SBDC @ University of New Mexico – West
Old School New Styles barbershop, located in Rio Rancho, was founded in 2014 by Manuel Rascon and Irene Leaton and it has rapidly become popular due to the quality and wide-variety of haircuts that are provided in this modern, clean shop. The hard work and dedication of Manuel and Irene is evident when you walk in and are greeted with a smile and feel the welcoming atmosphere of the shop.
Manuel had worked at several local barbershops in the Rio Rancho community for several years and decided that he could add his own flair and ideas to creating a modern shop while maintaining a lot of the old-fashioned barbershop experience. Manuel and Irene needed assistance in getting started with their dream and they contacted Bryan Farmer, Certified Business Advisor of the UNM West-Sandoval County SBDC. Bryan assisted them with writing a business plan and constructing projected financials in order to see if their dream was economically feasible. With a lot of homework and research, Manuel and Irene found a great location within their budget and easily surpassed their estimates for revenue projections.
A client of theirs recently posted the following: “This place is amazing, it’s always a great experience! The people there are nice and are really good at what they do because they do it with their heart. They are also very good with kids and my son and I like getting our hair cut there. It’s the only place we go to. I highly recommend going to Old School New Style barbershop. Ask for Eric or Karrie Ann.”
Manuel and Irene are good community citizens as well. They are active in the Caring Through Clothing Drive, which provides clothing to needy school children.