Phil Horvath is Making Denver-Based Floyd’s 99 Barbershop A Nationally Recognized Brand
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ESTHER LEE LEACH
WRITTEN BY ANNIE BLOJ
I’m sure many of our Cherry Creek Fashion readers have been in or are current clients at their local Floyd’s location, as it’s a Denver institution. Founded here in 1999 by brothers Paul, Rob, and Bill O’Brien, it was founded on the principle that clients should not have to sacrifice quality for convenience. Floyd’s is now recognized as a leader in the salon and barber world, with a focus on accessibility matched with the highest quality experience, or as they call it- "the amplified experience". We were happy to sit down with the recently appointed President and COO Phil Horvath at the bustling downtown shop which was absolutely abuzz during our shoot.
Annie Bloj: Phil, you got your start in the business working in your family's salon in Denver. What about that experience stuck with you and made you decide to turn it into a career?
Phil Horvath: Working in the family business, I developed a deep love and respect for the passion and spirit of salon culture. I loved the community inside the shops and all the special moments we get to be a part of in both our client's and our team members’ lives. I was hooked from that point and knew I wanted to build my career in the beauty industry.
AB: You have had an illustrious career, spending 17 years at Ulta Beauty greatly expanding their presence (from 70 doors to over 900 doors), then onto Hair Cuttery, and now back to Denver at Floyd's. What opportunities do you see for the business and how do you see Floyd's growing?
PH: In this new position at Floyd’s, I’m focused on enhancing the culture, building operational excellence, and upgrading the company’s technology platform as it looks to grow through franchise expansion. I will also be putting a renewed emphasis on growing the Floyd's product brand through e-commerce and other direct-to-consumer strategies. Even after the trials and tribulations of 2020, Floyd’s saw a 20% new franchise shop growth in the past year, the highest to date, and multiple new development agreements with current franchise partners have already been signed this year. My goal is to continue this momentum and help cement the brand as best-in-class in the premium category in the male hair and grooming space while continuing to find ways to amplify the training, expertise, and vibe of our brand.
AB: The Floyd’s team recently launched the 3 in 1 Revive Hair and Body Wash which is a moisturizing shampoo, face, and body wash all in one product. How do you see the retail side of Floyd's products complimenting the services provided at your locations?
PH: The Floyd’s product line allows clients to take home a piece of the experience received in the shop. The exclusive formulas were developed and tested by our experienced stylists and barbers and are sold exclusively in Floyd’s 99 Barbershops and on Amazon. Our clients have been very receptive to our custom-crafted product line that was designed for their styles and needs. We have been so appreciative and humbled by their loyalty to our brand.
AB: I have to imagine that Floyd’s stylists had to “fix” a lot of “DIY” haircuts this year. What did 2020 teach everyone at Floyd's- what are you holding on to and leaving behind?
PH: Like so many in the service industry, we too had many ups and downs throughout the pandemic. We take with us for the future an even stronger passion and resolve to provide our clients an expert cut in a clean and safe environment and we will continue to work hard to do this in the easiest, most convenient way for our clients. We remain so grateful for the loyalty and support of our clients. In addition, we take a deeper appreciation of our amazing stylists and barbers who have been through so much change and uncertainty and admire their resolve and endless hard work to keep our clients looking their best. Floyd’s would not exist without the efforts of our stylists and barbers, and we remain dedicated to providing them a career where they can live their best life and feel supported and safe to demonstrate their creativity and do their best work.
AB: Floyd’s is well known for its philanthropic efforts, particularly its annual partnership with JDRF, the leading global organization funding Type 1 Diabetes research. Can you share how that got started and what other initiatives Floyds is behind?
PH: Our partnership with JDRF began after co-founder Paul O’Brien’s daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2012. Since then, Floyd’s has been dedicated to leading the charge to help JDRF with their necessary fundraising initiatives in search of cures. Since we started this initiative, Floyd’s and its customers have together raised close to $2 million for this important organization and all the great work they do to help those impacted by this disease. In addition to our work with JDRF, we do specials throughout the year in an effort to show appreciation to those who have truly made a difference. A few examples include teacher, veteran, and first responder appreciation by offering half-off cuts to those in the respective fields during certain times throughout the year.
AB: Phil, thank you for sharing your vision for Floyd’s with us! We are so excited that this Denver-based brand is growing throughout the country and providing everyone with such great style and service.