Floyd’s 99 Barbershop has a longstanding tradition of giving back. The hair salon founded by Colorado brothers Paul, Rob and Bill O’Brien in 1999 built the barbershop and salon franchise with the idea of filling the gap between high-end salons and bargain-priced chains.
Born in a Denver metro neighborhood, Floyd's extends its connection to the community beyond the walls of its shops. Floyd’s giving-back programs are wide-ranging but one beloved cause is special to Paul O’Brien and his wife, Karen, who are Highlands Ranch residents. It stems from a life-changing Type 1 diagnosis of their daughter, Sarah, in 2012 at age 12.
"The diagnosis was life-changing and came on suddenly, which was quite a shock," Karen says, "Back in 2012, people diagnosed with diabetes didn’t have access to the tools and resources that are available today, which is why the advancements in technology are so exciting,”
For the past 12 years, Floyd's has been committed to raising funds for Breakthrough T1D, formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Every August, Floyd's offers a coupon book with discounts on their services, and the $5 cost goes directly to T1D Breakthrough. Additionally, Floyd's sponsors the T1D Breakthrough Walk Colorado. Floyds’ Barber Bus is there — they hand out swag, accept donations, and walk as a team. Floyd's also sponsors T1D Walks in Los Angeles, Dallas, Orlando, Chicago, and Maryland.
Rachael Jacques, director of corporate partnership for Breakthrough T1D National, says Floyd's giving campaigns has made a real impact in the fight against the disease.
“The money Floyd’s raises directly funds research – to improve lives now while driving toward a cure for T1D – in addition to public education and community support programs. This funding directly improves the health outcomes of the 1 in 30 American families impacted by T1D.”
Some of that support goes to the Barbara Davis Center in Aurora.
“When Sarah was first diagnosed, it felt overwhelming to navigate this new world of diabetes. While challenges remain, the progress made—thanks to organizations like Breakthrough T1D—has been remarkable,” Karen says. “Our partnership with them has played a role in driving these advancements, and we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the support of our employees. It’s brought a sense of peace and control to what can often feel like a helpless situation.”
In addition to their support of Breakthrough T1D, Floyds offers discounted haircuts to those who serve in the military. In honor of Veterans Day, Floyd's offers half-off haircuts to members of the military in November. In July, Floyd's recognizes first responders for their commitment to safety in our neighborhoods, and in September, educators are celebrated in recognition of their dedication to the future.
Community involvement doesn’t stop there. Floyd's supports the next generation in the barbering and hairstyling industry. They partner with local schools like Emily Griffith Technical College and Paul Mitchell Schools, offering scholarships and programs. The Jump Start provides hands-on training and mentorship to turn classroom lessons into real-world expertise.
The O’Brien’s built their business on the belief that a barbershop is more than just a place to get a haircut—it's a place where everyone is welcomed, valued, and connected. They feel privileged to share that every day in Highlands Ranch and beyond.
So, the next time you sit in the chair, know you are contributing to shaping the community, one connection at a time.
A place where everyone is welcomed, valued, and connected.