Todd’s Barber Shop

It’s 30 minutes before Todd opens on an unremarkable Thursday in mid-​April. I am joined by 4 other cars, each with guys who probably don’t really need haircuts, but are eager to be in the presence of Hilliard Ohio’s preeminent barber /​storyteller. More cars arrive 5 minutes before showtime — and eyes nervously dart from left to right trying to keep a mental note on their relative position in the queue once Todd is ready to receive us — which, on this day, hasn’t yet materialized as of 8:55am — a full 25 minutes past the 8:30am start time. Unfortunately, I had to leave before the doors opened on this day. And strangely enough, I didn’t leave angry… just a bit saddened that I wasn’t going to get to enjoy the colorful banter between Todd and his loyal flock.
Todd holds the high-​ground on barbering in northwest Columbus. And this guy has some serious barbering skills. I’ve witnessed his magic giving flattops to cops, fireman, career military and willing 8^th graders. He’s also equally as proficient thatching the brush on what appeared to be 75 year old hermit — but was actually a scientist. Or, in my case, spending 30 minutes on a 50 year old head of hair that is equivalent to that of a newborn and would have taken most hair-​cutters 4 minutes with a 2 minute coffee break in between.
On average, he has a 3 to 1 «clip to quip» ratio — which often gives customers a life lesson as well as a darn good haircut. His magnetic personality and engaging style makes first time customers «forever customers.» Go check out his perfect marks on Google reviews. He seems to love his work — and his customers do too.