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Barber Rich trims for charity
OSHKOSH - Barber Rich Mitchell moves swiftly as the clippers in his hand buzzes around his client's head on a Friday morning.
Soul music floats throughout the shop; the buzz continues as little snippets of Chris Lohry's hair fall to the floor and Barber Rich sings in a light, airy falsetto voice, "You are my shining star" along with The Manhattans.
With a pat of alcohol a little later, Lohry has transformed from a scruffy man into one who is clean-cut and fresh.
"Lookin' good, my man," Barber Rich says, holding a mirror and swiveling the chair about.
"Always do when I leave here!" Lohry replies as he admires his new look in the mirror.
Barber Rich has been called the "Comb-over King" for his speed in cutting a comb-over — his fastest is 3 minutes, 26 seconds. If his clients can find a better cut elsewhere, he tells them to take their business wherever that may be. But they continue to return and send their friends to him, too.
"You do good for people," Barber Rich said. "People do good for you."
He opened his shop at 1209 N. Main Street in September, motivated to go into business for himself to make a better life for his son, 5-month-old Baby Rich. Barber Rich's wife Heather Mitchell and Baby Rich can be found daily at the shop, where she takes care of all the behind-the-scenes business.
His son isn't the only person Barber Rich wants to make life better for. The 34-year-old will host his third charity event this year.
Veterans are invited to his shop on Sunday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for a free haircut. Meals will be served throughout the day as well.
On Dec. 18, Barber Rich will host A Barbershop Christmas and give a $5 discount to clients who bring a Christmas present for a children from infancy to 13 years old. The presents will be donated to families in need, who can sign up at the shop, and there will be breakfast and photos with Santa Claus.
Plans are in the beginning phases for a block party outside the barbershop, too. Barber Rich said he always sees children who live near the shop playing or biking around, so he wants to host a fun event for the whole neighborhood to get together.
He has hosted charity events at his previous employer, such as this summer to raise money to help pay the medical bills for a car crash victim who nearly lost his life and was in a coma. Barber Rich responds to Facebook pleas for help and asks how his shop can get involved. He also gives free haircuts at the back-to-school Party in the Park in Appleton.
There's no single cause he's partial towards helping. Anyone who needs help or support in anyway peaks his interest.
Barber Rich said he does these things because seeing smiles and building relationships with people feels better than his behavior of years ago.
The Riverside, California native served more than 12 years in prison for an armed robbery and was released in 2014. Since then, he's made it a priority to have a positive impact through the passion he found while imprisoned.
"I used to take so much from my community," Barber Rich said. "It feels amazing to give back."
Heather Mitchell said she's proud to see her husband's passion driving him to give back, and the happiness that shines from him through it. She recalled how hard it was when Barber Rich was first released and employers wouldn't give him a chance because of his record.
"It's been quite the journey," Heather Mitchell said, a sleepy Baby Rich's head resting on her shoulder.
Barber Rich said people are more capable than they think. With a little self-motivation and support, someone can change their own life and maybe even someone else's, too.
Life has been crazy, he said, but it is what you make it.
"I just love where I'm at today," he said.
Noell Dickmann: 920-426-6658 or firstname.lastname@example.org. Follow @ONW_Noell on Twitter.
Veterans Day Events Roundup:
» 8 a.m. Nov. 11 at Carl Traeger Elementary School gym, 3000 W. 20th Ave.
» 10 a.m. Nov. 11 at North High School gym, 1100 W. Smith Ave.
» 10:45 a.m. Nov. 11 at Winnebago County Courthouse, 415 Jackson St.
» 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 13 at Rich's Barbershop, 1209 N. Main St.
» 8:30 a.m. Nov. 11 at Clay Lamberton Elementary School gym, 259 E. Marquette St., Berlin.
» 10:40 a.m. Nov. 11 at Winneconne Middle School gym, 400 N. 9th Ave., Winneconne.
» 10:55 a.m. Nov. 11 at Murray Park Elementary schools' gym, 64 Sunset Ave.
» 11:11 a.m. Nov. 11 at the Ripon High School gym, 850 Tiger Dr.
» 2 p.m. Nov. 11 at Barlow Park Elementary School gym, 100 Ringstad Dr.