Appointment or Walk-In?

By: Gary R. Oman, CPA, PFS, MST

Every other week for over ten years I have had the first appointment in the morning at the barbershop. Prior to that I would typically rise very early on Saturday morning, usually by 5:30am or earlier so that I could be the first one in the chair when the doors opened around 7:30. Once in a while a customer from New Hampshire would already be in the parking lot when I arrived…I figured since he got up in the middle of the night to get to the barbershop in Bridgewater, he deserved to be first.

Back then, David would cut my hair. He was second generation, his father opened the shop in the 1920s. David’s son Jason started working at the shop in the early 2000s. I was initially hesitant to have this “kid” cut my hair; you know, he probably doesn’t know anything but the “new styles”, so I would wait my turn for David to cut my hair.

Unfortunately, David passed away in 2006 at age 73. I asked Jason if he had an 8am slot available on one of his two appointment days. My every other week appointment works out great. I don’t have to get up when it’s still dark out to ensure that I am the first one in the chair and it’s quiet enough that you can actually have a conversation while you’re sitting in the chair.

Other than the couple months after the Covid restrictions were put in place, I have been able to continue my routine of going to the barbershop every two weeks. Routines, I think, are good for the soul and I look forward to restoring more and more of them as Covid restrictions are eased and especially once an effective vaccine is available.

And, you know what, Jason does know how to cut hair after all and does as good a job as his father. David taught him well.

Until next time…

Gary

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