V’s Barbershop: It’s a Guy Thing

V's Barbershop
Co-owner Chad Renbarger sits outside his 116th and Olio Road location in Fishers.

Sorry gals… the business cards and promotional materials say it all. They read, “V’s Barbershop – It’s a Guy Thing.”

And now Fishers – specifically, 11687 Olio Road at Geist Landing – is the site of Indiana’s first V’s Barbershop, a place where guys can get shampoos, haircuts, old-fashioned hot lather straight-razor shaves, shoe shines and more. There’s no girlie salon or spa feel here. Just an hour, at least, of services geared solely for “successful men who value appearance and take pride in their grooming habits,” according to the website.

Co-owners Chad Renbarger and Bryan Wade, who are friends and Fishers neighbors, opened V’s Barbershop in July, with a grand opening on August 5. And it’s been a packed house ever since.

“When Bryan and I went into this business, we knew there was some risk, given the state of the economy and all,” said Renberger. “But we quickly found out that people will pay for high quality services and the overall experience, which includes about 34 individual steps.”

V's Barbershop The first V’s Barbershop opened in 1999 in Phoenix, Arizona. It was the brainchild of Jim Valenzuela (hence the “V”). His goal was to create a great old-time barbershop for himself and his son that would help him create memories for the two of them. His mantra was simple – make sure the visit to the barber was a relaxing pleasure and not a chore. What he has created today is the nostalgia of yesteryear with a modern twist. So far, there are shops in Arizona, California, Texas, New Jersey, Mississippi, Washington and now one in Indiana.

“Today is my first time coming to V’s Barbershop,” said Justin Chesnut. “And I am definitely coming back. It’s close to my home, it’s tailored for men, there are things for the kids to do while their dads are in the chair and an owner is on site all the time. I like that.”

Renbarger says he grew up going with his dad to the barbershop and has fond memories of those experiences. While not a barber himself, Renbarger understands the importance of hiring only the best and appreciates the diversity necessary so that all barbers know how to work with all types of hair and hairstyles. He says the key to a wonderful experience lies with the person providing your services.

The inside of V’s Barbershop is truly a step back in time, with its black and white checkered floors, solid wood cabinetry and collection of classic sports photos and memorabilia on the walls. The barbers all wear smocks and the wonderful scents of high-end men’s products fill the air.

But just to be fair, V’s Barbershop attracts women, too. First, gift cards from V’s for men’s services are a fantastic idea for the guy who has everything. And second, women are now dropping off their shoes and boots for old-fashioned hand shoeshines.

Besides creating a fantastic environment, Renbarger and Wade are determined to give back to the community and are doing so. They have already given contributions and proceeds from some events to various Hamilton Southeastern and Fishers High School sporting teams and events.

“The bottom line is that I love raising my family in Hamilton County and we love the family-oriented feel,” said Renbarger. “It just seems fitting for Bryan and me to operate a business here, create memories for dads and their sons and give back to the community. We’re off to a really great start!”

V’s Barbershop is open seven days a week. Appointments are needed Monday through Friday, with walk-ins welcome on the weekends. For more information or to make an appointment, call 317-845-8122, or view a complete list of services at www.vbarbershop.com. You can also “like” them on Facebook by searching V’s Barbershop-Fishers.

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