Welcome to the very first episode of CHINGON SA - a bold, unapologetic podcast spotlighting the stories of San Antonio's hardest-working business owners and entrepreneurs. Rooted in culture and community, we share real conversations of Grit, Growth, and Legacy.
In this podcast episode of Chingon SA, Tommy Gonzalez shares his unique journey from working in the music and television industries to becoming a barber shop owner in downtown San Antonio. After a pivotal moment in Berlin where he realized he was unhappy with his current career, Tommy decided to pursue barbering, attending school in Washington state and eventually returning to San Antonio to open Poodle Handsome Barber Shop. He strategically opened his business next to the Majestic Theater, navigating the challenging landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, which ultimately allowed him to connect with a new community of downtown residents and adapt his business model. Tommy emphasizes that his business is about creating an experience, not just providing haircuts, and he focuses on cultivating a small, controlled environment with an emphasis on customer satisfaction and personal connection. His commitment to community involvement is evident through partnerships with local organizations and participation in community events. Looking forward, Tommy's goal is to leave a lasting legacy by improving the barbering industry, potentially through a future barber school that teaches not just technical skills, but the importance of customer care and community engagement. The conversation highlights Tommy's entrepreneurial spirit, adaptability, and dedication to providing a meaningful service in San Antonio.
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