NL: You offer haircuts, hot towel shaves and beard trims, serving up hot and cold drinks, snacks, friendly conversation, fast wifi and comfy couches. What do you love most about your business?
TB: I have been associated with the guys I work with now for about seven years since barber school. They really have become like family to me. We bicker like family (usually about what we are going to order for lunch) but I think we all feel a real close bond. Same goes for our clients. We opened 5th Avenue Barber back in 2015 and most of the same guys come in every few weeks and its always good to see them and hear their stories. I hope everyone has been safe and stayed healthy.
NL: What makes Naples a special place to do business?
TB: I have lived in Naples and Bonita Springs for about 20 years and it really has become home. I am originally from New York - so quite a difference (especially when I first moved here). I have always been a beach guy so that, and the weather were big draws. Naples has experienced such explosive growth in that time. The city administrators have done a good job keeping out the urban sprawl and have kept it clean and beautiful with good roads. Finally, we have the greatest mix of clients from the very top of the business world, healthcare, city workers ...I can honestly say our barbers love our clients. I hope everyone has been safe and stayed healthy. I keep in touch with the Barbers and Esthetician, Kobie almost every day and they are all healthy," says Tony
NL: This is June and we're celebrating Father's Day. Tell us about your influences.
TB: Father's Day has always been a little sad for me since my dad died of cancer when I was 18. He definitely influenced me though. He was a trumpet player in the big band era and played with some of those big bands in New York. He also was a hairdresser and owned a beauty parlor (that's what they called them in those days). I followed in his footsteps. I was in a rock band in the 1960s called the TuneFul trolley and we were pretty good, with an album on Capitol Records. I never thought I wanted to do hair when I was young and now it is my love. It all really started when I received my first hot towel shave in Sicily when I was in my 50's ...that's another story!
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