college.

The shop is a representation of everything that is important to Rick; family, vintage cars, community, history and a vintage lifestyle. Rick also owns a few sweet classic cars and a proud member of the Viejitos Car Club. Not only does he posses a pleasant demeanor but also an amazing shop in an unlikely place. Small farm towns are pillars of our society because they produce much of our food. In these communities people work the land with the anticipation of having enough water to produce bountiful crops. It is this community that Rick cherishes and is proud to call home.

While some people may find paradise in a tropical environment there is a small farm town known as Lindsay, CA with a population of only 11,768 that contains a barbers paradise that is impacting the community and young men one haircut and shave at a time.

Wild Bill’s Barber Shop & Shave Parlor

Mr. M
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