Snapshot 04/04 Leo Rivera, 33, founder of Bishops Barbershop in Portland, Oregon
By Sara Wilson
Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
Description:Rock 'n' roll-themed barbershops
Startup:$40,000 in 2001
2004 projectedsales: $1.6 million in combined sales for the four Portlandlocations
A stylingbusiness: This former nightclub/restaurant marketingdirector struck a positive vibe among Gen Xers when he opened anold-school barbershop with a modern twist. Welcome to Bishops Barbershop,where a live DJ plays a mix of alternative and rock music, thestylists sport tattoos and work out of toolboxes, and concertposters cover the walls.
Marketing thatrocks: Once applied to nightclubs and raves, Rivera'smarketing tactics have made his barbershop a success. He offersfree haircuts to public figures ranging from cocktail waitresses tolocal newscasters, letting them strut their stuff while promotingBishops. His shop rocks with record releases and CD-listeningparties. And he even turns waiting into a good time with free cansof beer.
Jammingresults: Each store attracts an average of 90 to 130customers per day, but hair isn't the only thing to go.Polishing off 190 cases per month, Bishops has become the biggestbuyer of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer in Oregon. As the business expands,residents of Las Vegas; San Francisco; Seattle; Vancouver, BritishColumbia; and possibly even Tokyo will rock out at a local BishopsBarbershop within the year.
